The CMR document has been in use for over 50 years. The first CMR text is believed to have been prepared in Geneva in 1956. But what is a CMR document? What is the purpose of this document, and who uses it?
The CMR Document: Definition and Purpose
A CMR document is a standard contract that declares and validates the carriage of goods by road from a country that’s a party to the CMR convention to another country. For this document to be applicable, at least one country should have ratified the CMR (Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road). At least one of the countries should be a party to this convention. Most countries in Europe are parties to the CMR convention, together with some outside Europe.
The CMR document identifies the goods in transit and the parties involved. It also defines the roles and responsibilities of the carrier. This document serves three purposes:
- To inform about the nature and quantity of goods in transit and the parties involved.
- To act as legal proof that the quantity of goods is correct and that the goods are in good condition.
- To act as a receipt for the transit process.
The CMR document holds the carrier responsible for any loss or damage of goods while in transit. This document does not, however, declare ownership of the goods.
Who Issues the CMR Document?
The CMR document should, ideally, be issued by the carrier. The carrier is a company or person mandated to transport the goods. The exporter then completes the document by filling in all the details required to formalize freight collection. The exporter can, however, request the carrier to fill in the CMR document. Although, the exporter shall remain responsible for the accuracy of the data. The importer also confirms and signs the CMR document on receiving the goods.
How Many Copies of the CMR Document are Issued?
The CMR document is issued in four originals. One original goes to the consignor, the sender or exporter of the good. The second original remains with the carrier, while the third goes to the consignee, the receiver, or the importer. The fourth one goes to an administrator.
The carrier or driver of the freight should have a copy of the CMR document during transit. The consignor has the right to request delivery to a different consignee or change the delivery location while the goods are still in transit. Although, this right becomes void once the goods are delivered to the consignee, whose name is on the CMR document.
Which Information is in a CMR Document?
A CMR document includes the following information:
- The location and date of the issue
- The names and addresses of the consignor, carrier, and consignee
- The place of loading
- The date and location of unloading
- It contains a description of the nature and weight of goods and the type of packaging. For security purposes, the description should be what’s acceptable by the consignor and consignee.
- It contains any charges or costs related to the goods, for example, transport costs and customs duties.
- Any instructions for customs, for example, informing them about dangerous goods.
The Bottom Line
A CMR document is a contract that validates the movement of goods from a country that’s a contracting party to another country. This document is only applicable if one of the countries is a party to the CMR convention. The carrier of the goods is the one to issue this document. The CMR document should be signed by the carrier, consignor, and consignee. This document acts as evidence of the nature of goods in transit. It is also proof that the goods are in good condition and have been delivered to the consignee.