Freight News, IT, Logistics, Road

Spain’s e-CMR law is sign of things to come, says TransFollow

[ April 14, 2026   //   Chris Lewis ]

Spain’s introduction of mandatory digital freight documentation is highlighting a broader shift across Europe towards electronic consignment notes (eCMR), according to TransFollow.

The electronic document specialist says that the ability to exchange freight documentation digitally is becoming increasingly important for international operators to maintain compliance and ensure smooth international transport flows.

TransFolllow chief operating officer Hans Lip said: “CMR has now supported international road freight for 75 years, and regulation making eCMR mandatory is necessary to ensure the digitalisation of transport documentation is implemented accurately and effectively across the sector.

“Spain’s introduction of mandatory digital documentation demonstrates how regulatory developments can accelerate adoption across international supply chains, particularly for operators moving goods across multiple European markets.”

Whilst 38 countries have ratified the eCMR Protocol, implementation and operational adoption remain uneven across Europe.

The EU’s Electronic Freight Transport Information Regulation (eFTI) is expected to further accelerate digitalisation; by mid-2026, EU Member States are expected to have national systems capable of connecting to the European digital logistics environment, and from July 2027 authorities will be required to accept electronic freight transport information.