What is a CMR document?
A CMR (International Consignment Note) is a transport document used in the shipment of goods to identify and register the cargo and to determine who is responsible for its transport. It also plays an important role in informing customs authorities about the movement of goods and facilitates customs clearance. The consignment note is used not only in road transport but also in rail, sea, and air transport.
In international road transport, it is known as the CMR document (from Convention relative au contrat de transport international de marchandises par route). The abbreviation refers to the 1956 CMR Convention, which currently applies in 35 countries. Although the term “CMR” technically refers to the convention itself, it is often (though incorrectly) used to refer to the consignment note itself.
According to the CMR Convention, the same consignment note can also be used for domestic transport.
What does a consignment note contain?
It includes information about:
The CMR is commonly used in cross-border logistics and is typically printed in three languages. Both international and domestic consignment notes consist of three parts:
Who issues the consignment note?
The consignment note is usually issued by the sender, who must ensure that it contains all required details. However, it can also be issued by the carrier or even the recipient. Article 7 of the CMR Convention states that the sender is responsible for the accuracy of the information provided.
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