What is a CMR consignment note and how do you use it?

A CMR consignment note is an international transport document used to transport goods across borders. It confirms the agreement between the sender, carrier and recipient, and contains important information about the goods and delivery instructions. In this article, we’ll tell you more about using a CMR consignment note.

What is a CMR consignment note?

The purpose of the CMR consignment note is to provide clear and valid proof of the transport agreement between the consignor, carrier and consignee. It provides clarity and outlines liability during transport and customs formalities. It is also the key document for submitting any claims for damages.

Meaning of the abbreviation CMR

CMR (goods transport convention) stands for Convention Relative au Contrat de Transport International de Marchandises par Route. This refers to the international agreement governing cross-border road transport.

The convention was signed in Geneva in 1956 and is in force in all European countries, as well as a number of West Asian and North African countries. These countries apply the CMR as mandatory law. This means that the parties involved may not deviate from it.

CMR consignment note as part of a CMR shipment

A CMR consignment note is an essential part of a CMR shipment. It serves as proof of the transport agreement. It is a document accompanying the goods and contains all the important information about the consignor, carrier, consignee and cargo.

A CMR consignment note is only required for international transport. For domestic transport, the AVC consignment note is often used. Both documents provide administrative clarity and help prevent any disputes later on.

There are also some exceptions where a CMR consignment note is not required, such as shipments subject to other specific (legal) European transport regulations, or non-commercial shipments, such as removals and other personal belongings.

How does a CMR shipment work?

First, let's explain how a CMR shipment works. Then we'll tell you how a CMR consignment note can be prepared.

1. Preparing the CMR consignment note: This is done by the sender.
2. Loading is picked up: This is done by the carrier.
3. Inspection and signature: The consignor and carrier sign the consignment note.
4. Transport of the goods: To the destination country.
5. Delivery to the recipient: The recipient signs the CMR consignment note to confirm receipt.
6. Document retention: All parties involved keep it for their records.

What information is included in a CMR consignment note?

The CMR consignment note is the first part of the CMR shipping process. This note must contain certain information:

• Name and address of the sender, carrier and recipient.
• Place and date of receipt (at departure) and delivery (upon arrival).
• Description of the goods: quantities, weight and packaging.
• Transport costs
• Special instructions, such as customs formalities.
• Other important remarks, such as damage and special circumstances.
• Signature of the sender and carrier.

CMR consignment note example: There are many CMR templates available online. There are also automated solutions for filling in and printing CMR consignment notes as PDFs. Often, three original (official) copies are issued: one for the sender, one for the carrier and one for the recipient. Sometimes an e-CMR (digital consignment note) is also possible, provided you choose a recognised e-CMR provider. A list of these can be found at NIWO.

How long should you keep a CMR consignment note?

The CMR Convention states that you can submit a claim using the CMR consignment note for up to 1 year after delivery (or the date on which delivery should have taken place). An exception applies in cases of gross negligence or wilful misconduct by the carrier, in which case you can claim for up to 3 years.

However, tax legislation requires records (this applies to everything) to be kept for longer, usually 7 years. So keep the CMR consignment note for at least as long as required by law.

Submitting a claim using a CMR consignment note

The CMR consignment note is therefore an essential document that comes in handy if one of the parties fails to meet its obligations. Has the goods been damaged, or has something else gone wrong? In that case, you should file a claim with the carrier responsible for the transport (for example, in the event of damage or loss). Here's how to file a claim:

1. Establish any damage or loss incurred during delivery or en route.
2. Report the damage to the carrier, preferably with photos or other evidence.
3. Check the CMR consignment note for signatures and any remarks.
4. File the claim officially with the carrier within 1 year (3 years in cases of gross negligence).
5. Add supporting documents, such as the CMR consignment note, invoices and a damage report.

The carrier in question will often try to resolve the issue properly. Sometimes the carrier can recover the costs from their insurer. If the dispute becomes a legal matter, the outcome will depend, among other things, on the evidence presented. The carrier is generally liable unless they can prove that the damage was beyond their control.

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