Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IMLThe open source approach becomes the de facto standard: The eCMR is the digital version of the CMR consignment note, a standardized transport document used in international cross-border road freight transport. It replaces the paper-based document that has been in use since 1956 and enables transport orders to be processed entirely digitally. And all this as an open source implementation for easy interoperability across the industry and industry-wide acceptance.
Transforming Logistics with eCMR
Digitize transport documentation
Every transport through Germany and Europe causes administrative work that involves numerous manually performed tasks. The consignment note for international road freight transport (CMR) was introduced in 1956 and has been paper-based ever since, with the CMR member states precisely defining what information the consignment note must contain. This ensures that transports can run smoothly even beyond national borders. The CMR specifies, among other things, the goods being transported, who is sending them, who is carrying out the transport, and who is ultimately receiving them – transmission errors and a multitude of different formats included. With this in mind, researchers at Fraunhofer IML have developed a service for generating, storing, and sharing digital consignment notes in a human- and machine-readable format as part of the “Silicon Economy” development project.
With the development of the digital consignment note (eCMR) for international road freight transport, researchers have laid the foundation for a new de facto standard in cross-border freight transport. The authenticity and integrity of transport information are guaranteed by a digital signature, a version history that includes all changes, and the storage of the hash value in a blockchain. During implementation, a lot of attention is being paid to using existing standards. For example, the UN/CEFACT data standard, the CMR template from the IRU (International Road Transport Union), and the ECDSA signature procedure are being used. The eCMR is being further developed for industrial implementation in the corresponding working group of the Open Logistics Foundation.
Benefits of the paperless eCMR
Electronic transport documents offer a great opportunity to automate and link previously manual processes and activities.
- Create and exchange transport documents completely digitally and without media discontinuity
- Reduce manual rework and avoid errors
- Handle international shipments in a legally compliant, transparent, and secure manner
- Integrate the solution into existing systems and thus automate processes
- Promote and further develop an open, interoperable standard together with other players
- Save paper / reduce your carbon footprint
Why open source makes sense for eCMR
The open source approach offers the opportunity to establish an essential standard for digital consignment notes. In theory, there does not need to be a single solution for digital consignment notes, however, all solutions must be compatible with each other. Since this solution for eCMR is being developed and published as open source, it can be used by companies throughout the supply chain. This approach eliminates the necessity for substantial investments in developing suitable interfaces. In this context, standardization and digitalization are mutually dependent. Individual and isolated digital solutions demand considerable effort to achieve compatibility, especially in the logistics sector.
Whether for collaborative development or individual use, open-source software provides numerous advantages in this regard:
Interoperability:
Uniform interfaces and data models enable seamless integration into the existing IT systems of all participants.
Transparency:
Open source code creates trust and traceability in terms of function, security, and further development.
Collaboration:
Companies, associations, and research institutions develop a practical standard together rather than in isolation.
Cost reduction:
No license costs, reusability of components, and lower integration costs.
Innovation driver:
Open further development by the community and new functionalities based on real requirements from logistics.
Independence:
Avoidance of lock-in effects by proprietary providers – full control over your own processes and data.
FAQ about open source eCMR
eCMR & Spain (DCA) – What German Companies Need to Know Now
With the introduction of the DCA (Documento de Control Administrativo), Spain is setting a new standard for digital transport documents. Starting October 5, 2026, a digital control document will be mandatory for transport operations—with direct implications for companies in Germany.
Why does the DCA affect companies in Germany?
Even though the regulation is being implemented nationally in Spain, it affects numerous companies along international supply chains.
In particular, the following are affected:
• German freight forwarders that transport goods to Spain
• Industrial and commercial companies that supply goods to Spain
• Logistics service providers that organize shipments involving Spain
• Companies with international supply chains that include Spain
As soon as a shipment is made to, from, or within Spain, the requirements of the DCA must be taken into account.
What specific changes does the DCA bring?
The DCA requires that transport documents:
• be available in digital form
• be accessible during transport
• be directly accessible to regulatory authorities
This makes it clear:
Paper-based processes—such as the traditional CMR consignment note—are reaching their limits.
What role does the eCMR play in this?
The eCMR provides a direct solution to these requirements and can serve as the basis for implementation.
• Digital creation and management of transport documents
• Real-time access for drivers, freight forwarders, and authorities
• Integration into existing systems such as TMS or ERP
• Standardized and structured data
The eCMR enables companies in Germany to handle their shipments to Spain digitally, efficiently, and in compliance with regulations.
Why the DCA Sets a Precedent for All of Europe
The introduction of the DCA in Spain is not an isolated case, but part of a broader trend:
• Increasing digitization of regulatory requirements
• Focus on end-to-end digital processes
• Growing importance of standardized data formats
At the EU level, initiatives such as eFTI are also driving this trend forward.
For companies in Germany, this means:
The transition to digital freight documents is not just an option, but is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for international transport.
What German companies should do now
• Identify shipments involving Spain
• Review DCA requirements early on
• Evaluate digital solutions such as the eCMR
• Prepare IT systems (TMS, ERP) for integration
• Involve partners and customers in the transition
The transition to digital freight documents is not just an option, but is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for international transport.
Is the open source eCMR legally valid?
Yes, the eCMR complies with the requirements of the CMR Convention and its additional protocols. It is legally valid in many European countries and meets international standards for digital consignment notes.
How does the eCMR differ from traditional paper consignment notes?
The eCMR replaces the physical document with a digital solution. This speeds up processing, reduces sources of error, and simplifies administrative work.
What technical requirements are necessary?
Digital freight documents can be utilized through web-based platforms or seamlessly integrated into existing transport management systems.
What are the advantages of a continuous digital process?
Digital processes streamline operations by eliminating manual steps, minimizing errors, and ensuring faster processing along with improved traceability.
How secure are digital processes and data?
Digital solutions utilize encrypted data transfers to ensure secure data exchange, backed by user access rights for enhanced protection.
Why is the de facto standardization of eCMR data important?
A standardized eCMR data format guarantees interoperable communication across systems and consistent data processing.
What does open source mean for eCMR?
Open source means that the eCMR is freely available and customizable. Companies can use the code, expand it, and integrate it into their existing systems without paying license fees.
Which systems are compatible with eCMR?
The eCMR can be connected to transport management systems (TMS), ERP software, fleet management tools, and customs systems via standardized APIs and EDI interfaces.
What advantages does the digital version offer compared to paper consignment notes?
- Faster processing without manual errors
- Better traceability through real-time documentation
- Reduced administrative costs and lower paper consumption
- Greater transparency through secure, digital storage
How can my company implement eCMR?
Companies can directly download the open-source eCMR and integrate it into their existing systems. Should any adjustments be required, the IT department or an external provider can customize the software accordingly.
Where can I download the open source eCMR?
The open source eCMR is available via the Open Logistics Foundation platform, where it can be downloaded along with technical documentation.
Conclusion
The DCA in Spain clearly illustrates the direction in which logistics is heading: away from paper and toward digital transport documents that are available at any time.
Companies in Germany that adopt solutions such as the eCMR early on not only ensure compliance but also gain efficiency advantages in international supply chains.