CMR Documentation – Purpose and Legal Characteristics

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The 1956 CMR convention governs international cargo transport across European borders with specific characteristics and purposes. Since then, a digital eCMR that follows the same fundamental principles as a standard paper-based CMR document has been gaining popularity.

If you play a role in the shipping industry, you need to understand the legal nuances and functional aspects of CMR documentation.

Purpose of CMR Documentation

A CMR document’s objective is to work as a contract between the consignor, consignee, and the carrier that declares and validates the carriage of goods by road across international borders. This document will be applicable if at least one country of the concerned parties has ratified the protocols of the CMR convention.

The CMR documentation seeks to fulfill the following purposes as part of its responsibility.

Identification of Goods in the Cargo

The consignment note discloses the quantity and nature of the merchandise in the freight. It also includes the weight and dimensions of the goods.

Evidentiary Functionality

The CMR note functions as legal proof that the freight is in good condition and that the quantity is according to specifications. The documentation also works as a delivery verification for the consignor and consignee.

Receipt of Goods

The entire document acts as a receipt of the transit process of the cargo by road.

Point of Reference

Furthermore, CMR documentation can function as a primary point of reference when a dispute occurs. The protocols of the 1956 CMR convention impose liability on the carrier in case any loss or damage of the goods occurs while in portage.

Legal Characteristics of the CMR Documentation

What are the characteristics of this internationally-binding protocol?

Non-Negotiable

The CMR convention differs from the Turkish Commercial Code as it does not specify the consignment note as a negotiable instrument or a document of title.

Reservation of Rights

The consignee’s and the consignor’s rights are distinct but are not limited to the consignment note. According to Article 12, the possession of goods is transferable without concerning the CMR note.

Validation

The validity of the contract of carriage does not expire if any damage occurs to the goods. It also applies to the absence or loss of goods according to Article 4 of the CMR convention.

Conclusion

As the CMR note doesn’t mean the transfer of the title of goods, the consignor can withdraw delivery of the goods. The consignee reserves the right not to ask for the delivery of the goods bearing the consignment note as a reference.

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