Spain: Electronic Administrative Control Document (DeCA)

Spain: Freight Transport Documentation Digitalization Becomes Mandatory from October 2026

The digitalization of road freight transport in Spain is taking a major step forward with the introduction of the Electronic Administrative Control Document (DeCA). From 5 October 2026, this document will become mandatory for domestic freight transport operations and cabotage activities carried out within Spanish territory.

The Sustainable Mobility Act and the new Resolution published by the Spanish Ministry of Transport establish the technical requirements that both the DeCA and the software applications used to generate and manage it must fulfil.

What is DeCA: Electronic Administrative Control Document?

The Electronic Administrative Control Document (DeCA) is the digital version of the control document required for certain road freight transport operations. Its purpose is to improve shipment traceability, facilitate roadside inspections, and support the digital transformation of the logistics supply chain.

Its use will be mandatory for:

• Domestic transport operations with both origin and destination in Spain.
• Cabotage operations carried out within Spanish territory.

Key Requirements of the Electronic Administrative Control Document

According to the regulation, the DeCA must:

• Be generated digitally before the transport operation begins.
• Be issued in PDF format with a maximum file size of 5 MB.
• Include a QR code providing access to the document.
• Have a unique and secure HTTPS URL.
• Be retained for a minimum period of one year.

In addition, drivers must carry a copy of the document—either in digital or printed format—with the QR code clearly visible for presentation during roadside inspections.

Digitalization and Regulatory Compliance Across the Supply Chain

The implementation of DeCA will not only impact carriers and logistics operators. Manufacturers, shippers, distributors, and consignors will also need to adapt their processes to ensure the proper generation, exchange, and retention of the required documentation. Doing so will help avoid non-compliance with this obligation, which may result in administrative penalties, in accordance with the provisions of Spanish Road Transport Law 16/1987 (LOTT).

This new requirement also presents an opportunity to accelerate the digital transformation of the supply chain by automating document management processes and improving the traceability of transport operations.

How Can SIAM Help with the Electronic Administrative Control Document (DeCA)?

At SIAM, we are committed to making the transition to the Electronic Administrative Control Document (DeCA) as simple as possible.

Thanks to Chemeter and SDSArea, it will be possible to automatically generate the required documentation, including all information mandated by the regulation, as well as the QR code that provides direct access to the web address associated with the document.

This functionality will help automate transport document management, reduce administrative workload, and support compliance with the new digitalization requirements introduced by the regulation.

We will soon share further updates on the new functionalities that Chemeter and SDSArea will incorporate to help manufacturers, shippers, logistics operators, and transport companies be fully prepared for the entry into force of DeCA.