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Geneva Convention 1956 · approx. 56 contracting parties · Mandatory EU/CH
CMR Consignment Note
Complete guide to the CMR consignment note: all 24 fields explained, liability limits (8.33 SDR/kg), comparison CMR vs. CIM vs. AWB, E-CMR and common mistakes when completing.
Quick Answer: What is the CMR consignment note?
The CMR consignment note is the most important document in international road transport. It is based on the CMR Convention (Convention on the Contract for International Carriage of Goods by Road) of 1956, ratified in 55 states. It serves as: 1) contract of carriage, 2) receipt for goods received, 3) evidence of transport conditions. Mandatory document for cross-border transport in the EU and Switzerland.
55
Contracting states
8,33 SDR
Liability per kg
4
Original copies
1956
CMR convention
CMR fields explained (selection of key fields)
| Field | Name | Required |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sender | |
| 2 | Consignee | |
| 3 | Destination | |
| 4 | Place of takeover | |
| 5 | Accompanying documents | — |
| 6 | Marks & numbers | — |
| 7 | Number of packages | |
| 8 | Packing method | — |
| 9 | Nature of goods | |
| 11 | Statistical number (HS) | — |
| 13 | Sender's instructions | — |
| 16 | Carrier | |
| 17 | Successive carriers | — |
| 19 | Freight/charges agreement | — |
| 21 | Place/date of issue | |
| 23 | Sender's signature | |
| 24 | Carrier's signature |
* Mandatory fields according to Art. 6 CMR Convention. The complete list includes 24 numbered fields.
CMR Liability Limits
| Damage case | Liability limit |
|---|---|
| Loss / damage to goods | 8,33 SDR / kg |
| Delivery delay | 1× freight costs |
| Wilful misconduct / gross negligence | Unlimited |
| Increased liability (declaration) | Declared value |
When is the carrier NOT liable? (Art. 17 CMR)
The carrier is fundamentally liable under the principle of custody liability (Art. 17 Para. 1 CMR) – regardless of fault for all damage between takeover and delivery. However, there are clearly defined liability exemptions.
Force majeure (Art. 17 Para. 2)
An unavoidable event that could not have been prevented even with the greatest possible care. Examples: natural disasters, riots, extraordinary road closures. Note: Normal traffic accidents generally do NOT fall under force majeure.
Packaging defect (Art. 17 Para. 4 lit. b)
Damage due to missing or defective packaging when the goods cannot withstand the usual impacts of road transport without packaging. Shippers are themselves liable if they pack insufficiently. Important: carrier must note the deficiency upon takeover.
Shipper loading/stowage error (Art. 17 Para. 4 lit. c)
If the sender loads or stows the goods themselves and thereby causes damage (e.g. incorrect height stacking, insufficient securing), the carrier's liability is excluded. Condition: the carrier must not have co-caused the loading error.
Inherent vice of goods (Art. 17 Para. 4 lit. d)
Damage arising from the natural properties of the goods: oxidation, fermentation, drying out, natural wastage. Carrier must prove that damage arose from the inherent vice, not from their own fault.
Rights & Duties in Transport
Sender's right of disposal (Art. 12)
As long as the carrier has not yet delivered the goods, the sender can intervene in the carriage at any time. They may:
- Stop further carriage
- Change the delivery location
- Redirect goods to another consignee
Expires as soon as: consignee has received 2nd copy of CMR OR consignee exercises their right of acceptance (Art. 13 CMR).
Successive carriers (Art. 34–40 CMR)
When multiple carriers successively carry out the same transport (common on long routes or LTL networks), these are called successive carriers. CMR Art. 34–40 regulates liability distribution:
- Each successive carrier becomes a party to the CMR upon taking over the goods
- The sender can hold any carrier involved in the transport liable
- Internal recourse: responsible carrier must reimburse other successive carriers for costs
Comparison: CMR vs. CIM vs. AWB
| Aspect | CMR (Road) | CIM (Rail) | AWB (Air) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Convention | CMR 1956 | CIM/COTIF 1999 | Warschauer/Montrealer Abk. |
| Liability/kg | 8,33 SDR/kg | 17 SDR/kg | 19 SDR/kg |
| Copies | 4 (min. 3) | 3 | 3 |
| Digital variant | e-CMR (2008) | e-CIM possible | e-AWB (IATA) |
| Claim period | immediately (visible) / 7 days (hidden) / 21 days (delay) | 3 days / 21 days | 7 days / 14 days |
E-CMR – Electronic Consignment Note
The Additional Protocol to the CMR Convention (e-CMR Protocol, 2008) allows the fully electronic processing of the CMR consignment note. It has been ratified by 31 states (as of 2026) including Germany, Austria, France, Netherlands, Spain. Switzerland has not yet ratified the e-CMR Protocol but accepts e-CMR documents in border traffic.
E-CMR Advantages
- No paper, no loss
- Real-time tracking & status
- Faster invoicing
- Legally secure in 31 countries
E-CMR Requirements
- Electronic signatures of all parties
- Accessibility for customs authorities
- Integrity & confidentiality
- Compatible EDI system
CMR Claims Procedure – Step by Step
1
Document damage immediately upon delivery
Visible damage: Note immediately on the CMR consignment note before the driver signs. Take photos of the damage, packaging and CMR document. Receipt without reservation is considered proof of good condition.
2
Comply with claim deadlines
Externally visible: immediately upon handover · Hidden damage: in writing within 7 days of delivery · Delivery delay: in writing within 21 days of delivery. Missed deadlines = no more claim against the carrier!
3
Damage claim: observe limitation periods
CMR claims are statute-barred after 1 year from delivery (standard case). In case of wilful misconduct or conscious recklessness of the carrier: 3 years. The limitation period can be interrupted by written complaint.
4
Calculate damage amount & involve insurance
CMR liability limit: 8.33 SDR/kg (approx. EUR 10–11/kg). For high-value goods: cover the difference with transport insurance (all-risk). For calculation: market value at pickup + transport costs + customs duties, less carrier liability limit.
CMR Insurance & Coverage Gap – What many don't know
The carrier's CMR insurance only covers their statutory liability (max. 8.33 SDR/kg). For high-value goods, a significant coverage gap arises. Example: 500 kg electronics, goods value CHF 150,000 – carrier liability max. approx. EUR 5,000. Difference CHF ~145,000 uncovered.
≤ 8,33 SDR/kg
CMR carrier liability
approx. EUR 10–11/kg
All-Risk policy
Solution: Transport insurance
Full goods value insured
Declared value
Value declaration in CMR
At extra cost, increases carrier liability
Common CMR Mistakes
- Incomplete address details (fields 1/2)
- Missing or incorrect goods description (field 9)
- Incorrect weight/dimensions (fields 10/12)
- Missing ADR information for dangerous goods (UN no., class)
- Signatures missing or illegible
- No reservations noted for existing damage