The DeCA is now mandatory: the road transport control document is switching to an electronic format
As of October 5, 2026, the Administrative Control Document required for certain road freight shipments must be processed in electronic format, giving way to the so-called Electronic Administrative Control Document (DeCA).
This measure, established under the Sustainable Mobility Act 9/2025, represents a new step forward in the digitization of land transportation in Spain and primarily affects domestic public road freight transport.
What changes with the DeCA?
The control document is not a new requirement. Until now, it has already been necessary to document certain transportation operations in accordance with Order FOM/2861/2012. The main change is that, as of October 5, this document must be generated in digital format.
The DeCA must be created before the service actually begins using computer software and must be saved as a PDF file generated natively in digital format. Therefore, simply scanning a document previously prepared on paper will not be valid.
In addition, the document must include a QR code linked to a unique URL, allowing inspection authorities to access the file directly during a roadside inspection. The driver must have the DeCA or its QR code on hand during transport.
The Growing Importance of Data Quality
Digitization also involves paying special attention to the information provided before each shipment begins.
The DeCA must include the information required to correctly identify the transaction, including the parties involved, the origin and destination of the shipment, and information regarding the goods being transported, among other details.
For this reason, it is especially important that the information provided to the logistics operator be complete, accurate, and up-to-date before the vehicle departs. Any changes must also be recorded in accordance with the requirements established by the regulations.
In the case of dangerous goods, the documentation requirements under the ADR regulations must also continue to be observed.
Does this affect international transportation?
The obligation of the DeCA refers to the Spanish administrative control document applicable to the public transport of goods by road. International shipments remain subject to their own specific documentation and regulations; therefore, the change primarily affects land-based operations conducted within Spain.
Another step toward the digitization of transportation
The mandatory implementation of the DeCA aims to improve traceability, availability, and control of documentation, while continuing the digitization process in the logistics sector.
For shippers, carriers, and logistics operators, the new system makes it even more important to have streamlined processes for exchanging information and to ensure that the data for each shipment is accurate from the start.
At Vicasso Internacional , we continue to adapt to regulatory and technological changes affecting transportation and logistics to provide our clients with efficient and up-to-date management of their operations.