As of October 5, 2026, the use of digital control documentation will become mandatory for cabotage operations and domestic transport services within Spain

Spain is moving forward with the digital transformation of road transport procedures through the implementation of Electronic Administrative Control Documents (DeCA).

The technical specifications for Electronic Administrative Control Documents (DeCA) are established under the Resolution of June 5, 2026, issued by the Directorate General for Road and Rail Transport and published in the Spanish Official State Gazette (BOE) on June 12, 2026.

Under the new framework, as of October 5, 2026, the use of digital control documentation will become mandatory for cabotage operations and domestic transport services within Spain.

The requirements do not apply to international transport operations transiting Spain, but only to domestic transport activities within Spanish territory, whether performed by Spanish carriers or carriers established in other EU Member States.

Key requirements:

✔ Documents must be generated directly in digital format and not by scanning paper documents
✔ Each document must contain a QR code linked to the digitized document stored in a repository
✔ The QR code must provide inspection authorities with direct access to the document during transport checks
✔ Documents must be generated in PDF format with a maximum size of 5 MB
✔ Electronic records must be retained for at least one year
✔ Advanced or Qualified Electronic Signatures under the eIDAS framework may be used where required
✔ Drivers must carry a copy of the document (digital or printed) containing the QR code during transport operations

Transport operators, logistics providers, freight intermediaries, and companies operating in the Spanish market should assess the readiness of their systems and operational procedures to ensure compliance with the new requirements.

Official reference: Resolution of June 5, 2026 – Spanish Official State Gazette (BOE) View Official Resolution