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What is the CMR Convention (Convention Merchandise Routier)?
Everything You Need to Know About the CMR Convention
The CMR Convention (Convention Merchandise Routier) is an international agreement for the carriage of goods by road. It provides a standardized road transport document (CMR waybill) that regulates international road freight.
In today’s global trade, international road transport companies play a vital role in import and export. Almost all cross-border road shipments are carried out by these carriers. In the early days, transport companies operated without specific legal regulations, unlike insurance companies or cargo owners. To address this gap, the CMR Convention was drafted in Geneva on 19 May 1956 and came into force in 1961. Many countries, including Iran, have joined this convention.
The main purpose of the CMR Convention is to create a unified system of rules for international road transport of goods, define the responsibilities of carriers, and regulate how to deal with damages or losses during transportation.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the CMR waybill, including its issuance, applications, and key points that every business involved in international road freight should know
What is the CMR Convention (Convention Merchandise Routier)?
The CMR Convention (Convention Merchandise Routier) is an international private law agreement adopted on 19 May 1956. It regulates the contractual relationship between the sender, the carrier, and the consignee for the international carriage of goods by road.
It is important to note that the provisions of the CMR Convention apply even if the parties to the contract have agreed otherwise. The CMR waybill is issued under the regulations of the International Road Transport Union
What Does CMR Stand For?
CMR stands for Convention Merchandise Routier, meaning the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road.
What Information Does the CMR Waybill Contain?
The CMR waybill must include the following details:
- Name and address of the sender and consignee
- Place and date of taking over the goods
- Full description of the goods (type, quantity, weight, dimensions, value)
Special conditions of carriage
- Freight charges
- Date of issue and signatures of both carrier and sender
- Any additional costs such as customs duties or transport fees
- Customs instructions and formalities, including details of dangerous goods
At the end, Torang Darya Company provides free consultation and the fastest possible support to offer accurate information and practical solutions for international road transport under the CMR Convention.
Carrier’s Responsibilities under the CMR Convention
Key Points in Preparing the CMR Waybill
- Any damage or shortage must be recorded in the CMR waybill at the time of delivery.
- The CMR waybill is non-transferable and only belongs to the contracting parties.
- For the transport of dangerous goods, ADR regulations must be included in the CMR waybill.
Advantages of Using the CMR Waybill
Using the CMR waybill offers several benefits in international road transport:
- Provides complete cargo information and control over transport conditions
- Standardized and unified rules among member countries
- Reduces legal disputes in international transport
- Clearly defines carrier’s responsibilities towards the sender and consignee
- Greater security for both sender and consignee
- Accepted by customs and insurance authorities
- Provides a legal basis for claims in case of accidents or losses
- Serves as official evidence of the carriage contract
Member Countries of the CMR Convention
Currently, more than 50 countries are members of the CMR Convention, including:
- Iran
- Turkey
- Germany
- Russia
- France
- Kazakhstan
- Azerbaijan
- Iran
- Turkey
- Germany
- Russia
- France
- Kazakhstan
- Azerbaijan
- ...
CMR Waybill Copies – How Many Are Required?
There are three original copies of the CMR waybill:
- The first copy of the CMR waybill is kept by the sender.
- The second copy of the CMR waybill travels with the goods and is given to the consignee.
- The third copy of the CMR waybill remains with the carrier company.
In addition, many European and Central Asian countries also use the CMR waybill as the standard document for international road transport.
CMR Insurance Coverage
Since international road transport is always exposed to various risks, the CMR Convention requires carriers to insure both the cargo and the vehicle. In case of accidents or damages, the CMR insurance covers all related costs.
The amount of CMR insurance premium is usually calculated based on the type and value of the goods, and it is charged as a percentage of the freight cost. Shippers are required to pay the insurance fee before loading the goods.
In practice, insurance for empty containers and bulk construction materials is often offered with special discounts.
Sometimes, multiple CMR waybills are issued for a single shipment:
- If the shipment has one destination, the insurance is calculated as if the truck is fully chartered for that route.
- If the shipment has multiple destinations, the insurance premium is calculated based on the longest route.
CMR Insurance Exclusions
As mentioned earlier, international road transport companies insure both the cargo and the vehicle under CMR insurance to minimize transport risks. The CMR insurance premium is usually calculated based on the value of the goods and charged as a percentage of the freight cost.
However, not all damages are covered under CMR insurance. The main CMR insurance exclusions include:
- Damage to products and goods that are not covered by the CMR Convention
- Intentional damage caused by the insured party
- Losses related to nuclear or radioactive materials
- Damages caused by war, riots, or confiscation of goods
- Loss or damage to precious metals, gemstones, money, banknotes, or works of art (these can only be insured with the prior approval of the insurer before transport)
Therefore, businesses should carefully review the terms of CMR insurance and, if needed,
For any questions about international road transport under the CMR Convention, you can contact Torang Darya Company for free consultation and expert advice.
What is the Difference Between a CMR Waybill and a Bill of Lading?
Many people mistakenly believe that the CMR waybill is the same as a bill of lading, but these two transport documents are very different. If you are involved in international road transport, understanding the difference between a CMR waybill and a bill of lading is essential.
Bill of Lading (B/L)
- A bill of lading is a legal document between the shipper and cargo owner that defines the terms of carriage and freight charges.
- The bill of lading is issued by the carrier or shipping company and is transferable to third parties.
- It can be sent separately from the goods.
CMR Waybill
- A CMR waybill contains the details of the sender, consignee, and specific transport instructions.
- The CMR waybill is issued by the carrier and is non-transferable.
- Unlike the bill of lading, the CMR waybill must always travel with the cargo and is handed over to the consignee at delivery.
In short: Bill of lading is transferable, but the CMR waybill is not.
CMR Convention FAQ – Everything You Need to Know
The CMR Convention is an international treaty adopted in 1956 to regulate contracts for the carriage of goods by road. It defines the roles and responsibilities of the sender, carrier, and consignee.
A CMR document usually includes:
- Names and addresses of the sender and consignee
- Date and place of issue
- Cargo details (type, weight, dimensions, packaging, value)
- Transport route and delivery instructions
- Special conditions for safe delivery
CMR insurance does not cover:
- Goods not recognized by the CMR Convention
- Intentional damage caused by the insured
- Nuclear or radioactive risks
- Damages caused by war, riots, or confiscation
For sensitive cargo like jewelry, precious metals, or artworks, special approval is needed.
- The bill of lading is issued by the carrier or shipper and is transferable.
- The CMR waybill is issued by the carrier and is non-transferable.
This is the key point in the CMR waybill vs bill of lading discussion.
The TIR Carnet and the CMR waybill are both used in international road transport, but they serve different purposes:
- The TIR Carnet connects the carrier with customs and the guarantor organization.
- The CMR waybill regulates the relationship between the sender, consignee, and carrier.
- The CMR waybill is issued in three copies, while the TIR Carnet is used mainly for customs clearance.
- The CMR waybill provides liability coverage, but unlike the bill of lading, it does not serve as proof of ownership.
The carrier is responsible for any loss, damage, or delay of the cargo until it is delivered to the consignee.
The shipper (sender) is responsible for any loss or damage caused by providing incorrect information on the CMR waybill.
Conclusion
The CMR waybill is one of the most important documents in international road transport of goods. It is issued under the CMR Convention and includes all information about the cargo, the contracting parties, and the transport conditions.
The CMR waybill plays a key role in:
- Managing road transport
- Claiming compensation for damages
- Controlling customs procedures
In international road transport, it is strongly recommended to use the CMR waybill to ensure safe and legal carriage of goods.
For guidance on international road transport under the CMR Convention, you can contact the expert team at Torang Darya Company for free consultation regarding the CMR waybill and related procedures.
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