On 12 June 2026, Spain's Official State Gazette (BOE) published Resolution of 5 June 2026 (BOE-A-2026-12784) from the Directorate General for Road and Rail Transport. This resolution replaces the May 2023 resolution and sets out, in operational detail, how Electronic Administrative Control Documents (DeCA) must work in road freight transport.

If you are a carrier or contractual shipper, this text directly affects your daily operations. The Sustainable Mobility Law already required digital control documents; the BOE now defines format, QR code, URL and retention requirements. The deadline remains 5 October 2026.

What is the DeCA and how does it differ from a waybill?

The Electronic Administrative Control Document (DeCA) is the digital version of the control document required in public road freight transport, regulated by Order FOM/2861/2012. In practice, many companies know it as a waybill, delivery note or goods control document.

The resolution allows free-format documents — including waybills — as long as they include all mandatory data under Article 6. What changes with BOE-A-2026-12784 is not just content, but how the document is generated, stored and presented at roadside inspections.

Who does the digital DeCA apply to?

The obligation covers domestic transport: services with origin and destination in Spain, including cabotage. It also applies to contractual shippers and effective carriers, who must retain the document for at least one year.

Outside the scope are international transports that partially run through Spain, which will continue using documents under international conventions (for example, eCMR on cross-border routes).

Technical requirements of BOE-A-2026-12784

1. Native digital PDF (maximum 5 MB)

The DeCA must be generated as a native digital PDF file: structured application data is transformed into a readable document. Scanned PDFs from paper or digitised images are not valid. Maximum size is 5 MB and the PDF must include creation and modification date/time metadata.

2. QR code and direct-download HTTPS URL

Each DeCA must include a QR code in the PDF with a unique URL that:

  • Uses HTTPS with TLS 1.2 or higher.
  • Allows direct PDF download when invoked, without credentials, authentication or download buttons.
  • Remains active throughout the transport service.
  • May be deactivated seven calendar days after the service ends.

At inspection, the driver may present the DeCA with QR or the QR code alone.

3. Software applications and mandatory data

Applications managing DeCA must:

  • Include data from Article 6 of Order FOM/2861/2012 (contractual shipper, effective carrier, goods, origin, destination, etc.).
  • Generate the DeCA before the effective start of the service, recording creation date and time.
  • Store files in a repository with a unique URL (the domain is free and requires no prior notification).

4. Minimum one-year retention

Both the contractual shipper and effective carrier must retain DeCA files for at least one year. They may use independent repositories; if one party generates the document, the other only needs download access during that period.

5. Electronic signature: when required and when not

The resolution clarifies a key point: signature is not mandatory for administrative validity of the DeCA. It is only required when the document also has a contractual purpose (for example, as proof of delivery). In that case, at least an advanced electronic signature under the eIDAS Regulation is required; qualified signatures are also valid.

6. Copy for the driver

Before the service starts, the driver must receive a copy of the DeCA:

  • On a mobile device (electronic copy with QR), or
  • As a printed copy (also with QR).

Handwritten notes on a printed copy are not valid for modifying the document; changes must follow the digital procedure in the resolution.

7. Modifications during the service

If data must be updated en route, the regulation allows two methods:

  1. Modify the existing PDF: add new data, state the reason and mark old data as invalid. URL and QR remain unchanged.
  2. Generate a new PDF: new URL and new QR; the original file is retained for traceability.

In both cases, the driver must receive the updated document.

8. Multiple shipments in one DeCA

Several shipments may be grouped in one DeCA if the contractual shipper and effective carrier are the same for all, with clear identification of origin, destination and goods for each shipment.

9. eFTI exception

If data is managed under Regulation (EU) 2020/1056 (eFTI), presenting the DeCA in the form described in this resolution is not required.

Frequently asked questions about the DeCA

Is the QR code mandatory on the DeCA?

Yes. The PDF must include a QR code with the document's unique URL. The driver may also carry the QR as a separate file and present it at inspection.

Can the driver carry a printed document?

Yes, as long as the printed copy includes the QR code. However, modifications are only valid when made digitally under the resolution; handwritten notes do not update the DeCA.

Is an electronic signature required on the control document?

Not for administrative validity. A signature is only mandatory if the document also serves a contractual function (for example, proving delivery). In that case, advanced eIDAS electronic signature is required at minimum.

Can I use a scanned PDF of a paper delivery note?

No. Files obtained by scanning or digitising images do not comply. The DeCA must be a native digital PDF generated from structured data.

What happens if I change data during the service?

You must update the existing PDF or generate a new one, record the change with traceability and send the updated version to the driver before the service continues.

Can I group several shipments in one DeCA?

Yes, provided the shipper and carrier are the same for all shipments and each is clearly identified with its origin, destination and goods.

Checklist: what to review before 5 October 2026

If you are a carrier:

  • Your software generates DeCA as native digital PDF (not scans).
  • Each document includes a QR with a direct-download HTTPS URL.
  • The DeCA is created before service start and reaches the driver (mobile or print).
  • You can retain documents for at least one year.
  • You have a procedure to modify documents en route with traceability.
  • If you use the document contractually, you include advanced electronic signature.

If you are a contractual shipper:

  • You verify that your carrier (or your own platform) meets the BOE technical requirements.
  • Article 6 data is complete for each shipment.
  • You have access to the DeCA and can download and retain it for one year.
  • You have planned the transition before the 5 October deadline.

How Kargo meets DeCA compliance

At Kargo, we built the platform so carriers and shippers can meet BOE-A-2026-12784 requirements without operational friction:

  1. Native digital PDF: Kargo generates the control document from structured data, with all fields under Article 6 of Order FOM/2861/2012. No scans or intermediate paper.
  2. QR and HTTPS URL: Each DeCA includes a QR code with a secure link enabling direct PDF download at roadside inspections, as required by the resolution.
  3. Document on the driver's mobile: The carrier receives the DeCA in the app before service start, ready to show at inspection.
  4. Advanced electronic signature: When the document has contractual purpose (delivery confirmation), Kargo includes electronic signature.
  5. Cloud retention: Documents are stored securely for the legal period, accessible to shipper and carrier.
  6. Modification traceability: If changes occur during the service, history is recorded and the driver receives the updated version.
  7. Integrated invoicing: When the service closes, you can move to electronic invoicing and Verifactu on the same platform.

DeCA digitalisation does not have to be a separate project. With Kargo, waybill, roadside inspection and invoicing live in one digital workflow.

Don't wait until the last moment

On 5 October 2026, the digital DeCA becomes mandatory for domestic road freight in Spain. Adapting processes, training drivers and validating your software takes time. Companies already digitising today avoid inspection fines and gain operational agility from day one.

Want to comply with BOE-A-2026-12784 without complicating your operations? Sign up free on Kargo or request a personalised demo and discover how to generate compliant DeCA documents, with inspection QR and integrated invoicing, on one platform.

You can also contact us at info@kargotr.com or on 644 15 40 01 (call or WhatsApp).