Spain's digital control document (DeCA): dates, data and requirements
Updated · Rotomal
Since 5 October 2026 the control document for for-hire road haulage of goods in Spain must be digital. It is a native PDF of up to 5 MB, created before the service starts, with a QR code holding a unique https URL from which inspectors download the PDF without credentials. The contracting shipper and the actual carrier are responsible for it, the driver gets a copy and it is kept for at least one year.
Dates and rules
| Rule | What it sets |
|---|---|
| Order FOM/2861/2012 | What the control document is, who is responsible, minimum data and one-year retention |
| Law 9/2025 of 3 December (Gazette 4 Dec 2025) | The document must be digital ten months after the law took effect: from 5 October 2026 |
| Resolution of 5 June 2026 (Gazette 12 Jun 2026) | Requirements for the PDF, QR, URL, signature and changes |
Required data
- Contracting shipper: name, tax ID and address.
- Actual carrier: name and tax ID.
- Origin and destination of the shipment.
- Nature and weight of the goods.
- Date of transport.
- Vehicle plate, or both plates for an articulated vehicle.
What the file must look like
- A PDF of up to 5 MB generated from data: scans and images are not valid.
- Creation and modification date and time in the metadata.
- A QR code inside the PDF with the document's unique URL.
- An https URL (TLS 1.2 or higher) that downloads the PDF directly, with no login or buttons.
- Downloads may be switched off seven days after the service ends.
- Signature optional; if signed, an advanced or qualified e-signature.
If you want help
Control QR creates the DeCA on a phone or computer to these requirements, sends it to the driver and archives it for a year. From €9 a month, no lock-in. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Sources
- BOE: Resolution of 5 June 2026 on electronic administrative control documents (BOE-A-2026-12784) Source: boe.es
- BOE: Law 9/2025 of 3 December on Sustainable Mobility Source: boe.es
- BOE: Order FOM/2861/2012 on the administrative control document Source: boe.es