August 05, 2025
What regulations and certifications must international road transport comply with?
International road transport must comply with state, European, and international regulations to ensure the traceability of goods and maintain quality standards.
The regulations governing international road transport are essential for all operators responsible for the movement of goods and supplies. These regulations are crucial for several reasons: first, they ensure the safety of products during transport; second, they impact environmental sustainability; and third, they promote efficient use of available resources.
Why is regulation key in international road transport?
Regulating international road transport is key and beneficial for the various stakeholders involved. Below, we indicate some of the main benefits:
- Regulatory harmonization: Common transport regulations allow for efficient harmonization, making it easier for carriers and importers to adapt their processes to these standards, eliminating the complexity and uncertainty of applying national laws to goods transport between different jurisdictions. It also promotes fairer and more efficient competition.
- Safety guarantees for B2B and B2C customers: International road transport regulations ensure safety during transport through appropriate and safe vehicles to protect the cargo throughout the journey.
- Predictability: Uncertainty is the main enemy of any business, especially in transport. The establishment of international regulations provides predictability, reducing the possibility of unforeseen events.
Applicable regulations for international road transport
There are national and international road transport laws, with a principle of regulatory adaptation. A logistics and transport company must follow these rules:
International regulation: CMR
The leading regulation for international road transport is the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road, made in Geneva on May 19, 1956, commonly known as CMR by its French acronym (Convention Marchandises par Route).
Currently, 54 countries have ratified the Convention. Spain has been a member since 1974.
The CMR provides a uniform regulatory framework that applies to international road transport as long as at least one of the parties to the contract belongs to a country that has adhered to the Convention.
It regulates the conditions of transport, the obligations of the parties, the regime of the consignment note as a reliable document of the existence of the transport contract, as well as the carrier's liability and its limitations.
European regulation
Transport operators providing services within the European Union must also comply with directly applicable Regulations to Member States and Directives transposed into Member States' legislation. In road transport, there are numerous directives to unify regulations and identifications, weights and measures, as well as to reduce pollutant gas emissions. Currently, the main European regulations are as follows:
- European regulations: Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 on the harmonization of certain social provisions in the road transport sector, which mainly regulates rest periods for drivers in road transport, and Regulation (EU) 165/2014 on the control device in the road transport sector, which regulates the installation and use of digital tachographs, essential for routes.
- European directives: Directive 2006/126/EC indicates the regulations for obtaining a driving license, adapted to each circumstance. On the other hand, Directive 2008/68/EC regulates the conditions for the transport of dangerous goods by road, rail, and inland waterways.
As mentioned earlier, this legal framework is essential and mandatory for companies wishing to operate in the field of international road transport.
International agreements and certifications
There are some international agreements and certifications for the road transport of goods, beyond the European Union:
- ADR: The ADR is the European international agreement for the road transport of dangerous goods, although it also applies in some Asian and African countries. It requires vehicles to have a series of conditions, labeling and marking obligations, documentation, and staff training 1.
- ATP: International regulations for perishable, cold, or frozen goods. It regulates the operation of vehicles, bodies, and temperature controls 1.
- TIR: The TIR convention applies to cross-border road transport and customs. It serves to speed up transport between the departure and arrival customs. Today, 77 countries worldwide follow it 1.
- GDP: Good Distribution Practice guidelines are specific to the pharmaceutical sector, which requires traceability and conditions. Logista offers solutions for pharmaceutical distribution adapted to these needs 1.
- IFS: The IFS (International Featured Standard) certification is used to validate logistics standards in road transport. It covers transport, storage activities, distribution, loading, and unloading operations 1.
- TAPA: The TAPA (Technology Asset Protection Association) certification is a security standard established by the association for international transport. There are several levels, A, B, and C (from highest to lowest), and it is a guarantee of good practices by the provider 1.
Mandatory documentation, permits, and licenses
Professionals carrying out international road transport activities from Spain need the Transport Operator (OT) license, issued by the Ministry of Transport. Subsequently, they must register in the Register of Transport Companies and Activities.
It is also advisable to have cargo insurance to cover civil liability. A transport professional must have the financial capacity to face unforeseen events.
In international transport, the CMR or consignment note is the minimum common documentation required, as well as the TIR for customs. Additionally, depending on the type of goods transported, other permits such as ADR, ATP, GDP, or ISO 22000 may be required.
Intermodal transport and its regulatory framework
Some international road transport regulations take intermodality into account. In long-distance international trade, it is common to combine road transport with maritime or air transport, or by rail.
In international road transport, the regulations established in the CMR will continue to apply, even when there is intermodal transport. If road transport is combined with maritime transport, the well-known Rotterdam Rules will apply to maritime transport.
On the other hand, as mentioned, the TIR allows and facilitates the transit of goods between countries in sealed compartments.
The recommended approach in intermodal transport is to consult a specialized logistics operator who can take all the necessary steps. This modality reduces costs, minimizes risks, and shortens delivery times.
Tariffs, inspections, and customs controls
International road transport operations may be subject to tariffs outside the EU Customs Union. This fee, which must be paid on the value of the goods, increases the service cost and reduces competitiveness.
Additionally, law enforcement agencies, both in road transport and at departure and destination points, can inspect the cargo at any time. This requires having the documentation in order and, of course, ensuring it matches the transported goods.
Furthermore, routine checks are carried out at customs, where the cargo can be rejected, and tariffs must be paid. It is important to remember that customs are at the external borders of the Customs Union.
Comply with international road transport regulations
with Logista
Knowing and correctly applying international road transport regulations is essential to avoid unnecessary expenses and litigation, which affect competitiveness by speeding up or delaying processes. Logista offers solutions for road transport in Europe, with group companies that guarantee compliance and efficiency in each operation
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