CMR – what is it?
CMR is an international consignment note, a document confirming the contractual relationship between three parties: the supplier (seller), the carrier and the consignee (buyer).
Who has to fill in the CMR?
As a rule, this document should be filled in by the consignor, based on the instructions and requirements of the freight forwarding company. It is worth noting that the shipper is equally responsible for the correctness of the CMR document.
It is important to remember that the waybill is filled in three originals (at least) and signed by both the carrier and the shipper.
The carrier retains the third copy. As for the second copy, it must accompany the cargo.
It is also worth noting that the CMR consignment note should be filled in exclusively with a ballpoint pen. The use of office equipment is also allowed.
How to fill in the CMR
CMR is prepared by the shipper and issued in at least four copies:
- a copy for the consignor remains with the consignor;
- a copy for the recipient is delivered to the recipient by the carrier along with the cargo and confirms the delivery of the goods;
- the copy for the carrier remains with the carrier and serves as the basis for recording the carriage service rendered;
- The carrier sends a copy for calculations to the customer along with an invoice for payment of the transportation.
In the top unnumbered column the shipper indicates the internal CMR number.
Columns 1 through 15 are also filled in by the consignor. Columns 1 and 2 indicate the name and details of the consignor and consignee. Column 3 indicates the address to which the cargo must be delivered. Column 4 indicates the place and time of loading.Column 5 contains a list of documents attached to the CMR (for example, certificates for certain types of goods). Columns 6 through 12 contain information about the cargo: its name, quantity, commodity nomenclature codes for foreign economic activity (TN VED), hazard class, and type of packaging.Column 13 indicates the customs office through which the cargo will be exported and the declared value of the goods. Column 14 contains information about the semi-trailer or container, and column 15 contains information about payment according to Incoterms.
Columns 16 through 19 are filled in by the carrier. In column 16, he indicates his name and details, and puts a stamp. Column 17 is filled in if two carriers are involved in the shipment: the second carrier enters information about himself in it.
Particular attention should be paid to column 18. In it, the driver and consignee can make any comments regarding the condition of the cargo and packaging (for example, indicate that the packaging is damaged or shows signs of opening). If column 18 is left blank, this will mean that the cargo was received in full and without signs of damage.Column 19 indicates the shipping cost.
Columns 21 and 22 are filled in by the consignor. In column 21 he enters the place and date of filling in the CMR, and in column 22 – the time of arrival for loading and the time of departure of the loaded vehicle, and also puts his signature and seal.
Column 23 is filled in by the carrier. He enters information about the driver, puts a stamp and signature.
Column 24 is filled in by the consignee. He puts a mark on the acceptance of the cargo, indicates the date and time of arrival and departure of the vehicle. The signature and seal are also put here.
Columns 25 through 29 are filled in by the carrier. In columns 25 and 26, he indicates information about the vehicle (make, model, registration number), and in columns 27–29, information about the cost of delivery is provided.When filling out the CMR, it is important to avoid mistakes. An incorrectly specified address or product code, or the absence of marks on the date or time of shipment may lead to delays at customs, fines from regulatory authorities or contractors in the event of a delay or failure to deliver.The copies for the recipient, the carrier and for settlements must be certified by the signatures of the responsible parties. According to the provisions of the CMR, it is not necessary to put seals, but in the vast majority of cases they are used. The absence of seals may raise questions from the employees of the regulatory authorities and lead to delays.The legislation does not specify in what language the CMR must be drawn up and filled out – you can use the official language of any of the countries that have joined the CMR. However, customs authorities in different countries may require the document (or its translation) to be provided in the official language. For example, Russian customs requires the CMR to be provided with a translation into Russian – therefore, when sending cargo abroad, it is important to learn about the requirements of the regulatory authorities that will perform customs clearance of the cargo.
CMR form (for download)
Dear users, you can download the CMR form at the link below