What is not regulated by the international CMR agreement? A comprehensive guide

The CMR Convention is the key document governing the international carriage of goods by road. However, there are areas that this international agreement does not cover. In this article, we will explain what the CMR Convention does not regulate, and what this means for carriers.

Areas not regulated by the CMR Convention

Convention on the Contract of International carriage Road Freight, signed on May 19, 1956, leaves some issues outside its scope of regulation:

1. detailed technical conditions of vehicles

The CMR Convention does not specify:

• Technical specifications of vehicles
• Equipment requirements
• Security standards for measures transportation

2. administrative issues of carriers

The provisions of the CMR Convention do not regulate:

• Procedures for obtaining transport licenses
• Requirements for conducting business
• Qualification of personnel

3. detailed rules for loading and unloading

The convention does not specify:

• Methods of securing cargo
• Loading technicians
• Responsibilities for individual handling activities

What else remains outside the scope of the convention?

Commercial issues

The CMR Convention does not regulate:

• Ways of setting prices for carriage
• Payment terms
• Commercial relations between the parties

Additional documentation

Other than the CMR waybill, the convention does not specify:

• Requirements for customs documents
• Additional certificates
• Specialist documentation

Liability in unregulated areas

For issues not regulated by the CMR Convention:

• National law applies
• Bilateral agreements are in force
• Other international conventions are used

Practical implications for carriers

The carrier must remember that:

• It is necessary to supplement knowledge with local regulations
• Use additional industry regulations
• It is worth consulting a law firm

Complaints and disputes

In terms of complaints, the CMR Convention:

• Defines basic terms
• Indicates general procedures
• Does not regulate detailed local procedures

Summary

The International CMR Agreement, although fundamental to road transport, leaves many issues unregulated. Carriers must fill in these gaps with other rules and regulations.

Legal status current as of: January 2024