Comparison
The three ways to comply with the DeCA
From 5 October 2026 the control document must be issued electronically. These are the real options, with what each covers and who it fits.
eCMR platform or TMS
Companies with an ERP or TMS already in place and international transport.
Pros
- Evidentiary value of the transport contract
- Advanced signature and integration with management systems
- Complete fleet workflows
Cons
- Cost of several thousand euros a year
- Requires an integration project
- Solves a bigger problem than you have if you only do domestic transport
Spreadsheet or scanned paper
No one, from 5 October 2026.
Pros
- Zero cost
- You already have it
Cons
- Scanning is expressly excluded by the regulation
- Doesn't generate a QR code or download URL
- Doesn't log the file's creation date and time
- Doesn't comply
What to ask before hiring
These six questions separate a solution that complies from one that just looks like it does. They apply to us and to any other provider.
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Is the PDF native or a scan? | The Resolution expressly excludes scans. Test it: try to select the text with your mouse. |
| Are document addresses sequential? | If so, anyone can read every client's shipments by changing one digit. |
| Is the creation date and time logged? | It's a Resolution requirement and the proof that exempts the loader under art. 7.1. |
| What happens to my history if I stop paying? | Art. 9 requires you to keep it for a year even if you're no longer a customer. |
| Can I download all my documents? | Without export, switching providers forces you to keep the old one for the archive. |
| What domain does the QR code point to? | If the provider changes domain, already-issued QR codes stop verifying. |
Check it yourself
Create a free account, issue a test document and put it through the six questions above.