At a Glance
- Convention
- CMR Convention 1956 (Protocol 1978)
- Liability limit
- 8.33 SDR/kg gross weight
- Claims (concealed damage)
- Within 7 days of delivery
- Limitation period
- 1 year (3 years for intent/gross negligence)
- Number of contracting states
- Over 55 countries
The CMR Convention: background and scope
The CMR Convention was signed in Geneva in 1956 and supplemented by the Protocol of 1978. It applies automatically to all road transports where the place of departure or the place of destination lies in a contracting state – regardless of whether the parties have agreed to apply the CMR.
Mandatory content of the CMR consignment note
Under Article 6 CMR the consignment note must contain the following particulars: the place and date of issue, the name and address of the consignor and the carrier, the name and address of the consignee and the place of destination, a description of the goods, the gross weight and volume, the agreed delivery deadline and freight costs, and any special agreements.
Liability limits under the CMR
Under the CMR the carrier is liable for loss, damage and exceeding the delivery deadline. Liability is limited to 8.33 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) per kilogram of gross weight. One SDR is worth roughly 1.30–1.40 euros. The limitation of liability does not apply where the carrier acted intentionally or with gross negligence.
Time limits for claims and limitation periods
Damage visible from the outside must be noted on the consignment note on acceptance. Concealed damage must be notified in writing within 7 days of delivery. The general limitation period for CMR claims is 1 year (3 years in cases of intent or gross negligence).
