Every international road freight document, in one clear checklist.

CMR, invoice, packing list, customs and transit declarations, A.TR, EUR.1, ADR, insurance and POD — know exactly what each shipment needs, keep it all in one place, and catch missing or incorrect paperwork before it reaches the border. To move goods by road across a border without delays, you generally need a core set of documents: a CMR consignment note, a commercial invoice, a packing list, an export customs declaration, and a transit declaration (T1/T2). To claim reduced or preferential duty you also need the right movement or origin document — an A.TR movement certificate for goods in free circulation between Turkey and the EU, an EUR.1 (or EUR-MED) certificate for preferential origin, or a certificate of origin where no preference applies. Depending on the cargo and lane you may also need ADR documents for dangerous goods, transport and cargo insurance, a proof of delivery (POD), and complete driver and vehicle documents (including a TIR Carnet where used). The exact combination depends on the goods, the route, and the trade agreement in force — but a missing signature, stamp, or figure on any one of them is the most common reason trucks are held at the border. This checklist explains what each document is, what it proves, and when it is required.

Required documents

• CMR consignment note — The international road waybill and legal contract of carriage under the CMR Convention; it records the sender, carrier, consignee, goods and agreed terms. It is not a document of title, so it does not transfer ownership of the goods. Every international road shipment where a CMR-signatory country is involved
• Commercial invoice — The seller's bill for the goods and the key document for customs, showing the parties, goods description, HS codes, quantity, value, currency, Incoterms and payment terms. It is the basis on which customs calculates duty and VAT. Every commercial cross-border shipment
• Packing list — An itemized breakdown of how the shipment is packed: number and type of packages, contents per package, net and gross weights, dimensions and shipping marks. Customs and the carrier use it to verify and plan the load. Most shipments; effectively essential for mixed or multi-item loads
• Export customs declaration — The formal declaration lodged with the customs authority in the country of export, carrying a reference number (an MRN in the EU) that links the physical shipment to its clearance at the border. It must match the commercial invoice. Whenever goods leave the customs territory
• Transit declaration (T1 / T2) — Lets goods move under the Common/Union Transit procedure with duties and taxes suspended — T1 for non-Union goods, T2 for Union goods, T2L to evidence Union status. It travels as a Transit Accompanying Document with its own reference number. When goods transit customs territories without being cleared for import along the way (e.g. Turkey↔EU)
• A.TR movement certificate — Proves that goods are in free circulation between Turkey and the EU under the Customs Union, allowing most industrial and processed agricultural goods to move without customs duty. It certifies status, not origin, and must be endorsed by customs. Turkey↔EU trade under the Customs Union
• EUR.1 / EUR-MED movement certificate — Proves preferential origin under a free trade or preferential agreement, so goods qualify for reduced or zero duty; the EUR-MED variant supports Pan-Euro-Mediterranean cumulation. For some agreements an origin declaration on the invoice can replace the paper certificate. To claim a preferential tariff under a free trade agreement
• Certificate of origin — States the country where goods were produced — the non-preferential origin document, usually issued or certified by a chamber of commerce. It is used for statistics, quotas, anti-dumping measures, letters of credit and certain import requirements. When a bank, a trade measure or the destination country requires proof of origin
• ADR dangerous-goods documents — The document set required under ADR: a dangerous-goods transport document (UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group, quantity), written instructions for the driver, the driver's ADR training certificate, vehicle approval where applicable, and correct placarding, marking and labelling. Whenever any part of the cargo is classified as dangerous goods
• Transport & cargo insurance — Two distinct covers: CMR carrier liability insurance covers the carrier's legal liability (capped at 8.33 SDR per kg of gross weight under the Convention as amended), while cargo insurance covers the actual value of the goods against loss or damage — often far above the liability cap. Liability cover is a practical necessity; cargo cover is contractual (e.g. under CIF/CIP) and strongly advised
• Delivery note / Proof of Delivery (POD) — Confirmation that the goods reached the consignee — in practice the signed and stamped CMR copy is the primary POD. It records the delivery date and time, the recipient's acknowledgment and any noted reservations about condition. Every delivery — to close the transport, trigger payment and support any claim
• Driver & vehicle documents — The paperwork that lets driver and vehicle cross borders legally: driving licence, passport/visa where needed, vehicle registration, a valid roadworthiness certificate, motor insurance with a Green Card, the operator licence, the applicable road-transport permit and tachograph records. Every international move; a TIR Carnet where the shipment travels under the TIR system

Tips that prevent border delays

• Make the "big three" agree — the commercial invoice, packing list and customs declaration must show the same values, weights, descriptions and HS codes. Mismatches are the number-one trigger for inspections and holds.
• Match the origin evidence to the claim: A.TR for Turkey↔EU free circulation, EUR.1/EUR-MED for preferential origin, and a certificate of origin for non-preferential origin. Do not substitute one for another.
• Check every stamp and signature. A CMR without the loading stamp, a declaration without its reference number, or an A.TR without customs endorsement is treated as incomplete.
• Prepare ADR paperwork in full before loading — missing written instructions or an expired ADR certificate can stop the truck outright.
• Carry the transit/export reference (MRN) physically to the border. A declaration that exists only in an inbox cannot be discharged and will not clear the truck.
• Verify permits, inspections, the Green Card and driver documents before dispatch, not at the gate — an expired document is an avoidable stop.

Frequently asked questions

What documents are required for international road freight?

At minimum you need a CMR consignment note, a commercial invoice, a packing list, an export customs declaration, and a transit declaration (T1/T2). Depending on the goods and route you will also need a movement or origin certificate (A.TR, EUR.1, or a certificate of origin), ADR documents for dangerous goods, transport and cargo insurance, a proof of delivery, and complete driver and vehicle documents.

What is a CMR document and is it mandatory?

The CMR is the consignment note and contract of carriage for international road transport under the CMR Convention. It is standard and effectively mandatory for cross-border road carriage involving a CMR-signatory country. It records the goods and terms and, once signed at delivery, doubles as your proof of delivery — but it does not transfer ownership of the goods.

What is the difference between A.TR and EUR.1?

A.TR proves goods are in free circulation between Turkey and the EU under the Customs Union — it is about status, not origin. EUR.1 proves preferential origin under a free trade agreement and lets you claim reduced or zero duty. They are not interchangeable: use A.TR for Customs-Union free circulation and EUR.1 to claim preferential origin.

When do I need a T1 transit document?

You need a T1 (or T2/T2L as applicable) when goods move under the Common/Union Transit procedure with duties and taxes suspended — typically when transiting customs territories without clearing for import along the way. It travels as a Transit Accompanying Document with a reference number that must be opened at departure and discharged at destination.

What is the difference between a commercial invoice and a packing list?

The commercial invoice is the financial document: parties, values, HS codes, Incoterms, and the basis for duty and VAT. The packing list is the logistical document: number of packages, contents, net and gross weights, and dimensions. Customs and carriers cross-check the two, so they must agree.

What documents are needed to transport dangerous goods (ADR)?

Under ADR you need a dangerous-goods transport document (UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group, quantity), written instructions for the driver, the driver's ADR training certificate, vehicle approval where applicable, and correct placarding and labelling. All must be present, current, and consistent before loading.

Is cargo insurance the same as CMR insurance?

No. CMR (carrier liability) insurance covers the carrier's legal liability, which is capped per kilogram under the Convention and is often below the goods' real value. Cargo insurance covers the actual value of the goods against loss or damage. For high-value shipments, carry both.

What is the most common cause of border delays?

Missing or inconsistent documents — a value, weight, or description that differs across the invoice, packing list, and customs declaration; a missing stamp or signature; an unvalidated origin or movement certificate; or a transit/export reference that never reached the crossing point. Checking documents for completeness and consistency before dispatch prevents most holds.

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