The Digital Administrative Control Document will be mandatory in Spain

Today, the new Sustainable Mobility Law has been published in the Official State Gazette (BOE), and with it comes one of the most relevant pieces of news for carriers, operators and logistics companies in Spain: as of October 5, 2026, the administrative control document will be mandatory in digital format.

This change marks a turning point in transport document management.

It is not just a regulatory matter: it also affects traceability, day-to-day operations and the efficiency with which exporters, carriers and end customers share information.

In this article, we explain what this new obligation entails, who it affects and how you can start preparing now.

What exactly is the administrative control document?

The administrative control document (ACD) is the record that certifies that a road freight transport operation complies with the minimum data required by regulations: origin, destination, shipper, carriage, type of goods, dates, instructions, etc.

Until now, it could be managed either on paper or digitally. However, the new Sustainable Mobility Law sets a clear timeline:

👉 its digitization will be mandatory throughout Spain as of October 5, 2026.

This means that both transport companies and self-employed drivers will be required to issue, store and share the ACD in a valid electronic format.

Why is Spain pushing this digitization of the ACD?

The main objective of the law is to move towards a more efficient, sustainable and transparent mobility model. In the field of freight transport, digitizing the administrative control document makes it possible to:

• Reduce errors associated with paper-based processes.

• Improve transport traceability.

• Facilitate access to documentation during inspections.

• Prevent the loss of documents while en route.

• Streamline communication between exporters, carriers and consignees.

In addition, it represents a step towards broader digitalization of the sector, which is already experiencing changes such as the rise of the electronic consignment note and digital logistics communication platforms.

Who does this obligation apply to?

The mandatory requirement applies to all road freight transport within Spain, including:

• Transport companies.

• Self-employed carriers.

• Logistics operators.

• Shippers and exporters who generate the documentation.

In other words, any company or professional involved in a regulated transport operation will need to adapt to the digital format of the ACD.

What do I need to comply with the digital administrative control document?

The law does not only require the document to be electronic. Several aspects must also be ensured:

• An accessible digital format.

• Complete and correct mandatory data.

• Availability for inspection during transport.

• Electronic storage of the document.

• The ability to share it with the different parties involved in the transport.

This leads many companies to ask a very practical question:

how can this be managed without adding more workload to the team?

How Orus Logistics helps you comply with the digital ACD

At Orus Logistics, we have been preparing the platform for this regulatory change for months.

Through Orus, you will be able to:

1. Generate the administrative control document in digital format. With all mandatory data and through a very simple workflow for the team.
2. Link it to your transport orders. The ACD is automatically integrated into the operations you already manage.
3. Share it with all involved parties. Carriers, exporters, consignees… each with role-based access.
4. Have it always accessible. For inspections, queries or internal audits.
5. Store it securely. Complying with legal requirements and without the risk of loss.

Digitalization stops being a problem and becomes an operational advantage.

What you can do today to prepare

Although the obligation starts on October 5, 2026, companies that adapt earlier will gain in order, efficiency and traceability.

Our recommendation:

• Review how you currently manage the ACD.

• Assess whether you are duplicating tasks across paper, WhatsApp, Excel or email.

• Identify where documents are being lost or errors are being generated.

• Take the step toward a digital platform that prepares you for what’s coming.

The publication of the Sustainable Mobility Law marks a new scenario for transport in Spain.

The digitization of the administrative control document is not just an obligation: it is an opportunity to work with greater control, fewer calls and documentation that is always available.

And at Orus Logistics, we are here to support you throughout the transition.