Due Diligence in Road Transport

Complete guide for shippers

Understand your legal obligations, the documents to verify, and the penalties involved. Protect your business with automated checks.

What is the due diligence obligation?

The due diligence obligation requires any principal to verify that its subcontractors and suppliers comply with their social and tax obligations. In road transport, this obligation is reinforced by Law No. 91-1383 of December 31, 1991 and the Sapin II law.

Applicable as soon as the contract exceeds EUR 5,000 excl. VAT per year

Documents that must be verified

URSSAF due diligence certificate
Proves that the carrier is up to date with social security contributions. Must be renewed every 6 months.
Kbis extract less than 3 months old
Certifies the legal existence of the company and its registration with the Trade and Companies Register.
Transport licence
Domestic or Community licence mandatory for any road freight carrier.
Professional liability insurance certificate
Guarantees coverage for damage caused to transported goods.
List of foreign employees
If applicable, the nominal list of foreign employees subject to work authorisation.

Penalties for non-compliance

Joint financial liability
The principal becomes jointly liable for the payment of unpaid social security contributions by the subcontractor.
Joint financial liability for contributions
Joint financial liability for unpaid contributions and URSSAF recovery against the principal.
Criminal penalties
In cases of known undeclared work: up to 3 years imprisonment and a EUR 45,000 fine.
Exclusion from public procurement
Ban from bidding on public contracts for a period of up to 5 years.

Verification frequency

Before the contract

Initial verification of all mandatory documents

Every 6 months

Renewal of the URSSAF due diligence certificate

Every 3 months

Kbis update and insurance verification

Ongoing

Monitoring alerts and changes in status

Frequently asked questions

Who is subject to the due diligence obligation in transport?

Any principal who enters into a transport service contract of an amount equal to or exceeding EUR 5,000 excl. VAT per year is subject to the due diligence obligation, in accordance with Article L.8222-1 of the French Labour Code.

What documents must I verify with my carrier?

You must verify the URSSAF due diligence certificate, a Kbis extract less than 3 months old, a valid transport licence, a professional liability insurance certificate, and where applicable, the list of foreign employees.

How often must verifications be renewed?

The URSSAF certificate must be renewed every 6 months. The Kbis must be less than 3 months old. Insurance must be verified at each renewal. A comprehensive half-yearly check is recommended.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Penalties include joint financial liability for unpaid contributions, criminal penalties of up to 3 years imprisonment and a EUR 45,000 fine, and exclusion from public procurement.

How can due diligence checks be automated?

Affretium automatically verifies all mandatory documents for your carriers: URSSAF certificates, licences, insurance. You receive alerts before expiration and a real-time compliance dashboard.

Automate your due diligence checks

Affretium automatically verifies the compliance of all your carriers. Receive alerts before expiration and maintain a complete audit trail.