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EU reaches agreement with Switzerland on enforcing rules governing road freight transport

Late last year, the EU and Switzerland reached an agreement on how to align Switzerland's rules with new EU transport regulations. However, many Swiss regulations will remain unchanged.

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Agnieszka Kulikowska - Wielgus

Agnieszka Kulikowska - Wielgus

Journalist Trans.info

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27.01.2025

Fot. Novalife

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On 20 December 2024, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Viola Amherd, President of Switzerland, announced in Bern the conclusion of negotiations aimed at deepening relations between the European Union and Switzerland. After 200 meetings and eight months of negotiations, the two sides agreed on a broad package of agreements, some of which pertain to the road transport of goods.

“The agreement includes an update of five agreements that already provide Switzerland with access to the EU’s internal market – in the areas of air transport, land transport, free movement of persons, conformity assessment, and trade in agricultural products. Adapting these agreements to modern standards will enable citizens and businesses on both sides to fully enjoy their rights and create a level playing field for businesses,” reads the European Commission’s press release.

In return for access to the EU market for Swiss companies, Switzerland has committed to “dynamically” aligning its legislation with new EU rules.

The agreement between Switzerland and the EU “provides an opportunity to adapt our relations for the future, so that they can keep pace even in these difficult times and both sides can fully realise their potential,” commented Maroš Šefčovič, EU Trade Commissioner.

Under the agreement, the EU will honour the following Swiss road freight transport regulations, even though they differ from EU legislation:

  • In Switzerland, a maximum weight limit of 40 tonnes for trucks will remain in place.
  • In commercial road transport, vehicles registered abroad may continue to engage only in cross-border freight transport in Switzerland and are prohibited from carrying out cabotage.
  • The ban on driving trucks at night and on Sundays will remain in force.
  • The Alpine Initiative will be upheld, prohibiting any expansion of road capacity through the Alps.
  • The EU will accept Switzerland’s truck toll system (LVSA), with certain maximum possible rates. Moreover, Switzerland will be allowed to further develop the LVSA without needing to amend the land transport agreement.
  • Switzerland’s policy of shifting freight transport from road to rail will be reinforced.

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