In September, carriers must carefully monitor not only the implementation deadlines of the announced changes. The new regulations affect cross-border operations, and some, like ICS2, have a systemic and long-term character. Below we summarize the most important changes that are in effect or were announced in September 2025.
Border checks in Germany extended until March 2026
Germany is extending checks at borders with neighbors, including Poland, the Czech Republic, and Austria, until March 15, 2026. This is a response to threats related to illegal migration and cross-border crime. Carriers should expect longer waiting times at border crossings, especially for express and just-in-time transports.
ICS2 – ENS declaration reporting
From September 1, the next stage of the Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is in effect. Road carriers must report the short entry summary declaration ENS before the goods cross the EU border. The industry appealed for a delay, but only a few countries decided on derogations until the end of the year.
The declaration must be submitted before crossing the border (at least an hour before reaching the EU border) and include detailed information about the goods, such as buyer, seller, place of receipt and delivery, as well as a six-digit HS code and description of the goods.
The carrier is responsible for its submission, which involves the need to obtain all information from other entities in the supply chain in advance.
Details are available at this link.
France postpones the ELO obligation again
The obligation to equip vehicles with the ELO (Enregistrement des Livraisons Obligatoire) system still won’t come into force in September. France has postponed the deadline again, this time without setting a new date. Although it was originally supposed to be effective from July, the system is still not ready, allowing carriers to breathe a sigh of relief – at least temporarily.
New seat belt regulations
From September, a new approach to enforcing seat belt regulations in utility vehicles applies in Hungary. In case of inspection, if the driver is not wearing a seat belt, responsibility may be assigned not only to the driver but also to the transport company.
The new regulations provide for the following penalties for not wearing seat belts:
- 20,000 forints (approx. 50 euros) – in built-up areas,
- 30,000 forints (approx. 75 euros) – outside built-up areas,
- 40,000 forints (approx. 100 euros) – on highways and motorways.
New ADR regulations
From September, the regulations concerning the transport of mixtures containing lead (e.g., brass, fasteners, pipes) are being tightened. The substance has been subject to special control under the ADR convention.
Carriers must adjust labeling, documentation, and packaging method. This means additional responsibilities and potential costs for companies operating in the chemical and metallurgical sector.
Changes are detailed in this article.
Higher fees for vehicle technical inspections
In Poland, new fees for vehicle technical inspections are being introduced. The changes include trucks, buses, and specialist vehicles. The government has also announced a reform of the inspection system, which aims to introduce a more flexible settlement model and a new fee structure.
Commercial vehicle owners will pay:
- for a truck and special vehicle, tractor unit with a gross vehicle weight of 3.5–16 tons – 234 PLN (previously 153 PLN),
- truck and special vehicle, tractor unit over 16 tons, ballast – 269 PLN (previously 176 PLN),
- bus with more than 15 seats – 304 PLN (previously 199 PLN).
The Ministry also plans a new training system for diagnosticians, a photographic documentation requirement for vehicles, the possibility of conducting inspections up to 30 days before the deadline without shortening validity, and linking rates to an objective index to react to economic changes.
