The Department for Transport has updated its information on the international road haulage permits that UK haulage companies require for cross-border transport.
The updated guidance concerns the required documentation and permits for operating vehicles with a gross vehicle weight above 3.5 tonnes on international journeys.
Here’s an overview of what haulage companies need to know:
Vehicle operator licences
To begin with, companies must have a vehicle operator licence to carry goods internationally, whether for personal business or for hire and reward.
This requirement is applicable to vehicles over 2.5 tonnes when transporting goods to or through Europe. Without this licence, companies cannot legally operate on international routes.
UK licence for the community
In addition, for journeys within the EU, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, companies need a UK Licence for the Community.
This licence not only allows limited cabotage (haulage jobs within an EU country) but also cross-trade operations (between two EU countries).
This licence is essential for operations in numerous EU countries, including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, and Italy, among others.
ECMT permits
Moreover, for those undertaking cross-trade jobs in the EU, an ECMT (European Conference of Ministers of Transport) permit is necessary.
This permit is crucial for conducting up to three cross-trade jobs between ECMT countries, ensuring companies comply with international regulations.
Bilateral road haulage permits
Permits are also required for specific non-EU countries with which the UK has agreements, such as Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Norway, Russia, and Tunisia.
It is important to note that permits for Belarus and Russia are currently unavailable due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This restriction impacts companies planning operations involving these countries.
Specialist removal companies
Furthermore, specialist removal companies transporting household goods and business possessions between or across the 43 ECMT countries must apply for specific permits.
These permits cover a wide range of countries, including Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, and others. Ensuring the correct permits are in place is vital for the smooth operation of these specialist services.
Own account permits
For companies carrying goods for their own business purposes and not for hire or reward, specific conditions must be met. Firstly, the goods must be owned by the company. Secondly, the transport must support the main business activity rather than being a primary transport business.
Additionally, extra documents are required for journeys to Cyprus and Hungary, including details about the operator and the goods being carried. This ensures transparency and compliance with international standards.
New documentation requirements
Lastly, according to the latest DVSA update, drivers are now required to carry additional documents when travelling to Europe. This includes new green card requirements and specific documents for countries like Morocco, where permits are needed for vehicles entering with filming equipment or for exhibitions.
These new requirements are crucial for ensuring that all international operations are conducted legally and smoothly.
For detailed guidance and application procedures, companies can refer to the official resources provided by the DVSA and the Department for Transport.
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