Today, 10 December, the European Commission has announced the contingency measures that will apply to international road haulage in early 2021.

UK international operators will be able to undertake international road haulage between the UK and EU without the need for ECMT permits until at least 30 June, 2021. No arrangements are in place for movements after 30 June, 2021.

The Road Haulage Association said it did not believe cabotage will be permitted at all for UK hauliers in the EU, nor will cross trade of loads between EU states be allowed under these rules. It is likely that ECMT permits will be needed for transit across the EU to non-EU States (Switzerland, Ukraine, Norway, etc.) or to move goods between EU States.

Commenting on the announcement Sarah Laouadi, European Policy Manager at Logistics UK said, “Today’s announcement of contingency measures for road and air access for logistics operators for six months after the end of the transition period, if adopted in time, will come as a welcome safety net for logistics businesses which have been unable to plan for the future, due to a lack of certainty on whether and how they will be able to operate in three weeks’ time.” 

“However, six months is not a very long time in business, and for Logistics UK members, it is vital that negotiators return to the table to work out a free trade agreement between the UK and EU to ensure the security of their businesses and livelihoods in the years to come.”