New EU rules from 21 May, 2022, will mean that operators or users of vans and other light goods vehicles over 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes in weight that transport goods for hire and reward from the UK into, or through the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, will need an International Operators’ Licence.

This applies to:

• vans or other light goods vehicles (sometimes called ‘light commercial vehicles’);
• vans towing trailers;
• cars towing trailers.

You’ll also need to have a qualified transport manager

If you do not have the qualification, you might be able to be temporarily recognised as a transport manager if you have enough experience. You can apply if you have at least 10 years’ experience of managing fleets of vehicles.

If you already have a goods vehicle operator licence, you’ll need to add these extra vehicles to your licence. 

To apply for an operator’s licence click here.

Cabotage or cross trade in Europe

Since February 2022, anyone transporting goods between two points in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway for commercial purposes, (known as cabotage or cross trade) must make a ‘posting declaration’, which means registering the operator, driver, driver employment details, dates of travel, and the vehicle used.

This could be using HGVs, vans or other light goods vehicles of any size, or cars, whether or not you’re towing a trailer. It will apply if you’re moving the goods for hire or reward, or for your own business’ use.

To find out more about the new rules click here.

Don’t ignore the new rules

During his presentation at The Movers & Storers Show last November, solicitor Jonathon Backhouse from Backhouse Jones (pictured right) warned that anyone caught contravening the new rules would be fined and their vehicle impounded before being sold and the proceeds, less costs, being returned to them: “You can just imagine how little the difference would be after they’ve had their cut,” said Jonathon.