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Transport goods in Europe in vans or car and trailers from 21 May 2022
What transport companies and couriers need to do to use vans and car and trailers over 2.5 tonnes to transport goods in Europe from 21 May 2022.
From 21 May 2022, you’ll need a standard international goods vehicle operator licence to transport goods for hire or reward in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
This will apply to you if you’re based in England, Scotland or Wales and use:
- vans or other light goods vehicles (sometimes called ‘light commercial vehicles’)
- vans towing trailers
- cars towing trailers
You need to either:
- apply for a standard international goods vehicle operator licence for the first time
- add the vehicles to your standard international goods vehicle operator licence (if you already have one)
- apply to upgrade your standard national goods vehicle operator licence (if you have one) to a standard international goods vehicle operator licence
- apply to upgrade your restricted goods vehicle operator licence (if you have one) to a standard international goods vehicle operator licence
You can be fined by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you operate without the right licence. You can also be prosecuted in the European countries you drive through.