The Department for Transport (DfT) has issued an important update on how a no-deal Brexit will affect the UK haulage industry.
While the DfT notes that the government continues to ‘work hard to finalise an overall trade agreement with the EU’, preparations are being made for ‘no-deal’, to be in place by 31 December 2020.
Pending approval by the European Parliament, a new agreement will ensure that UK haulage firms retain access to the EU until 30 June 2021.
Unlimited journeys to or from the EU
The European Council published the draft EU Regulation on 10 December. It set basic plans to ensure road and rail freight can move unhindered, should a no-deal Brexit occur.
Approval by the EU Council saw amendments made, with only the European Parliament now left to endorse it. The DfT believes this should happen shortly.
The key points of the proposed Regulation will be:
- UK hauliers can make unlimited journeys to or from the EU until 30 June 2021
- UK firms can make two additional movements – either cross-trade, cabotage, or one of each – until 28 February 2021
- One additional movement – either cross-trade or cabotage – will be permitted between 1 March and 31 March 2021
No cover for transit to third countries
According to the DfT, this EU Regulation will cover ‘the majority of journeys performed by UK hauliers to EU countries’. Longer-term arrangements will be made in the event of there being no substantive trade agreement with the EU.
However, the DfT states that the Regulation will not cover UK hauliers travelling through the EU to a third country.
For these journeys, haulage firms will need to have an ECMT international road haulage permit in place. Hauliers have until 23:59 on 23 December 2020 to pay for an existing ECMT permit.
Those without an annual ECMT permit are instructed to contact the DVSA. Permits for short-term transit can be issued separately.
Today’s announcement comes as the government attempts to resolve the problems in Kent, following the closure of the French border.
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