Essential information for UK hauliers driving to the EU after 31 October

25 September

The DVSA recently published new guidance for hauliers driving to the EU after 31 October 2019.  The details of this is set out below.

Documents

If the UK leave the EU with no-deal, then UK hauliers and commercial drivers operating in the EU will be required to carry additional documentation.

Drivers will need to carry the following documents:

• A passport with at least 6 months left on it. There are some added complications regarding passports so it is best to check your passport here before travelling check your passport here: https://www.gov.uk/visit-europe-brexit
• An ECMT permit will be required for some journeys. You can check here whether a permit is required – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/carry-out-international-road-haulage-after-brexit
• A Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (see our article on Driver CPC for after Brexit)
• A tachograph driver card
• An international driving permit will be required in France, Italy and Cyprus

Additional documents will also be needed in relation to the vehicle:

• A motor insurance green card for the vehicle and also for the trailer if relevant
• A vehicle log book
• A GB sticker on the vehicle

Separate cargo and customs documents will also be required. These will need to be requested from the shipping agent. If the goods being transported are high risk or controlled products, further documentation will also be required.

Importing and Exporting

Individual EU countries may have different requirements in terms of the documentation required for importing and exporting goods.

Exporters are responsible for provided hauliers with the documents needed to cross borders.

If goods are being carried that do not comply with EU requirements it could result in delays and even penalties and therefore it is important that hauliers are aware of there requirements.

Some countries have already  provided customs guidance for after Brexit.

France – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/french-customs-guidance-after-brexit

Netherlands – https://www.getreadyforbrexit.eu/en/

Spain – https://www.agenciatributaria.es/AEAT.internet/en_gb/Inicio/La_Agencia_Tributaria/Aduanas_e_Impuestos_Especiales/_Presentacion/Procedimientos_y_gestiones_en_la_Aduana/_EMPRESAS_Y_PROFESIONALES/Entrada_y_salida_de_mercancias/Entrada_y_salida_de_mercancias.shtml

Operation Brock

Operation Brock is a traffic management system which will come into place in the event of a no deal Brexit. The aim of Operation Brock is to ensure that goods continue to move in and out of the UK with minimum disruption.

The plan is that lorries heading into Europe will queue on the M20 while all other traffic will continue to flow in both directions on the other side of the motorway.  If necessary, this will be extended to Manston Airport and the M26.

Further information on Operation Brock can be found here – https://highwaysengland.co.uk/OperationBrock/#under7.5

For further advice on driving after Brexit, contact a member of our regulatory team on 01254 828 300 or email us at regulatory@backhouses.co.uk