Transport licensing in the EU is not a formality, but a real guarantee of safety, legality and competitiveness in the European transport market. For Ukrainian companies, this topic has become particularly relevant after Ukraine received a visa-free freight regime with the EU.
Operating on European routes requires not only the desire but also strict compliance with a number of regulatory requirements set by EU regulators. As Ukraine moves towards integration with the EU, transport licensing is becoming a standard that Ukrainian regulators are also looking to.
This article from Rapid's experts will help Ukrainian carriers, logistics managers and cargo owners to understand the main criteria for admission to the EU international freight market. If you are interested in other news on this topic, please visit https://rapid.com.ua/articles/pravovi-aspekty-mizhnarodnyh-avtomobilnyh-perevezen and get the latest information.
EU Regulation 1071/2009 - the basis for authorisation to transport
The EU's European requirements for carriers are based on Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009, which establishes uniform rules for all road transport operators. This licence, often referred to as a “Eurotriplicate”, is issued at the level of an EU member state but is recognised throughout the single territory.
For Ukrainian companies, however, the process is somewhat different: the relevant licence (carrier certificate) is issued by the Administration of the State Transport Safety Service of Ukraine, but it must be recognised by the EU if it complies with all European standards. This document defines four key criteria that every transport company must meet to operate in the EU market.
№1. Impeccable business reputation
The company and its management must not have any serious violations of transport legislation, tax liabilities or labour standards. In April 2025, the President of Ukraine signed European integration law no. 4560, which implements this requirement in Ukrainian legislation. Companies that have serious violations or convictions related to transport activities are deprived of the right to carry out international freight transport in the EU.
№2. Financial capacity
The Regulation requires carriers to demonstrate sufficient capital and reserves based on annual reports certified by an auditor. For freight transport, the minimum capital is EUR 9,000 for the first vehicle and EUR 5,000 for each subsequent vehicle.
For passenger transport, the amount is €9,000 for the first vehicle and €5,000 for each additional vehicle. This requirement is a significant barrier to entry and cuts off unstable players.
№3. Professional competence
Transport to Europe is only possible if the company has a transport manager with proven qualifications. In 2024 Ukraine has introduced a carrier certification system, which includes drivers receiving the so-called “Code 95” - a certificate of professional competence.
Starting from August 2025, all drivers operating international EU freight or passenger transport will be required to hold a carrier's licence.
№4. Real presence in an EU country
The fourth criterion relates to the actual place of business. Regulation (EU) 2020/1055, which updated the requirements in 2022, aims to combat letterbox companies.
The carrier must have a genuine connection between the place of registration and the actual activities, including the office, staff and vehicles in the country of registration.
How to obtain a Community Licence in the EU?
EU transport licensing begins with the registration of a company in one of the EU member states. Many Ukrainian carriers choose Poland, Romania or Lithuania due to the relative simplicity of bureaucratic procedures and geographical proximity.
Stages of obtaining a licence:
- Registration of a legal entity in the chosen EU country.
- Hiring a qualified transport manager.
- Confirmation of financial stability.
- Checking the technical condition of the vehicle fleet.
- Submitting an application to the national transport authority (e.g. UDT in Poland or ANTT in Romania).
The process can take from 4 to 12 weeks depending on the country and the completeness of the documents.
Environmental and technical standards: no place for Euro 6
One of the most important practical requirements of the EU for carriers is compliance with environmental standards. Starting in 2022, to gain access to a number of EU countries (including Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands), a truck must meet the following requirements Euro 6 standard. This applies to both Ukrainian and European carriers. The Euro 6 requirements are aimed at dramatically reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter emissions, making transport more environmentally friendly.
This means that a Ukrainian company planning to enter the European market needs to invest either in upgrading its fleet or in renting/leasing new vehicles that meet this standard. Violation of these requirements leads to significant fines and restrictions on entry into many cities with low-emission zones.
In addition to the environment, technical compliance includes:
- Smart Tacho electronic recording system 2. All trucks must be equipped with a digital tachograph that records speed, driving time and crew rest. This ensures compliance with EU regulations on driving and rest time for drivers, which is critical for road safety.
- NCTS customs transit system. This electronic system is used to move goods under customs procedures, which significantly speeds up and simplifies customs clearance.
- The system of heavy duty tolls. In EU countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, etc.), there is a system of motorway tolls for trucks over 3.5 tonnes. To do this, each vehicle must be equipped with an on-board device that automatically records the kilometres travelled.
This is not a bureaucracy, but a tool for transparent control of safety and efficiency.
Carrier regulations in the EU: what to look for?
The European Mobility Package defines the mode of operation for companies and drivers. The key rule is transparent and fair competition and safe working conditions. For example, vehicles must return to their home country every 8 weeks, and regular weekly rest in the cab is prohibited.
There are also rules on cabotage - restrictions on the transport of goods within one EU country by a non-resident. This means that a Ukrainian company can transport goods between countries, but the domestic market of one country is protected.
Documents and certification of carriers
For international freight transport in the EU, you need:
- Ukrainian licence for international transport;
- ECMT permits or relevant bilateral documents (if applicable);
- Community Licence - for companies registered in the EU;
- CMR insurance;
- driver's documents (CPC, tachocard, medical documents).
This is the basic package for legal access to the market.
How to avoid mistakes when entering the EU market?
Many Ukrainian companies make typical mistakes:
- Fictitious registration without a real business presence is easily detected during inspections.
- Use of older vehicles that do not meet Euro 6.
- Absence of a qualified manager or his/her formal appointment without real participation in management.
To avoid such risks, it is recommended to contact specialised consultants or use resources that provide up-to-date information on the legal aspects of international road transport. And if you are looking for a reliable company with official licensing of transport, go to https://rapid.com.ua/ and entrust your cargo to professionals.
Conclusion
As of 2025, EU international freight transport remains a promising area for Ukrainian businesses. However, success requires a professional approach to transport licensing, Compliance with all technical and environmental standards and continuous professional development of the team. Carriers such as Rapid, which are already prepared for the new European requirements, will be able to take full advantage of Ukraine's integration into the EU's single transport area.
