New Rules for International Road Transport in the EU
From July 1, 2026, new EU regulations extend tachograph requirements to certain light commercial vehicles used in international road transport, introducing additional compliance obligations for transport and moving companies.
The new rules apply to commercial vehicles and vehicle combinations with a permissible gross vehicle weight of more than 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes when used for international transport of goods or cabotage operations. These vehicles must now be equipped with second-generation smart tachographs installed and calibrated by certified workshops. Drivers will also be required to comply with the same driving and working time rules that already apply to heavy goods vehicle operators.
Failure to comply may result in substantial penalties, which vary across EU Member States. For example, fines reach €2,640 in Belgium and €4,400 in the Netherlands, while France imposes some of the strictest sanctions, including fines of up to €30,000, possible imprisonment for up to one year, and immediate vehicle immobilisation.
For international moving companies, the new rules further harmonise transport standards across the EU and increase compliance requirements for fleets using light commercial vehicles in cross-border operations. Companies relying on vans for international removals should ensure their vehicles and drivers meet the new requirements before undertaking international transport.