The European Commission has just announced a contingency measure to apply for international road haulage in early 2021 in a bid to lessen the impact on road freight should negotiations between the EU and the UK stall.

UK international operators will be able to undertake international road haulage between the UK and EU without the need for ECMT permits until at least June 30, 2021.

As yet, no arrangements are in place for movements after this date.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) said it did not believe cabotage will be permitted at all for UK hauliers in the EU, nor will cross-trade of loads between EU states be allowed under these rules.

It is likely ECMT permits will be needed for transit across the EU to non-EU States (Switzerland, Ukraine, Norway, etc) or to move goods between EU States, RHA added.

Further information will be provided in due course.