New Requirement For International Goods Vehicle Operator License On Vehicles Over 2500kgs From May 2022
If you are using a vehicle to transport goods for hire or reward, then you might need to obtain an international goods operator license before leaving the U.K. after May 2022. This will apply if you are using a light goods vehicle and intend to deliver goods for reward or hire to the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
Check the following criteria to see if you require a license:
Vehicles that require an international goods vehicle operator license
– If you are operating a light goods vehicle, such as a commercial van, with a maximum authorised mass from 2500kgs up to and including 3500kgs, then you will require a license to move goods for hire or reward.
– Vehicles under 2500kgs that are towing a trailer, and have a gross train weight (vehicle + towed unit) from 2500kgs up to and including 3500kgs, require a license to move goods for hire or reward.
If you have a vehicle over 2500kgs or a gross train weight over 2500kgs – but are not transporting goods for hire or reward – then you do not need a license.
Applying for an international goods vehicle operator license
If you need to have a license for your vehicle, then there are several options available to you:
If you have no goods vehicle operator license
The first thing that you will need to do, before applying, is hire a transport manager. A transport manager is responsible for:
– Planning routes and delivery times.
– Ensuring drivers follow regulations.
– Arranging vehicle maintenance, MOTs and taxes.
– Organising vehicle replacements.
– Managing your team of drivers and staff.
To fulfil this role, you can:
– Employ someone with a Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) qualification.
– Hire an external transport manager that holds a CPC.
– Apply for a member of staff to be a temporary transport manager. If successful, they will be recognised as holding a CPC until 21st May 2025.*
* Note that it is a serious responsibility to be a transport manager as you are legally obligated to ensure that drivers and staff follow industry regulations. It is best to ensure that anyone applying to be a temporary transport manager has some experience or is already training towards their CPC.
Once you have a transport manager, then you can apply for a standard international goods vehicle operator license. Once received, follow the steps in the next section.
If you have an existing standard international goods vehicle operator license
You need to add any additional vehicles to you existing license if you want to use them in the EU, Liechtenstein, Norward, or Switzerland for transporting goods for reward or hire. This is free to do if you are not increasing the vehicle limit on your license. You can do this here.
There is currently a fee of £257 to make a change of “major variation” to your license, including if you need to change your vehicle limit.
You may need to prove that you have the “financial standing” when amending your license. This is to show you have the funds to operate your vehicles. Currently, the expected funds required are as follows:
– £8000 for the first vehicle in your fleet.
– £4500 for every additional HGV.
– £800 for every van, or car and trailer chain.
If you already have a national, but not international, license
You will need to upgrade to an international goods vehicle operator license, then add your vehicle details to it.
You will also need to prove your “financial standing”, as above.
If you have a restricted goods vehicle operator license
If you have a restricted license, then you can apply to change the license to an international goods vehicle operator license. To do this, you will need to hire a transport manager as outlined in the “If you have no goods vehicle operator license” above.
Documents that the driver must carry
In addition to his personal travel documents, your driver must carry a copy of your UK license for the community, which is received free with your license.
As your driver is carrying commercial goods, they must remember to stay within the Ro/Ro personal allowance limits and keep foodstuffs out of their belongings, otherwise you could be delayed at the border or paying duty and Vat.
Need help with customs clearance of your goods for hire or reward?
Universal Customs Clearance cannot help you with your international goods vehicle operator license, but we can help ensure you get through the border without delays so that you can deliver your goods on time. Contact one of our experts for more information.
