International Haulier News round-up

This year continues to be one of milestone moments for hauliers involved in cross-channel and cross-Irish Sea trade. Monday 21st April brought an alert from DVSA warning international operators must ensure their drivers are familiar with the “European Agreement Concerning the Work of Crews of Vehicles Engaged in International Transport” (AETR) rules, and that trucks must be equipped to record and store the extended tachograph data.

Under the changes, from 21 April, HGV operators will need to produce 56 days of driver records on international journeys, doubling the previous requirement of 28 days. This includes digital data, analogue charts, and any manual records. In addition, they will have to follow AETR rules for journeys to and from the UK and non-EU countries. This change affects HGVs registered outside the UK and EU, regardless of their country of registration, when engaged in international journeys.

AETR rules are largely the same as current UK/EU rules, however, the following do not apply to AETR journeys:

- returning to base or driver’s country of residence
- interrupting weekly rest periods
- reaching the employer’s operational centre or driver’s home (unforeseen events)
- accommodation for weekly rest
- 56-day production

HGV operators must also ensure they retrofit a smart tachograph 2 by 18 August 2025, if the vehicle is currently equipped with a smart tachograph 1, or by 1 July 2026 if the vehicle GVW is between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes.
The updated guidance will also include a definition of what goods are in relation to drivers’ hours, an updated list of applicable regulations, and replacing references to ‘EU law’ with ‘assimilated drivers’ hours rules.’ Guidance specific to Northern Ireland operators will be updated accordingly.

The 1st of May will see the introduction of new arrangements and procedures for goods moving to Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework, a post-Brexit agreement between the UK and Europe, originally agreed in 2023. Its purpose is to streamline trade between GB and NI. The Windsor Agreement replaces the Northern Ireland Protocol with a dual route system: a “green lane” for goods staying in Northern Ireland, subject to minimal checks, and a “red lane” for goods destined for the EU and controlled goods.

The new procedures were initially due in October 2024, then moved to March 2025. During these delays, the RHA has consistently reported widespread confusion among carriers, shippers, and agents in interpreting policy into practical procedures—particularly parcel carriers.
The IRU reports that a 2021 EU proposal on regulation against operators who facilitate trafficking or smuggling of migrants into the EU has now been revived after a long period of inaction, with a new draft due end of May. The relevance to international operators? Large fines, suspension of operator licences, and transit authorisation.