DfT issues important information about ECMT permits
Today (2 January 2025), the Office of the Traffic Commissioner has issued important information about ECMT (European Conference of Ministers of Transport) international road haulage permits on behalf of the DfT.
In 2026, the process of issuing ECMT permits will be going digital (you will receive a QR code and be able to log all journey details online - a paper permit or logbook will no longer be required) and the International Transport Forum (ITF) is taking steps to help hauliers prepare by opening up the website later this year so that hauliers can familiarise themselves with the system.
This year, you will still receive your paper permit and logbook, but you will also be able to log onto the ITF website with your unique username and password. These details will be provided by the International Road Haulage Permit Office (IRHPO) when your permit has been issued and you will be able to see which permits have been allocated to you. Then, in 2026, the QR code will replace the permit and the logbook will no longer be required - from this point all journeys will be logged on the online system.
The process of applying for ECMT permits will remain the same – you will still need to email the IRHPO (at irhp@dvsa.gov.uk) with all the required information (more details can be found here).
Hauliers are reminded that ECMT permits are only required for specific journeys – most journeys are covered by the UK Licence for the Community and/or bilateral permits.
If you are an ECMT permit holder or you think that you may need to apply for one in the future, the DfT recommends that you join one of the following training sessions provided by ITF, where they will outline the new process:
1pm-3pm on 22nd January 2025 - Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 340 385 781 647
Passcode: jJ3GD2Je
9am-11am on 23rd January 2025 - Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 324 984 059 368
Passcode: eu3eD3hm
