Agreement Extended Until 2027
Ukraine and the European Union have agreed to extend the “transport visa-free regime” until March 31, 2027, securing stable working conditions and market access for Ukrainian carriers.
According to the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development, maintaining the current provisions reflects effective cooperation between the Ukrainian business community and European partners.
The extension ensures unhindered access to EU transport markets, business predictability, and continuity of logistics flows — a critical factor amid wartime disruptions.
New Rules for Carriers (2025–2027)
The new phase introduces several important European-standard requirements aimed at improving safety, transparency, and professionalism in the transport sector.
1. Business Reputation of Companies
-
All carriers are initially recognized as having a good reputation, which can be lost if violations are recorded.
-
Clear criteria and procedures for determining reputation are being developed and will undergo public consultation.
2. Qualified Transport Managers
-
Each company must appoint a certified transport manager, trained according to EU standards.
-
The manager will oversee a set number of vehicles and may work part-time or serve multiple companies.
3. Smart Tachographs
-
Starting July 1, 2026, all trucks registered for the first time in Ukraine — regardless of age or environmental class — must be equipped with smart tachographs.
-
The rule will not apply retroactively to vehicles already in operation.
-
From October 2025, Ukraine’s State Transport Service (Derzhavtotrans) will begin issuing tachograph cards and providing maintenance services.
Alignment with EU Standards
These updates represent another step toward the harmonization of Ukraine’s road-transport legislation with EU law, in line with Law No. 4337, which defines European integration standards in the field of international transport.
The final implementation of all new norms is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
Why It Matters
The extended “transport visa-free regime” brings:
-
Predictability and stability for Ukrainian carriers;
-
Full market access to EU countries;
-
Gradual transition to European safety and management standards;
-
Enhanced competitiveness for Ukrainian logistics companies in the EU market.
✅ In short: the continuation of the “transport visa-free regime” until 2027 marks not only a preservation of current privileges but also the beginning of a deeper integration of Ukraine’s road-transport industry into the European logistics system.
