Business discussed the extension of the “transport visa-free regime” with the Deputy Minister for Development

08/ 10/ 2025

On 6 October, member companies of the European Business Association met with Serhii Derkach, Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine. The main topic of the meeting was the extension of Ukraine’s “transport visa-free regime” and the development prospects of freight road transport in the context of European integration. The transport visa-free regime is of great importance, as since the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine’s exports have undergone significant reorientation. Currently, there are categories of goods that can only be transported by road. As Ukraine is a candidate country for EU membership, the Ministry aims to transform this temporary liberalisation measure into a permanent agreement. Meanwhile, with countries that do not yet have similar arrangements, the Government continues to negotiate the required number of permits and promote their convenient electronic format. Earlier, it was announced that the European Union extended the Agreement on the Liberalisation of Freight Transport between Ukraine and the EU for 15 months, from 1 January 2026 to 31 March 2027. During this period, both Ukraine and the EU have undertaken a series of commitments. Ukraine, in particular, is obliged to continue aligning its transport legislation with EU standards. For several critical areas, transitional periods will be introduced. Ukraine’s commitments include: Introducing a “business reputation” mechanism for transport companies by November 2026. Relevant information on companies’ integrity or violations will be stored in a dedicated register. Ensuring the presence of qualified transport managers in every freight company engaged in international transport. One manager may serve up to five companies and oversee up to 50 vehicles. Gradual introduction of smart tachographs – from 1 July 2026, all newly registered vehicles in Ukraine must be equipped with smart tachographs. Previously registered vehicles will not be subject to these rules. It is expected that by the end of October this year, companies in Ukraine will already be able to obtain tachograph cards, while the necessary service infrastructure for smart tachographs is already in place. The European Union’s commitments include: Conducting an independent impact assessment of the Agreement’s implementation on both the Ukrainian and EU markets, including potential cases of non-compliance. Although this assessment is not binding, it will play a key role in future decision-making. Both sides are expected to fulfil their commitments by November 2026. Based on the outcomes of this process and the EU’s assessment, further negotiations will be held regarding the transport regime in 2027. The EBA sincerely thanks Serhii Derkach for the meeting and the important discussion with the business community!

The transport visa-free regime is of great importance, as since the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine’s exports have undergone significant reorientation. Currently, there are categories of goods that can only be transported by road. As Ukraine is a candidate country for EU membership, the Ministry aims to transform this temporary liberalisation measure into a permanent agreement. Meanwhile, with countries that do not yet have similar arrangements, the Government continues to negotiate the required number of permits and promote their convenient electronic format.

Earlier, it was announced that the European Union extended the Agreement on the Liberalisation of Freight Transport between Ukraine and the EU for 15 months, from 1 January 2026 to 31 March 2027. During this period, both Ukraine and the EU have undertaken a series of commitments. Ukraine, in particular, is obliged to continue aligning its transport legislation with EU standards. For several critical areas, transitional periods will be introduced.

Ukraine’s commitments include:

Introducing a “business reputation” mechanism for transport companies by November 2026. Relevant information on companies’ integrity or violations will be stored in a dedicated register.
Ensuring the presence of qualified transport managers in every freight company engaged in international transport. One manager may serve up to five companies and oversee up to 50 vehicles.
Gradual introduction of smart tachographs – from 1 July 2026, all newly registered vehicles in Ukraine must be equipped with smart tachographs. Previously registered vehicles will not be subject to these rules. It is expected that by the end of October this year, companies in Ukraine will already be able to obtain tachograph cards, while the necessary service infrastructure for smart tachographs is already in place.

The European Union’s commitments include:

Conducting an independent impact assessment of the Agreement’s implementation on both the Ukrainian and EU markets, including potential cases of non-compliance. Although this assessment is not binding, it will play a key role in future decision-making.

Both sides are expected to fulfil their commitments by November 2026. Based on the outcomes of this process and the EU’s assessment, further negotiations will be held regarding the transport regime in 2027.

The EBA sincerely thanks Serhii Derkach for the meeting and the important discussion with the business community!