In 2026 the process of issuing ECMT Permits will be going digital, and you will no longer require a paper permit or logbook. Instead, you will receive a QR code and will be able to log all journey details online.
The International Transport Forum (ITF) held two training sessions for ECMT permit holders in January and are now offering the training to those who were unable to attend those sessions.
The ITF will be opening up the website later this year to ensure hauliers can familiarise themselves with the system. 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. In 2026, the QR code will then replace the permit, and the logbook will no longer be required, at this point all journeys will be logged on the online system.
The process of applying for ECMT Permits will remain the same throughout, where you need to email IRHPO with information that can be found here.
Please note that most journeys are covered by the UK Licence for the Community and/or bilateral permits. ECMT Permits will only be required for specific journeys:
• a third cross-trade journey in the EU,
• to make a cross-trade journey from the EU to a non-EU country (the non-EU country must be an ECMT member country),
• to make a cross-trade journey within the EU following an unladen journey from the UK
• or to undertake a journey to Armenia.
If you are an ECMT permit holder or you think that you may need to apply for one in the future and have not been on one of the previous sessions, we advise that you join the new training session provided by ITF, where they will outline the new process.
The session is scheduled for 9am-11am on 18th June. You do not need to register to attend.
If you would like to join, please use the link to join the session at the scheduled time.
9am-11am on 18th June 2025:
Microsoft Teams Need help?
Meeting ID: 315 437 716 786 3
Passcode: iP72JM3t
ECMT application information:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ecmt-international-road-haulage-permits#apply-for-permits