Things to know
Eligible journeys and territorial limits
Check whether the loading and unloading countries participate in the quota and whether the specific licence covers the relevant countries on the route. Check territorial endorsements and additional restrictions. An ECMT licence does not authorise cabotage. Journeys involving countries outside the quota need a separate check of their legal basis.
Order of journeys
Under the general rule, after the first laden journey between the carrier’s country of establishment and another member country, the carrier may make up to three laden journeys that do not involve the country of establishment. The vehicle must then return there laden or empty. Consult the ITF guide for exceptions and recording rules.
Vehicle requirements
The motor vehicle must meet the environmental and technical class of the licence. Trailers and semitrailers must meet applicable safety requirements. Keep the relevant compliance and roadworthiness certificates available for checks. A licence can be used for only one vehicle at a time.
The digital system in 2026
From 1 January 2026, the ECMT Digital System replaced paper licences and logbooks. The carrier records the journey and makes the current Licence Information and Journey Information documents available. These system-generated documents may be presented as digital files or on white paper. Secure QR codes support verification.
Documents for roadside checks
Have the ECMT licence and journey information documents, relevant vehicle and trailer compliance certificates and roadworthiness certificates, plus the journey’s transport records, such as the CMR consignment note where applicable. Check the specific licence and document set before departure.