New Requirements for International Journeys: What UK Goods Vehicle Operators Must Know

In an evolving post-Brexit landscape, UK-based haulage companies and logistics operators are continuing to adapt to the changing requirements for transporting goods into and across the European Union. While many are already familiar with the customs and border protocols that were introduced after the UK’s departure from the EU, a new layer of compliance has recently emerged that directly affects international journeys by goods vehicles.

To maintain access for certain types of transport operations into the EU, UK operators are now required to submit additional journey information via an EU-wide system. This move is part of the EU’s broader digitalisation strategy for transport and enforcement harmonisation across member states. For UK logistics professionals, understanding this requirement is crucial to avoid delays, fines, or even denial of access at EU borders.

Understanding the EU’s IMI System

At the heart of this new requirement is the Internal Market Information System (IMI) – an EU platform designed to facilitate cross-border administrative cooperation. While the IMI has traditionally been used for a range of regulatory activities across different sectors, it has now been expanded to cover transport operations, specifically under the EU’s Posting of Drivers regulations.

Since February 2022, EU regulations have required operators from third countries—including the UK—to submit details about drivers and goods movements when certain types of operations are carried out within the EU. These rules were initially part of the Mobility Package I, aimed at improving working conditions for drivers and fair competition among transport companies across the EU.

When Is IMI Notification Required?

UK operators must provide information through the IMI system when posting drivers to carry out specific transport operations within the EU, including:

Cabotage operations – Transport of goods between two locations within a single EU country by a foreign (non-EU) operator.
Cross-trade operations – Transport of goods between two EU member states, neither of which is the operator’s country of establishment.

However, international bilateral transport—where a journey begins in the UK and ends in a single EU country (or vice versa)—is exempt from this IMI posting requirement in most cases. But complications arise when additional activities are combined with bilateral transport (e.g., additional loading or unloading within the EU), which can trigger the need for posting declarations.

The requirement does not apply to transit-only journeys, where the goods simply pass through an EU country without being loaded or unloaded.

What Information Must Be Submitted?

UK operators posting drivers to perform in-scope journeys must register the following via the IMI system before the journey begins:

The operator’s business details (name, legal form, registration number).
Driver’s identification (name, driving license, employment status).
Details of the transport operation (vehicle registration, type of operation, countries involved).
The expected start and end date of the posting.

This declaration must be made before the driver begins the operation, and it must be available for inspection by enforcement authorities in the EU country where the operation takes place.

Why This Matters for UK Operators

Non-compliance with IMI declaration requirements can result in significant consequences for UK operators, including:

Fines and penalties issued by EU enforcement agencies.
Detention or refusal of entry at EU borders.
Reputational damage and potential exclusion from future contracts, especially for operators working with EU-based logistics networks or clients.

Given the competitive nature of international haulage, even short-term disruptions due to missing documentation or failed compliance checks can severely affect delivery schedules and client relationships.

Moreover, with enforcement being carried out by roadside checks and digital verifications, the likelihood of detection is high. EU authorities now routinely check drivers’ documentation not only for tachograph compliance and vehicle roadworthiness, but also for IMI registration details in the case of posted drivers.

Administrative Challenges for Smaller Operators

While larger logistics companies may have the internal compliance infrastructure to handle this new requirement, smaller UK operators may find the process more daunting. The IMI system is designed primarily with EU-based operators in mind, and navigating its interface, document submission protocols, and multilingual support can be complex without the right guidance.

In addition, many UK hauliers who previously relied on streamlined EU access before Brexit now face a stack of new administrative tasks—including customs declarations, permits (such as ECMT), driver attestations, and now IMI notifications—which can overwhelm smaller or independent operators.

To mitigate this, the UK government and trade associations such as the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and Logistics UK have issued guidance and support resources to help operators navigate the system. However, it is still incumbent upon each operator to ensure that their staff are trained and systems are in place to manage the new requirements.

Steps to Ensure Compliance

For UK hauliers engaged in EU-bound operations, staying compliant with the IMI requirement involves a few clear steps:

Identify your operation type – Confirm whether your journey qualifies as bilateral, cabotage, or cross-trade.
Register for IMI access – Create an account via the European Commission’s IMI portal.
Prepare driver and company documentation – Ensure you have all relevant documents digitised and ready to upload.
Submit declarations in advance – Do not wait until the day of the journey; submit required postings well before departure.
Educate your drivers – Make sure your drivers understand what documents they need to carry and how to present them during roadside checks.

The Bigger Picture

The IMI posting requirement for UK hauliers is more than just a bureaucratic hurdle—it reflects a larger trend toward regulatory alignment and digital compliance in European transport. As the EU continues to roll out its Mobility Package and other transport reforms, third-country operators like those in the UK will need to remain agile, informed, and compliant.

In time, digital tools and improved integration may ease some of the current frictions. But for now, the best strategy is proactive preparation. By staying informed, leveraging available resources, and treating regulatory compliance as a core operational responsibility, UK operators can continue to compete effectively in the European logistics market.

Conclusion

Navigating the EU’s new requirements for international goods journeys is another step in the post-Brexit adjustment for UK hauliers. With the IMI posting obligations now a part of the rulebook for certain types of transport operations, compliance is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Whether you’re a small independent haulier or a large fleet operator, taking the time to understand when and how to use the IMI system could be the difference between a smooth cross-border operation and an expensive delay. In a sector where timing and reliability are everything, that difference matters