License conditions have been changed for carriers

The government has supported changes to carrier licensing initiated by the Ministry of Community Development, Territories and Infrastructure and the State Transport Safety Service. The relevant resolution was adopted at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on June 18.

The key goal of the changes is a fast and fully digitized procedure for obtaining a transportation license that will meet European standards.

The amendments cover the activities of road carriers in the field of international passenger and cargo transportation, transportation of dangerous goods and hazardous waste, and domestic passenger transportation.

"Over the past year, Ukrtransbezpeka issued more than 11.5 thousand licenses - all 100% of licenses were issued electronically. Revenues to the state budget amounted to over UAH 31 million. The adopted resolution makes it possible to improve the existing procedure and create prerequisites for fair and competitive business by carriers. The key change is that the simplified procedure for issuing licenses will no longer be used. In addition, the requirement for drivers to have certificates of professional competence is introduced, as well as clarified requirements for the education of technical personnel serving enterprises, mechanisms for suspending and renewing licenses in case of unfair business practices," said Deputy Minister of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Sergiy Derkach.

Since the amendments to the resolution came into force, the simplified procedure for issuing transportation licenses, the so-called "military licenses," has been terminated.

It should be noted that previously issued licenses remain valid. At the same time, carriers that have received licenses under the simplified procedure will have to update the data in their license files in accordance with the requirements within six months.

In addition, the amendments make it possible to ensure the integration of the Unified Complex of Information Systems of Ukrtransbezpeka with the registers of the Ministry of Justice, the State Tax Service, and the Pension Fund.

Also, the period for reviewing license applications is reduced from 5 to 3 business days.

The provision requiring drivers to undergo mandatory professional training and hold a certificate of professional competence will come into force one year after the amendments to the resolution are adopted. Thus, it will be possible to ensure that drivers undergo the relevant training and obtain the said certificates. The need for vocational training is defined by European standards, in particular the relevant EU Directive.