Changes on the road to compliance
Tom Griffith, manager at the Member Advice Centre (MAC), Logistics UK, discusses some noteworthy shifts in the regulatory landscape in 2026
Logistics businesses are a major driver of growth and generate £170 billion GVA to the UK economy annually. The sector transports all the essential goods needed by schools, hospitals, businesses and homes – and it is fair to say that across the economy, nothing moves without logistics.
Thanks to the size and complexity of the vehicles and premises it operates, the sector is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the UK and, irrespective of fleet size, compliance with the latest legislation is vital.
Long-term data from Logistics UK’s 2025 Compliance Report, drawn from data from a cross sector of our membership, is encouraging, and reflects an overall improvement in compliance and vehicle standards industry-wide. A combination of regulatory pressure, cultural change and operational improvements have driven this progress: as an example initial failure rates for HGVs taking their MOT test has dropped from 32.4 per cent in 2008/09 to 10.3 per cent in 2024/25.
This year was marked by the implementation of many new regulations including the introduction of in-service laden brake testing that brought in more comprehensive requirements for carrying out laden brake testing. 2025 also saw the updated Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness being published to provide clarity on the responsibilities involved in keeping vehicles roadworthy.
These regulations reflect the evolving nature of compliance management and the necessity for logistics businesses to stay informed in order to navigate new or updated legislation.
Looking ahead to 2026, the EU Entry and Exit System (EES), the GB Type Approval scheme and Euro 7 emissions are some of the changes expected to impact compliance management.
EU Entry and Exit System
The EU’s Entry and Exit System (EES) came into force on 12 October 2025 and facilitates the automatic registration of non-EU nationals travelling in the Schengen area. Drivers carrying goods are required to create a digital record during their first visit to the region by submitting biometric details, a record which is valid for three years. After the initial registration, drivers only need to provide a fingerprint or photo at the border.
EES has also thrown up an additional consideration for transport operators – automatic enforcement of the 90/180 day rule that restricts non-EU citizens to spending 90 days in the previous 180 in the EU. The new EES system will automatically log time spent within the Schengen area and automatically detect overstayers. Drivers and operators need to ensure they remain compliant, and it is also important to remember that both personal travel and commercial work contribute to the 90 days, as do personal holidays.
GB type approval
The GB type approval scheme, in force from 1 February 2026, requires that goods vehicles and trailers meet type approval to ensure they are built consistently and meet a range of safety and environmental standards.
Following the UK’s exit from the EU, two UK type approval schemes were created: the UK (NI) type approval scheme (‘n11’), which follows EU law in line with the Windsor Framework; and the GB type approval scheme (‘g11’) which is based on EU law as it was assimilated into the UK law.
From 1 February 2026, both goods vehicles and passenger vehicles must hold GB or UK (NI) type approval in order to be sold into Great Britain, which means both manufacturers and hauliers need to be aware of this and ensure compliance.
GB type approval can be applied for through the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), the sole type approval authority, which will issue certificates when vehicles meet its criteria.
Euro 7 emissions
The first phase of Euro 7, which builds upon the existing Euro 6 standard, introduces more strict requirements with the aim of reducing air pollutant emissions from road vehicles and improving battery durability for electric vehicles.
It will come into effect on 29 November 2026 and applies to light commercial vehicles that do not exceed 3.5 tonnes, as well as passenger vehicles that have no more than eight seats.
It will regulate standards for tailpipe emissions and, for the first time, non-exhaust emissions from brakes and tyres. The period for which vehicles must be compliant will increase, and a new battery durability standard for electric vehicles to assess how condition degrades over time.
After the 29 November 2026 deadline, EU type approval authorities will not accept new vehicle designs which don’t meet the new stricter requirements, making compliance all that more important.
Conclusion
It is essential operators stay abreast of changes to compliance requirements to ensure the safe and legal operation of their fleets. Logistics UK understands the various challenges that road operators face and through initiatives such as Member Briefings, the Transport Manager Conference series and the Member Advice Centre, it seeks to ensure operators are armed with the latest knowledge of changing legislation.
