Head of practice
Attorney. Specialist in commercial and labor law. Over 16 years of experience in legal support of businesses - debt recovery, contract enforcement, recovery of damages, commercial property and lease disputes.
License for international freight transportation
International transportation on a commercial basis is subject to mandatory licensing. There are several permits for conducting such activities – international passenger transportation, international transportation of (dangerous) cargo. A license for international cargo transportation is important and establishes certain requirements for carriers, their vehicles and drivers. It can also provide certain advantages when drivers cross the state border. In this article, we will examine in more detail the conditions and procedure for obtaining it.
Who can obtain a license for international cargo transportation?

The right to carry out international freight transportation may be obtained by a business entity (carrier) subject to compliance with the following requirements:
- official registration as a business entity (individual entrepreneur, company) in the territory of Ukraine with KVED 49.41;
- availability of ownership or legal use of office premises (office) to ensure administrative activities;
- sufficient material and technical base (vehicles under leasing, rental, purchase and sale terms) for organizing international transportation and performing administrative functions (workshops, garages, ATP with necessary repair boxes);
- presence of a specialist in organizing international transportation on staff, responsible for their proper compliance with international standards;
- employment of drivers with experience in domestic freight transportation for at least 3 years, with a driver’s license of categories “C”, “C1”, “CE” or “C1E”.
Please note that the specified license does not apply to the international transportation of dangerous goods, for this it is necessary to obtain a separate permit. Accordingly, the cargo that can be transported must belong to one of the proposed categories: non-flammable liquids, construction materials, bulk cargo, woodworking industry products, food and household goods.
Additional benefits of obtaining a license
Such a permit also provides carriers with important additional benefits, in particular in the field of organizing the departure of employed drivers abroad. When obtaining a license, employees are entered into the “SHLYAKH” information system, primarily to optimize the process of crossing the state border. In particular, through this system it is possible to formulate separate permits for traveling abroad for their drivers for a period of up to 60 days in conditions of martial law (in accordance with clauses 2-8 of the Rules for Crossing the State Border by Citizens of Ukraine). But it is worth noting: only up to two drivers can cross the state border at the same time in one vehicle for the carriage of goods. You can get more information by consulting with the lawyers of our law firm.
Requirements for the vehicle of an international cargo carrier
Vehicles used by licensees must meet a number of technical requirements. Freight vehicles must be equipped with tachographs, which is important for compliance with international legislation. The technical passport for transport must also contain information about the availability of an environmental certificate. In addition, vehicles must regularly undergo mandatory technical inspection to recognize their suitability for operation.
Procedure for obtaining a license for international freight transportation
Documents to be submitted
Obtaining a license for international freight transportation involves the preparation of the following documentation:
- copies of an extract from the Unified State Register of Registration of the carrier;
- copies of the passport and RNOKPP of the head of the carrier company, his diploma (to confirm possession of the appropriate level of education or qualification);
- registration certificates for each vehicle planned to be used;
- a lease or purchase agreement for the carrier’s office, ATP, and other real estate;
- copies of contracts for technical maintenance of transport, medical examinations for drivers.
The list of documents specified above may be changed by Ukrtransbezpeka. It is recommended to check the current information on its official website or consult with the lawyers of our law firm for more detailed guidance.
How much does an international freight transportation license cost?
The administrative fee for issuing the appropriate permit is one subsistence minimum (currently 3,028 hryvnias). Moreover, for each additional vehicle included in the license, an additional registration fee of up to 700 hryvnias per unit may be charged.
What is the liability for international freight transportation without a license?
Carrying out international freight transportation without obtaining a mandatory permit is a gross violation of the legislation of Ukraine and entails administrative liability in the following amounts of fines: from 17,000 to 34,000 hryvnias for the first violation; from 34,000 to 85,000 hryvnias for the second violation. The truck and other means of conducting business (for example, invalid/forged documents) may also be subject to confiscation.
Obtaining a license for international freight transportation involves submitting a certain package of documents to Ukrtransbezopasnost, paying a state fee and additional costs for registering several vehicles. Carrying out activities entails significant administrative fines. Contact the lawyers of Prikhodko & Partners and we will help you obtain a license in the simplest and fastest way! To find out the price of legal support, fill out the form below.
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