Several EU countries, including Germany, Austria, Italy, the Netherlands, and Sweden, have tightened border controls due to the increase in illegal migration.
According to the Transport Corridor Research Center (TCRC), the new penalties for violations are significant and can reach tens of thousands of euros in some cases.
Special attention will be paid to drivers’ and vehicles’ documentation. It is crucial that the international CMR document for cargo transport is correctly completed, as even minor errors can lead to fines of up to €750 in France and €500 in Germany.
In addition, all accompanying cargo documents — such as invoices, order forms, etc. — must be on board. Missing documents can result in fines of up to €1,800 in Belgium and €1,500 in the Netherlands. Customs-related paperwork, such as MRN, GMR, T1/T2, must also be complete, especially for shipments within the EU and to/from the UK. Missing customs documents can lead to high fines, vehicle delays, or even confiscation.
Special permits are also under scrutiny — for example, transporting dangerous goods (ADR) without proper certification in Germany can result in fines of up to €50,000.
Operating without a valid EU license or its extract is strictly penalized: in Poland the fine is about €2,800, in Germany €5,000, and in the Czech Republic it can exceed €20,000.
A major risk is the possibility of illegal migrants hiding in trucks. If migrants are found inside a vehicle, both the driver and the company can face large penalties. For example, in the UK, the fine can be £6,000 (approx. €7,000) per migrant; in France it can reach €75,000, and in Italy about €15,000. To prevent this, TCRC advises drivers to regularly check locks, doors, and trailers during stops to avoid serious risks and heavy fines.
What Inspectors Check:
• Driver and vehicle documents, licenses, and all cargo paperwork (CMR, invoices, customs forms)
• Special permits (e.g., ADR for dangerous goods)
• Tachograph data and compliance with driving and rest time rules
• Technical condition of the vehicle and required safety equipment
• Any possible illegal entry of migrants into the vehicle
Key Recommendation:
Drivers must have all documents in order and be properly trained. Companies must strictly follow EU labor, safety, and transport regulations to avoid fines and operational delays.
