Government endorsed changes to carrier licensing initiated by the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development and the State Service of Ukraine for Transport Safety. The relevant resolution was adopted at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 18 June.

The key goal of the changes is to ensure a fast and fully digitised procedure for obtaining a transport licence 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.

"Last year, Ukrtransbezpeka issued more than 11,500 licences - all 100% of licences were issued online. Revenues to the state budget totalled over UAH 31 million. The adopted resolution makes it possible to improve the existing procedure and create the prerequisites for fair and competitive business by carriers. The key change is that the simplified licensing procedure will no longer be used. In addition, the requirement for drivers to have certificates of professional competence is introduced, as well as specified requirements for the education of technical personnel servicing enterprises, mechanisms for suspending and renewing licences in case of unfair business practices," said Serhii Derkach, Deputy Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development.

Since the amendments to the resolution came into force, the simplified procedure for issuing transport licences, the so-called "military licences", has been discontinued. It should be noted that previously issued licences remain valid. At the same time, carriers that have received licences under the simplified procedure will have to update the data in their licence 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.

In addition, the period for processing licence applications is reduced from 5 to 3 business days.

The provision requiring drivers to undergo 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.