European Union implement green lanes for freight and essential services

Yesterday (23 March) the European Union issued a press release regarding border management measures implemented by European Commission in order to maintain the free flow of goods and essential services. The directive, which was adopted by the European Commission on March 16, requests that wherever internal border controls (such as customs checks etc.) exist along the major transport routes within the European Union, they should be designated as ‘green-lanes’ for land, sea and air transport.

The green lane border crossings will be open to all freight traffic carrying any type of goods. The EU directive is that border crossings should now last no more than 15 minutes for all freight transport, which includes checks and health screenings of transport workers. The European Commission have also advised EU member states to temporarily suspend all types of road access restrictions in place, such as weekend bans, night bans etc. for road freight transport. Rules have also been relaxed for transport workers. Rules around travel restrictions and quarantine periods for workers not displaying symptoms should be waived. Furthermore, the documentation required for transit across the country for workers is being reduced to the bare minimum. Internationally recognised certificates of professional competence are to be considered sufficient to prove that a worker is active in international transport. If no such certificates are available (i.e not necessary for vans etc.) then a letter from the workers employer will be deemed sufficient.