European road transport is facing a substantial challenge in retrofitting international industrial vehicles with second-generation smart tachographs. Despite the industry's efforts and rapid progress, the IRU estimates that between 10% and 15% of these vehicles will not be compliant by the year-end deadline. Non-compliance could result in the temporary exclusion of these vehicles from international transport within the European Union, causing serious operational disruptions across the logistics chain for several months. This scenario risks undermining supply chain efficiency and threatens the stability of European internal trade.
To mitigate these impacts, the IRU has formally requested European Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas to grant a three-month grace period during which penalties would not be applied. This extension would allow operators to complete the necessary upgrades by the end of the first quarter of 2025, ensuring a smoother transition. "Flexibility is essential to prevent significant disruptions in supply chains and to maintain road mobility," an IRU spokesperson stated. "A collaborative and pragmatic approach is crucial to support the sector through this critical period."
