Whether you’re a seasoned owner-driver or have just bought your first courier van, anyone who transports goods by road is subject to the Goods Road Transport Act (WWG). This law forms the backbone of the Dutch transport sector. Important changes also came into effect on 1 January 2024. This article brings you fully up to date.
What is the Goods Road Transport Act (WWG)?
The Goods Road Transport Act (WWG) is the successor to the old Road Haulage Act. The purpose of this law is essential: to ensure a healthy transport market with fair competition and a high level of road safety. The law regulates who may transport goods professionally and what requirements you must meet to legally take to the road.
Since when has the Goods Road Transport Act been in force?
The Goods Road Transport Act (WWG) officially came into force on 1 May 2009. It replaced the outdated Road Haulage Act. Although its foundations date back to 2009, the law is a ‘living’ document. The most recent and far-reaching changes took effect on 1 January 2024 to bring Dutch rules into line with the European Mobility Package.
Why was the WWG introduced?
The government had good reason to introduce this law. The WWG is based on three main objectives:
- Fair competition
Without rules, anyone could simply start a transport company. The Wwg ensures a level playing field, so unscrupulous companies cannot drive prices down. - Road safety
Setting requirements for professional qualifications and vehicles improves road safety. - Quality of the sector
The law acts as a quality mark. By complying with the WWG, you show customers that you are a professional and reliable partner.
The main topics covered by the WWG
The law is broad, but in day-to-day practice it comes down to a number of key points:
- Access to the market: Who is allowed to transport goods? (The licensing requirement).
- Distinction between transport types: Defining carriage for hire or reward versus own-account carriage.
- Reliability and integrity: Screening through the Certificate of Conduct (VOG) and the Public Administration Probity Screening Act (Bibob Act) to keep crime out of the sector.
- Market regulation: Rules on cabotage (transport within another EU country by a foreign carrier).
- Documentation: The requirement to carry consignment notes and licence documents on board.
When do you need to apply for a NIWO licence?
As soon as you carry goods commercially using a vehicle with a payload of more than 500 kg, you are required to have a licence.
Note the 2024 rules: Vehicles with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of more than 2,500 kg (such as heavy vans) are now also subject to the licensing requirement, regardless of their payload capacity.
The 4 requirements for a Euro licence
The NIWO assesses your company on:
- Professional competence: Holding the professional qualification diploma.
- Financial solvency: A financial reserve of €9.000 for the first vehicle and €5.000 for each subsequent vehicle.
- Reliability: A clean Certificate of Conduct (VOG).
- Real business establishment: A genuine office location in the Netherlands.
Read all about the NIWO licence in our blog: Applying for a NIWO licence: How, where and why?
Mandatory vehicle registration with the NIWO
An important addition since 1 January 2024 is vehicle registration. Euro licence holders must register the registration numbers of all their active vehicles in the NIWO's online register. This helps inspectors detect misuse more quickly.
Who enforces the Goods Road Transport Act?
The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) checks whether you comply with the WWG. They look at your licences, consignment notes and driving and rest periods. The ILT issues penalty points (ERRU) for violations. Have you accumulated too many? Your licence may be revoked, and you will no longer be allowed to drive.
In short
The Goods Road Transport Act is more than just a stack of rules; it is a guarantee of a healthy transport sector. Make sure you are fully up to date since the 2024 amendments, especially if you drive heavier vans.
Frequently asked questions about the WWG
Do I need an original licence for each vehicle?
No, you receive one licence for your company, but each vehicle must carry a certified copy (a copy bearing an official stamp).
Is a consignment note always mandatory?
For commercial transport, a fully and correctly completed consignment note is mandatory. It is not required for own-account transport, but is often useful for showing that the goods are your own.
What about the Smart Tacho 2?
As part of the new rules, vehicles used for international transport must be gradually equipped with the second-generation smart tachograph (Smart Tacho 2). This is essential for enforcing the new rules on cabotage and rest periods.
