New Road Toll Regulations For Goods Vehicles In The Netherlands
From July 1st, the Netherlands will implement a new distance-based road toll system for goods vehicles, which will likely result in a modest increase in transport costs for road freight movements within the country.
The new scheme applies to all trucks with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes, regardless of whether they are registered in the Netherlands or abroad. Charges will be calculated based on the number of kilometres travelled on the Dutch road network.
This system will replace the current Eurovignette arrangement, under which operators paid a fixed fee for road access over a specified period, typically monthly or annually.
To comply with the new regulations, all affected vehicles must be equipped with an approved onboard unit (OBU) capable of recording and transmitting journey data for toll calculation purposes.
The amount payable will be determined by three factors:
- Vehicle gross weight
- CO₂ emissions classification
- Distance travelled
The toll will also apply to international transit traffic passing through the Netherlands. As a result, shipments moving between other European countries may incur additional costs where routes include travel through Dutch territory.
Although the charge is aimed specifically at road transport, it will also impact ocean freight shipments moving through key Dutch ports, including Rotterdam, as well as certain air freight movements that rely on road haulage connections within the Netherlands.
While the overall financial impact is expected to be relatively limited, small surcharges are likely to apply to shipments moving into, out of, or through the Netherlands. We will keep affected customers informed and advise of any applicable cost adjustments as they arise.
