RHA is one of 10 trade bodies which have issued a joint letter to the European Commission (EC) requesting a delay in the enforcement of the 90/180-day rule.
The communication to Maroš Šefčovič, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, raises concern over the effect on trade when the Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully implemented on 10 April.
EES, which began phased implementation in October 2025, is a digital border process which could mean stricter enforcement of the existing rule limiting third-country citizens to 90 days out of a rolling 180-day period in the Schengen area.
The bodies warn that supply chains and jobs are at risk as businesses which transport goods will not have enough drivers.
RHA, which represents coach and HGV operators, has repeatedly called for an exemption for professional drivers.
Many businesses in the coach tourism and “band bus” sectors are concerned they will lose out to businesses in the EU.
The letter to the EU’s executive arm, which is dated 12 February, asks that any fines or punishments for exceeding the 90-day limit be suspended for at least the first two years.
It further requests that member state border officials apply “light touch enforcement” during peak times. It also calls for hastened introduction of a mooted pre-registration app for biometric data. It says that both measures could help minimise disruption.
The news follows indication on 29 January that the EC will work with member states to offer “pragmatic solutions” to allow extended stays for selected professional categories.
Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director, says: “We’ve been very clear that stricter enforcement of the 90/180 rules will put UK transport operators and their customers at home and abroad at risk of insolvency when it starts in April.
“This is bad news for all parties affected but could be easily remedied through these pragmatic, short- and long-term easements to keep people and goods moving across borders so that businesses don’t fall foul of 90/180 rules.”
Another signatory of the letter, British Ports Association (BPA), is particularly concerned over possible disruption arising when EES is fully operational.
Richard Ballantyne, BPA Chief Executive adds: “As well as restricting the time British freight drivers and travellers can spend in the EU, the EES requirements could have serious implications on the flow of vehicles through European borders.
“This could be particularly challenging for those ports with juxtaposed controls here in the UK and we need meaningful solutions to ensure trade and passenger movements are not negatively impacted.”
The other bodies signing the letter were: Chemical Business Association, Association of Pallet Networks, Cold Chain Federation, British Association of Removers, UK Major Ports Group, Logistics UK, British International Freight Association and UK Warehousing Association.
