Cabotage
Transport of goods or passengers between two points within the same country by a foreign carrier, generally subject to regulatory restrictions.
Definition
Cabotage refers to the transport of goods or passengers between two points within the territory of a single state by a carrier registered in another state. This practice is generally regulated, or even prohibited, to protect domestic carriers.
Regulation in the EU
Within the EU internal market, road cabotage is governed by Regulation (EC) No 1072/2009 (updated by the 2020 Mobility Package):
- A carrier from a Member State may perform up to 3 cabotage operations in a host Member State within 7 days following delivery of an international transport
- A cooling-off period of 4 days must be observed before further cabotage operations in the same country with the same vehicle
Maritime cabotage
Maritime cabotage in the EU is liberalised by Regulation (EEC) No 3577/92 for vessels flying the flag of a Member State. Third-country vessels are in principle excluded.
Air cabotage
Within the EU, air cabotage is liberalised between Member States (3rd aviation package, Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008). For third-country carriers, it remains in principle prohibited unless bilateral agreements exist.
Practical implications
- Cabotage infringements are sanctioned by heavy fines and vehicle immobilisation
- Carriers must retain documentary evidence (CMR consignment notes) of their cabotage operations
- The Mobility Package strengthened controls with data introduction in smart tachographs