We would like to draw your attention to a couple of changes announced by the German state regarding MAUT, as well as by the EU regarding ETS, which will have consequences for transport within Europe from the end of 2023.
Increased MAUT
From Dec 1st 2023, the German state has announced significant adjustments to the German MAUT, which affects both transport to and from Germany, and transit to other countries. We do not yet have information on exact levels, but the advance notice points to a doubling compared to today’s levels.
From July 1st 2024, MAUT will also cover vehicles between 3.5 tonnes and 7.5 tonnes. (Today, MAUT only applies to 7.5-tonne vehicles and heavier.)
Other countries such as Austria, the Czech Republic and Hungary are currently reviewing their road taxes, so we have reason to return to the issue.
Shipping is covered by the EU initiative ETS
Starting in January 2024, EU launches an emission trade system on shipping as an accelerator for moving towards sustainable operations. The “pollutor pays” principle will probably create an incentive for the industry to increase investments in new technologies and shifting to new fuels, to reduce its environmental impact.
Shipping will be integrated into the ETS in three stages:
1. January 1st, 2024 covers emission rights for 40% of emissions
2. In 2025, ETS will cover 70% of emissions
3. In 2026, 100% of confirmed emissions must be charged
Initially, passenger and cargo ships with a gross weight exceeding 5,000 tonnes and operating routes within the EU are affected. For routes to and from the EU, 50% of the emissions are covered. The UK has notified that they will eventually introduce a similar system which would have an impact both on UK domestic routes and UK-EU routes.
The costs that affect shipping will be passed on in the logistics chain to the actors who use shipping for their transport. More information about the billing model will be presented later in the fall of 2023.
Corresponding systems will also be introduced for road transport, however, the timing for this has not been determined. It is likely to be implemented in 2027-2028.
More details on the EU ETS can be found on the EU Commission website.