Document type: Answer to Question E-003635/2023 from the European Commission
Authors: Question: Sebastian Everding (The Left). Answer: Mr. Tzitzikostas on behalf of the European Commission
Question in French:
Concerns regarding the application of Regulation (EU) 2020/1054 to the non-commercial transport of rescued animals
Pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2020/1054, which amends Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006 and Regulation (EU) No. 165/2014, as of July 1, 2026, light commercial vehicles used for international transport—that is, those weighing between 2.5 and 3.5 metric tons—will be required to install smart tachographs and comply with driving and rest periods. This weight category applies to vehicles used by animal welfare organizations to transport pets intended for adoption. Although these rules are primarily aimed at the international transport of goods for commercial purposes, animal welfare organizations warn that applying them to the non-commercial transport of rescued cats and dogs for cross-border adoptions would entail disproportionate costs and lengthen travel times, which would harm the animals’ welfare during transport and reduce adoption opportunities.
1. Is the Commission aware of the problems arising from the application of Regulation (EC) No. 561/2026 to nonprofit organizations that transport rescued animals for adoption between Member States?
2. Will the Commission consider introducing a specific exemption or an appropriate legal framework for the non-commercial transport of rescued companion animals, taking into account animal welfare objectives during transport, particularly under Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005?
Answer in French:
1. The Commission has been informed by nonprofit organizations of the difficulties arising from the application of Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006[1] to the transport of rescued animals between Member States for adoption.
2. At this stage, the Commission does not plan to introduce a specific exemption or an adapted legal framework for the transport of rescued companion animals.
The extension of the rules on tachographs and driving and rest periods to light commercial vehicles was introduced by Regulation (EU) 2020/1054[2] with the aim of ensuring a high level of protection for professional drivers, enhancing road safety by reducing fatigue-related risks, and promoting fair competition across the EU road transport sector.
The Commission recognizes that the new rules may pose significant operational and financial challenges for the stakeholders concerned, who must ensure compliance with all applicable legal obligations. Nevertheless, the protection of drivers’ working conditions and well-being, as well as road safety, cannot be compromised.
With regard to Regulation (EC) No 1/2005[3], on December 7, 2023, the Commission adopted a proposal to revise EU legislation on the welfare of animals during transport[4]. Work is currently underway in the European Parliament and the Council in preparation for interinstitutional negotiations.
The Commission’s proposal includes several improvements to the provisions regarding the protection of dogs and cats during transport for commercial purposes.
In addition, one of the main objectives of this revision is to reduce the administrative burden and facilitate the enforcement of requirements through more modern tools.
Question:
Under Regulation (EU) 2020/1054, which amends Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 and Regulation (EU) No 165/2014, as from 1 July 2026, light commercial vehicles used for international transport, i.e. those weighing between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes, will be obliged to install intelligent tachographs and comply with driving and rest times.
This weight class involves vehicles used by animal welfare organisations for the transport of adopted pets. While the rules are primarily intended for the international transport of commercial goods, animal welfare organisations warn that applying them to the non-commercial transport of rescued cats and dogs for cross-border adoptions would impose disproportionate costs and longer journey times, undermining animal welfare during transport and reducing adoption opportunities.
1. Is the Commission aware of the problems that result from the application of Regulation (EC) No 561/2026 to non-profit organisations transporting rescued animals for adoption between Member States?
2. Will the Commission consider introducing a specific exemption or an adapted legal framework for the non-commercial transport of rescued companion animals, taking into account the objectives of animal welfare during transport, including under Regulation (EC) No 1/2005?
Answer in English (original):
1. The Commission has been informed by non-profit organisations of difficulties arising from the application of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006[1] to the transport of rescued animals for adoption between Member States.
At this stage, the Commission is not considering the introduction of any specific exemption or an adapted legal framework for the transport of rescued companion animals.
The extension of the tachograph and driving and rest time rules to light commercial vehicles was introduced by Regulation (EU) 2020/1054[2] with the aim of ensuring a high level of protection for professional drivers, enhancing road safety by reducing fatigue-related risks, and promoting fair competition across the EU road transport sector.
The Commission recognises that the new rules may give rise to important operational and financial challenges for those concerned in ensuring compliance with all applicable legal obligations. Nevertheless, the protection of drivers’ working conditions and well-being, as well as road safety, cannot be compromised.
In respect of Regulation (EC) 1/2005[3], on 7 December 2023 the Commission adopted a proposal to revise EU legislation on welfare of animals during transport[4]. Work is currently ongoing in the European Parliament and in the Council ahead of the interinstitutional negotiations.
The Commission proposal includes several improvements of provisions on protection of dogs and cats in transport in the context of an economic activity.
In addition, one of the main goals of the revision is to reduce administrative burden and to facilitate the enforcement of the requirements through more modern tools.
[1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2006/561/oj/eng.
[2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2020/1054/oj/eng.
[3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2005/1/oj/eng.
[4] COM(2023) 770 final.
