EEA Transport 2025: what changes for Spanish companies

Key data

Transport companies operating in EEA countries not belonging to the EU—Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein—have new obligations from December 5, 2025. The Decision 312/2025 of the EEA Joint Committee modifies Annex XIII of the EEA Agreement, which regulates transport, incorporating updated European regulation into the legal framework of these three countries.

Although publication in the Official Journal of the EU took place on April 16, 2026, entry into force is retroactive to December 5, 2025. This means that operators already working in these markets must verify whether their operations comply with the requirements that have been in force since that date.

What does this regulation establish?

The Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA) allows Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein to participate in the European single market without being EU members. For this to work, the EEA Joint Committee periodically updates the annexes of the Agreement to incorporate new European legislation.

In this case, Decision 312/2025 updates Annex XIII, which specifically regulates the transport sector. The modification ensures that the rules applicable in Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are equivalent to those in force in EU member states.

The modification incorporates new European regulation into the legal framework of the three non-EU EEA countries. The specific content of the integrated rules will determine what concrete requirements operators must comply with depending on the transport modality in which they operate.

Economic and operational impact

The direct impact depends on the transport modality and the volume of operations each company has in the three affected countries. In general terms, regulatory harmonization has two sides:

• Adaptation cost: Companies already operating in these markets may need to review procedures, documentation, certifications or technical standards to adjust to the new requirements incorporated into Annex XIII.
• Legal certainty: The harmonization of standards between the EU and EEA countries reduces regulatory uncertainty and facilitates long-term operational planning in these markets.

For Spanish operators with activity in Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, the main risk is operating without knowing the changes already in force since December 5, 2025, which can generate involuntary non-compliance in inspections or controls by local transport authorities.

Who does it affect?

This regulation directly affects:

• Road transport companies that carry out international operations with origin or destination in Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.
• Air transport operators with routes or activities in the three non-EU EEA countries.
• Maritime transport companies with regular or sporadic services in Norwegian or Icelandic ports.
• Rail operators with activity in the affected EEA countries.
• Logistics and distribution companies that subcontract or coordinate transport in these markets.
• Legal advisors and regulatory compliance professionals serving companies with operations in the EEA.
• CFOs and operations directors of companies with supply chains that include Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.

Practical example

A Spanish road transport company that carries out regular routes between Spain and Norway must verify whether the new regulation incorporated into Annex XIII of the EEA Agreement introduces changes in the requirements for access to the Norwegian market, in the technical standards of vehicles, in the driving and rest times applicable, or in the documentation required in border controls.

Given that entry into force was on December 5, 2025 and official publication came on April 16, 2026, this company could have been operating for months without knowing the new requirements. An immediate review of the updated content of Annex XIII is the first step to identify whether there is any non-compliance and correct it before an inspection.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify if it operates in the affected countries: Confirm whether the company has transport activity in Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, either directly or through subcontractors.
2. Review the updated Annex XIII of the EEA Agreement: Access the full text of Decision 312/2025 to identify what specific European regulation has been incorporated and what new requirements it introduces for each transport modality.
3. Assess the impact by modality: Analyze whether the changes affect road, air, maritime or rail transport according to the company's specific activity.
4. Adapt procedures and documentation: Update internal processes, contracts, certifications and operational documentation to comply with the new harmonized standards.
5. Inform operational teams: Communicate the relevant changes to those responsible for operations, drivers, pilots or logistics coordinators working on routes with these countries.
6. Consult with an EEA regulation specialist: Given that entry into force is prior to official publication, it is advisable to verify retroactive compliance with a professional specialized in international transport law.