Case Study: Romanian “Comodat” vs. Dutch Requirements
A recent client inquiry highlighted an important consideration for transport entrepreneurs using foreign vehicle arrangements while operating a Dutch company.
The Scenario
- Dutch-registered transport company
- Vehicle provided through a Romanian “loan for use” agreement (comodat contract)
- Goal: Obtain NIWO Euro haulage license and operate on Amazon Relay
Our Finding
Important: A foreign “comodat” (loan for use) agreement is generally not sufficient to meet Dutch regulatory requirements for obtaining a NIWO Euro haulage license.
What Dutch Authorities Typically Require
For vehicle arrangements, authorities generally accept only:
- Full ownership of the vehicle
- A formal lease contract (financial or operational)
- A standard Dutch commercial rental agreement
Additionally, vehicles should typically be registered in the Netherlands with Dutch license plates when applying as a Dutch company.
Why This Matters
Using non-standard vehicle arrangements like foreign “comodat” contracts can:
- Lead to rejection of your license application
- Create compliance issues during international operations
- Cause problems when working with structured platforms like Amazon Relay
Solution Path
If you’re currently using a foreign vehicle agreement:
- Consider transitioning to one of the accepted vehicle arrangements
- Ensure proper vehicle registration in the Netherlands
- Meet all other standard requirements (certified Transport Manager, financial capacity proof)
Have you encountered similar cross-border regulatory challenges? Contact our team for personalized assistance with aligning your business structure with Dutch requirements.
