Guyana and Brazil Implement New Transport Licensing Requirements
By Marvin Cato| HGP Nightly News
On Thursday, the Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil and the Embassy of Brazil in Georgetown, hosted a webinar to guide stakeholders on the requirements to operate under the new cross-border transport agreement between the two countries.
According to officials, stakeholders seeking to transport passengers or cargo along the international route must first register with the Ministry of Home Affairs to be considered licensed transport operators.
Applicants are required to submit several key documents, including the International Road Transport Agreement (IRTA) Form One, company and owner tax identification numbers (TIN), vehicle registration, road license, certificate of fitness, international third-party insurance, company registration, and details of a legal representative.
Once submitted, applications will undergo a thorough review by relevant agencies before the ministry issues an original license granting permission to operate in Guyana. Only licensed vehicles will be authorized for use along the international routes. The license, valid for one year and non-transferable, will then allow companies 120 days to apply for complementary permits from Brazil’s National Transport Agency.
Authorities cautioned that any false or misleading information provided in applications will result in the immediate denial or cancellation of licenses.
While the requirements for passenger and cargo operators are similar, cargo transporters are also required to provide service details such as scheduled routes, vehicle specifications, and the type and quantity of goods to be transported. All vehicles must comply with regulations in both Guyana and Brazil, and carriers are obligated to submit advance customs declarations specifying the cargo to be moved.
Under the agreement, transport services will include twice-daily trips between Lethem and Boa Vista, and a once-daily return trip between Lethem and Manaus.
This initiative is expected to enhance cross-border connectivity, trade, and economic cooperation between the two neighboring nations.
