FIDI and the International Association of Movers (IAM) have represented the global moving industry at a meeting of leading global associations, carriers, and regulators. The Symposium on Plant and Biodiversity Protection: Mitigating Risks of Pest Contamination in the International Containerized Supply Chain took place in Copenhagen, Denmark, on October 7 and 8.
FIDI’s Marie-Pascale Frix and IAM’s Matthieu Odijk, pictured above, took part in discussions to ensure that the operational realities of the moving industry were represented in the development of future international biosecurity measures. Their engagement underscored the need for a balanced approach, one that safeguards biodiversity while preserving the efficiency of global trade – and protecting movers from disproportionate liability.
‘If IAM, FIDI, and other trade associations don’t take an active role, custodial responsibility could quickly become a binding regulation imposed on movers, adding costs, administrative burdens, and operational delays,’ said Odijk.
‘Whether we like it or not, our industry is directly influenced by the decisions of phytosanitary authorities. To avoid regulatory setbacks, it’s crucial to demonstrate that the international moving sector understands the risks of container contamination by invasive species – and has taken proactive steps to address them. That’s why integrating proper protocols into your operational procedures isn’t optional, it’s essential,’ said Frix.
Custodial responsibility refers to the idea that each party that takes control of a sea container during its journey – from the shipping line to the shipper, to the receiver, and interacting parties such as terminals, agents, depots, hauliers, customs, and others – has a duty to ensure the container remains clean and free from pests while it is in their care.
The symposium highlighted a growing global push toward assigning custodial responsibility for preventing pest contamination in containerised shipping. While the concept is well-intentioned, it raises important operational and liability questions for the moving sector:
- Role of shipping lines: Will carriers cap their liability and shift risk downstream?
- Position of movers: As non-shippers, will moving companies be unfairly targeted?
- Cost and liability implications: Who bears the expense when containers are rejected, causing delays, client frustration, and complications?
What movers should know:
It’s clear that custodial responsibility aims to get ahead of future environmental and biosecurity challenges. The key question is whether this becomes a workable industry approach or a heavy-handed regulatory mandate. FIDI and IAM are urging their membership and all international moving companies to:
- Stay informed: FIDI and IAM will continue to monitor developments and advocate for fair, practical policies that protect movers’ interests.
- Prepare early: Members should begin documenting pest-control and inspection procedures now to demonstrate due diligence if regulatory frameworks tighten.
FIDI and IAM said their proactive involvement demonstrates their commitment to ensuring that movers are part of the conversation, not just subject to its outcomes.
For any questions or comments on this topic, please contact Marie-Pascale Frix at marie-pascale.frix@fidi.org.