Moving industry supply chains are facing increasing enforcement of new rules affecting the classification of household goods (HHGs) for shipping.
The European Union’s (EU) new Import Control System 2 (ICS2) became mandatory for transport economic operators shipping into the EU on 1 September, 2025, by all means – road, rail, sea, and air. It means each individual item in a HHG shipment must be classified under its own specific customs code on documents including bills of lading, rather than grouped under the single HHG code, which is no longer in use.
According to some reports, there is currently irregular enforcement of the new rules around Europe – but customs authorities in countries such as the Netherlands are already refusing shipments that are not compliant.
‘As EU Member States set their own final implementation timelines for ICS2 Release 3, adoption currently varies by country, with some fully implemented and others still in transition,’ said FIDI’s Business Intelligence Manager Marie-Pascale Frix. ‘This makes it challenging for the industry to apply the correct import requirements, reinforcing the importance of consulting local customs brokers for up-to-date regulations. FIDI is continuing to monitor the situation closely with its membership and industry stakeholders and is working in close cooperation with FEDEMAC, which is best placed to engage with EU authorities as part of its mission.’
Rob van Steensel, CEO of the Overseas Shippers Association (OSA) – an organisation that negotiates international freight contracts for household goods (HHGs) shipments – told FIDI Focus the fact carriers were strictly not accepting the single code for HHGs to avoid fines is now a significant issue and encouraged industry organisations to communicate this to EU legislators.
‘Carriers are now demanding the entire packing lists are itemised with HS (harmonised system) codes – and valued – which is simply not possible,’ he said. ‘There needs to be a strong lobby and protest to Brussels by trade associations – as this impedes the global industry a great deal.’
Van Steensel added that the industry may find a way around the new regulations by using HS code 9905.00 with the text ‘removal goods’ – denoting personal property belonging to a person who is transferring their usual place of residence.
For more information, contact marie-pascale.frix@fidi.org and/or FIDINET at EU Import Compliance Checks Now in Effect: What You Need to Know | FIDINET.