Copenhagen, Denmark – October 7-8, 2025 — FIDI and the International Association of Movers (IAM) represented the global moving industry at the Symposium on Plant and Biodiversity Protection: Mitigating Risks of Pest Contamination in the International Containerized Supply Chain, bringing together leading global trade associations, carriers, and regulators.
FIDI’s Marie-Pascale Frix and IAM’s Matthieu Odijk participated 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,” noted 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,” says Frix.
What Is Custodial Responsibility?
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 all interfering parties like (terminals, agents, depots, hauler’s, customs, etc.), has a duty to ensure the container remains clean and free from pests while it is in their care.
Key Takeaways for Movers
The symposium highlighted a growing global push toward assigning custodial responsibility for preventing pest contamination in containerized 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
The direction is clear: 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 urges its members 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.
Our proactive involvement demonstrates FIDI and IAM’s commitment to ensuring that movers are part of the conversation, not just subject to its outcomes.