Global Freight Navigates New Regulatory Maze as EU and IMO Rules Take Effect in 2026

The global freight and logistics industry is grappling with a wave of new regulations from the European Union and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), fundamentally altering compliance obligations and operational realities for trade. These changes, which took effect at the start of the year, demand greater transparency and impose stricter environmental and safety standards.

In a significant move for environmental accountability, the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) entered its final operational phase on January 1, 2026. According to SeaRates, this requires importers to account for the carbon emissions embedded in goods brought into the EU, directly linking production emissions with the total landed cost. This policy is designed to prevent ‘carbon leakage’ and level the playing field for EU producers adhering to strict climate rules.

Simultaneously, the EU has implemented its Import Control System 2 (ICS2), which mandates that all carriers and forwarders submit a detailed Electronic Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) before goods arrive at the EU border. This rule necessitates that businesses invest in enhanced supply chain intelligence to provide the required advanced cargo information, aiming to improve security and streamline customs processes, but also posing a challenge for those unprepared for the heightened data requirements.

On the maritime front, a series of new IMO regulations also came into force on January 1, 2026, targeting operational safety and crew welfare, as reported by Gard. A key update to SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Regulation II-1/3-13 introduces mandatory new standards for lifting appliances and anchor handling winches. Perhaps most notably for the logistics chain, the IMO has instituted mandatory worldwide reporting for the loss of containers at sea. Ship masters are now required to immediately report any such losses to nearby vessels and the closest coastal state, a measure aimed at improving safety and environmental protection.

Furthermore, the STCW Code has been updated to include mandatory training on personal safety and social responsibilities, with a specific focus on preventing violence, bullying, and sexual harassment, enhancing protections for seafarers. Together, these new EU and IMO rules represent a paradigm shift, forcing companies to adapt to a more complex and demanding regulatory environment to avoid costly delays and penalties.