What Changes in Shipping Rules to Expect in 2026

24.12.2025

As global trade continues to evolve, 2026 is expected to bring several important changes to shipping rules and regulatory requirements. These updates will affect vehicle shipping, container transport, emissions compliance, customs procedures, and documentation standards across major global routes.

 

For exporters, auto dealers, and logistics partners, understanding these changes in advance is key to avoiding delays, penalties, and unexpected costs.

 

One of the biggest shifts heading into 2026 is the continued tightening of environmental regulations in shipping.

 

What’s changing:

  • Expanded enforcement of the IMO 2023 & IMO 2024 emissions framework

  • Increased scrutiny of fuel sulfur content

  • Pressure on carriers to reduce carbon emissions per shipment

  • Higher compliance costs passed into freight rates

 

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has confirmed that member states will continue implementing emissions-reduction measures aligned with the IMO Greenhouse Gas Strategy.

 

???? IMO – GHG Strategy & Environmental Rules

https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Pages/Reducing-GHG-emissions-from-ships.aspx 

 

What this means for shippers:

  • Potential rate increases tied to greener fuels

  • More emphasis on container optimization and consolidation

  • Preference for efficient routes and modern vessels

 

Expanded Customs Enforcement & Digital Documentation

 

By 2026, customs authorities worldwide are accelerating the shift toward fully digital clearance systems.

 

Expected updates:

  • Mandatory electronic documentation (eBL, digital invoices, digital packing lists)

  • Reduced tolerance for paperwork errors

  • Faster but stricter customs inspections

  • Increased penalties for misdeclared cargo

 

The World Customs Organization (WCO) continues to promote digitization and data transparency through its SAFE Framework.

 

???? World Customs Organization – Digital Customs

https://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/facilitation/instrument-and-tools/tools/single-window.aspx 

 

Impact on vehicle shipping:

  • VIN numbers, engine data, and vehicle descriptions must be 100% accurate

  • Undeclared items inside vehicles will be flagged faster

  • Clean documentation will be more important than ever

 

Tighter Controls on What Can Be Shipped Inside Vehicles

 

In recent years, customs delays caused by personal items inside vehicles have increased. In 2026, enforcement is expected to become even stricter.

 

What to expect:

  • Reduced tolerance for undeclared items

  • Higher inspection rates for containerized vehicles

  • Clear separation between vehicle cargo and household goods

 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) already identifies undeclared vehicle contents as a leading cause of export delays.

 

???? CBP – Vehicle Export Rules

https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/export-docs/motor-vehicle-export 

 

Best practice going forward:

  • Ship vehicles empty, unless approved items are declared

  • Use detailed packing lists

  • Avoid mixed cargo unless clearly permitted

 

More Regulation Around Oversized & Heavy Cargo

 

Oversized and heavy machinery shipping will face greater regulatory oversight in 2026, especially related to safety and routing.

 

Expected changes:

  • More permit coordination requirements

  • Increased safety checks for flat rack and breakbulk cargo

  • Heightened enforcement of load-securing standards

 

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), states are aligning oversize/overweight regulations to reduce safety risks.

 

???? FHWA – Oversize/Overweight Transport

https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/sw/ 

 

Impact:

  • Longer planning timelines

  • Higher importance of accurate measurements

  • Need for experienced handling teams

 

What Shippers Should Do to Prepare for 2026

 

To stay ahead of regulatory changes, shippers should:

  • Plan shipments earlier

  • Use accurate, complete documentation

  • Avoid undeclared items

  • Consolidate shipments where possible

  • Work with experienced logistics partners

  • Consider insurance as standard, not optional

 

At All Cargo Export, we continuously adapt to evolving regulations and help our clients navigate these changes smoothly — ensuring shipments remain compliant, efficient, and stress-free.