13/05/2026
Important information for anyone shipping a vehicle internationally via sea freight.
We are seeing reports from Germany that customs and port authorities are now applying much stricter controls concerning fuel remaining in vehicles loaded inside sea containers.
According to recent industry feedback from the Port of Hamburg, authorities have reportedly issued fines of up to US$50,000 after discovering vehicles containing undeclared fuel levels that did not comply with IMDG dangerous goods regulations.
In simple terms, if a petrol-powered vehicle transported in a container still contains fuel, it may need to be formally declared as dangerous goods depending on the quantity remaining in the tank.
Historically, this rule appears to have been applied inconsistently,
but enforcement is now becoming much stricter in certain ports.
For anyone planning an international move involving a car or motorbike shipment, this is a good reminder that port regulations, customs procedures and shipping-line requirements can evolve quickly — and what “worked previously” may no longer be accepted.
In practice, this is where experienced movers and shipping agents become important, as undeclared or incorrectly prepared vehicle shipments can potentially lead to delays, inspections, storage costs, substantial fines, or refusal of loading.
At the moment, the checks are reportedly focused on Hamburg, but there are indications that other European ports may begin applying similar controls.
