FAIM stands for “FIDI Accredited International Mover” and is a quality accreditation program developed specifically for companies specializing in international moving.

An international move involves much more than transporting belongings from one country to another. Packing, handling, transportation, documentation, customs clearance, storage, and coordination between professionals in different countries are all part of a complex operation.

That is why, when choosing an international moving company, price is only one factor to consider. It is equally important to understand how the company operates, what requirements it meets, and how those standards are verified.

What Is the Relationship Between FAIM and FIDI?

FIDI Global Alliance is an international organization headquartered in Belgium that brings together companies specializing in international moving and promotes professional standards within the industry.

FAIM, on the other hand, is the accreditation program specifically developed for companies that are part of FIDI and seek to demonstrate compliance with established quality requirements.

In other words, FIDI is the organization, while FAIM is its accreditation program for international moving companies.

What Requirements Does FAIM Require?

Companies accredited under the FAIM program must meet more than 200 performance requirements covering different areas of their operations.

These include:

• Operations and supply chain management.
• Packing and handling of household goods and personal belongings.
• Employee training.
• Vehicle and warehouse maintenance.
• Personal data protection.
• Financial management.
• Compliance with ethical and professional principles.

These requirements are designed to promote consistent operating practices in an industry where a single move may involve multiple countries, service providers, and modes of transportation.

Independent Audits

FAIM accreditation is not granted simply because a company belongs to FIDI. Companies must demonstrate compliance with established requirements and undergo independent evaluation and audit processes conducted by EY (Ernst & Young).

These controls are complemented by periodic internal evaluations designed to verify continued compliance with the required standards.

The accreditation therefore goes beyond a statement of principles. It involves periodic verification of how the company actually operates.

What Does FAIM Mean for the Customer?

For someone hiring an international moving company, an accreditation such as FAIM provides a meaningful point of reference. It indicates that the company operates within a quality framework specifically developed for the international moving industry.

Defined Operating Procedures

Packing, handling, storage, transportation, and delivery must be managed through established and documented procedures.

Trained Personnel

An international move requires specialized knowledge to properly protect belongings throughout an operation that may involve different modes of transportation and extended transit times.

Coordination Between Origin and Destination

A door-to-door international move may involve professionals in Argentina as well as in the destination country. Working with an international network of specialized moving companies helps coordinate the different stages of the operation.

Personal Data Protection

An international move requires the handling of personal information and customer documentation. The protection and management of this information are also among the areas addressed by FAIM requirements.

What Is the Difference Between an Accredited and Non-Accredited Moving Company?

The absence of FAIM accreditation does not, by itself, mean that a company provides poor service.

However, a FAIM-accredited company must meet requirements specifically developed for the international moving industry and undergo independent evaluation and audit processes.

That is why, when choosing an international moving company, price should not be the only consideration. It is important to understand the company's accreditations, how it handles packing, what procedures it uses to protect belongings, who coordinates the operation at destination, and what experience it has with international moves.

Universal Cargo Argentina and FAIM

Universal Cargo Argentina has been a member of FIDI since 1998 and holds FAIM accreditation.

For our customers, this means operating within an international quality framework specifically designed for the moving industry—an industry in which every move connects different countries, people, and procedures.

FAIM and Quality in an International Move

An international move does not end when packed belongings leave a home. They must be loaded, transported, cleared through customs, and coordinated through final delivery to a new residence.

In an operation of this complexity, experience matters. So does having defined procedures and controls that help verify how the work is performed.

That is what FAIM represents: a quality framework specifically designed for the international moving industry.

Are You Planning an International Move?

Universal Cargo Argentina can advise you on your move, including the requirements and documentation needed to plan a door-to-door international relocation.

Because an international move is not simply about crossing a border. It is about taking a part of your life with you—and trusting that, after the distance, there will be another place where you can find it again.