Annual report 2025 ENG

2025

ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS page

3 5 8 11 13

Foreword

What’s new for members

Milestone 1 Launch of BCR Certified Mover Milestone 4 Sustainability report

Social dialogue

4 7

BCR in figures

The 5 milestones of 2025

9

Milestone 2 & 3 ELA Webinar & collaborations

12

Milestone 5 Introduction of AI chatbot

14

Preview

FOREWORD

From supporter to co-owner Dear fellow mover, 2025 was a year of tangible achievements: the launch of BCR Certified Mover as a response to rogue movers, a historic ELA webinar where Belgium was recognized as a pioneer in the fight against undeclared work, our first podcast and information fair, a sustainability guideline, and AI chatbot Katrien. These are results we can rightly be proud of.

But let me be honest. Too many members see their federation as a platform to cheer when things go well and boo when they don’t. As if BCR were a fire brigade you only call when your house is already on fire – expecting everything to be saved, yet bitterly disappointed if the damage turns out to be significant.

That model doesn’t work. Not for your company. Not for our sector. Take the low-emission zones that cities like Antwerp, Brussels, and Ghent are increasingly enforcing. When will your current fleet still be allowed inside? Have you thought about how you will move an apartment in central Brussels in 2028? With which vehicles? In collaboration with which colleagues? The question is not if this transition will come, but whether you will be ready.

Research into successful professional federations reveals one common thread: they are sectors where members actively think along, collaborate, and co-invest in solutions that perform best. Not as passive spectators, but as co-owners of their future competitive position.

BCR can open doors, pool knowledge, and develop collective solutions. But we need your practical experience, your insights on what works and what doesn’t, and above all, your willingness to consider where your company should stand in three to five years.

So: leave the stands. Become a co-owner of the future of our sector.

With collegial regards, Koen Vangoidsenhoven, Director of BCR PAGE 3

BCR IN FIGURES

ABOUT BCR Our professional federation in numbers The Belgian Chamber of Removers (BCR) is the professional federation for recognized moving companies in Belgium. Over a hundred professional moving companies unite under BCR as certified movers. They commit to operating under a quality charter, giving consumers confidence in their reliability.

BCR exists for and by movers. We represent professional moving companies in Belgium. And we advocate for them at every level: local, national, and even European, thanks to our collaboration with the European federation FEDEMAC. Through constructive partnerships, we push societal issues such as combating social fraud. Additionally, we keep our members informed about the ins and outs of the sector.

The Belgian moving sector

105

affiliated moving companies

42%

of the bonafide moving market in Belgium

registered in the Crossroads Bank for 1,797 movers Enterprises (CBE) Social fraud in focus

84

fraud reports to Social Information and Investigation Service (SIIS) in 2025. An increase of 44% compared to 2024.

13%

movers registered in the CBE with staff.

A clear red flag.

PAGE 4

WHAT’S NEW FOR MEMBERS

PROUD MOVERS Mover’s Day: mobility heroes show their pride

On International Mover’s Day, May 19, we highlighted the real heroes of mobility: professional movers!

Behind every successful move is a team that plans, coordinates, and guides clients with expertise.

In a time where globalization and digitalization reinforce each other, movers take on an increasingly versatile role. That’s why we encouraged members to show their pride, and we proudly highlighted it on social media.

PAGE 5

WHAT’S NEW FOR MEMBERS

COMMUNICATION AND NETWORKING Our very first podcast and information fair

This year, we gave a boost to our communication with the launch of our podcast Movers News and Views – the brand-new channel where sector trends, inspiring experiences, and in-depth expert insights come together.

In September, we brought together peers and partners for the very first BCR information fair at our office in Evere. Thanks to the sunny weather, engaging contributions from our sponsors, and the dynamic participation of enthusiastic movers, the day turned into a vibrant event full of inspiration, networking, and knowledge exchange.

This proves that moving is more than carrying boxes – it’s a world full of motion and connection.

LISTENING TIP: MOVERS NEWS AND VIEWS ON SPOTIFY

PAGE 6

MILES TONES 2025

THE 5 MILESTONES OF 2025 From quality to innovation: together we raise the bar

2025 was a dynamic year for the Belgian Chamber of Removers (BCR). With the

01

launch of BCR Certified Remover, we set a

Launch BCR Certified Remover

new standard for quality and transparency.

The ELA webinar brought knowledge and inspiration together, while new

02

ELA webinar

03

Collaborations

04

Sustainability report

05

AI chatbot

collaborations strengthened our impact both inside and outside the sector.

The sustainability guideline helps moving companies operate more consciously and greener. And with the introduction of AI chatbots, we took a step toward smarter, more efficient services.

Five milestones that together showcase what BCR stands for: professionalism, innovation, and a forward-looking vision.

PAGE 7

BCR CERTIFIED MOVER

NEW PLATFORM: A PERFECT HIT BCR Certified Remover is the ultimate answer to rogue movers

In mid-August, we launched the

Of the 1,797 movers listed in the

brand-new platform BCR Certified

Crossroads Bank for Enterprises,

Mover, the reference for anyone

only 13% have employees — a clear

seeking a reliable, professional moving

signal against social fraud.

partner in Belgium. A strong response to rogue movers harming the sector.

Faced with repeated complaints and failed attempts to wake up

The initiative was welcomed by the

policymakers, BCR decided to take

federal inspection service SIIS and

the fight into its own hands against

consumer organization Testaankoop.

unscrupulous movers.

On our online platform available in Dutch and French www.erkendeverhuizers.be or www.demenageursagrees.be for French speakers – consumers and businesses can now instantly see who delivers quality service and is fully compliant.

PAGE 8

BCR CERTIFIED MOVER

Better protection for consumers

The platform is accessible in Dutch

The platform not only lists reliable

via www.erkendeverhuizers.be and

movers but also guides complaint

in French via

handling. Consumers who

www.demenageursagrees.be, so

encounter problems can count on

every Belgian can find a trustworthy

independent mediation.

moving partner.

BCR is working toward a fair and professional moving sector, giving consumers better protection against rogue practices.

PAGE 9

ELA & COLLAB ORATIONS

HISTORIC WEBINAR WITH ELA Europe recognizes our fight against undeclared work for the first time On September 26, the European Labour Authority (ELA) held a European webinar specifically on undeclared work in the moving sector. And our nationals set the tone: BCR Chairman Bertil Durieux represented FEDEMAC, and Hilaire Willems from SIIS represented Belgium, both as keynote speakers.

That BCR and SIOD shared the European stage is no coincidence. It is the result of years of perseverance, lobbying, and collaboration. Our sector set high standards, and Europe now recognizes us as a frontrunner.

This webinar marks a historic recognition of the moving sector at the European level. Member States shared best practices, and Belgium was acknowledged as a pioneer in combating undeclared work. This step brings fairer competition for all European movers closer.

STRONGER TOGETHER Across borders Collaboration is central to us, including with external partners. We reinforced our existing partnership with bpost and involved Testaankoop and SIIS in the fight against rogue practices and the launch of our consumer platform.

We are also developing future partnerships to make the moving process even better, more transparent, and customer-focused.

PAGE 10

SUS TAINABILI TY REPORT

SUSTAINABILITY GUIDELINE BCR launches sustainability report for the entire sector In 2025, the Belgian moving sector took

Besides CO₂ reduction, the report

a major step toward sustainability by

provides guidance on key topics

introducing a comprehensive

such as HR policies and ethical

sustainability report.

business management. True sustainability is achieved when all

Some committed movers have long

these facets are addressed, resulting

embraced sustainability, but now, with

in better working conditions and a

the mandatory CSRD reporting imposed

healthier company culture.

by the European government, everyone must comply.

Every member can now easily deliver an ESG report in any

Our sustainability template enables

European language via ESGpro,

companies to measure their CO₂

which automatically integrates the

footprint and implement green strategies,

data.

promoting a more efficient and futureready moving sector.

AI-CHATBOT

ASK OUR CHATBOT A special tribute to our cherished colleague

Our three websites - the Belgian Chamber of Removers, Social Fund for Moving, and BCR Certified Movers received a brand-new digital assistant: chatbot Katrien.

This AI-powered chatbot helps members, employees, and consumers navigate our services faster and easier.

Available 24/7, it always has answers.

Why a chatbot Previously, finding practical answers required navigating menus or reading long texts. With Katrien, you type your question and receive a clear answer immediately. Saving time without compromising quality.

A meaningful name The AI assistant was named Katrien in tribute to our dear colleague Kathérine Van Landegem, who passed away unexpectedly in January 2025. Since 2012, she had been a pillar for the sector: always available, helpful, and ready to answer every question with a smile. The chatbot honors her dedication and warm involvement.

PAGE 12

SOCIAL DIALOGUE

NEGOTIATING SMARTLY How numbers make the difference Behind every payslip is negotiation. In Joint Committee 140.05, BCR represents employers at the bargaining table - against unions, with the government as referee.

In 2025, we worked on collective labor agreements (CLAs) for 2025–2026. These talks rely on facts - data on absenteeism, wage calculations, and the impact of flex jobs - rather than gut feeling.

The outcomes affect both employers and employees: indexation, year-end bonuses, training rights, and flex-job regulations. New in 2025 were sectoral meal vouchers and removing the 16-year limit for pension contributions. Social dialogue may seem abstract, but it directly affects monthly pay and employee earnings.

SOCIAL FUND: THE QUIET FORCE Supporting, training, and strengthening The Social Fund for Moving keeps the sector running. Funded by employer contributions, it invests in what matters most: people. From training - like Clicense driving or safe lifting - to tangible benefits such as year-end and seniority bonuses, the fund strengthens employees. During economic downturns or restructuring, it provides stability and support.

PAGE 13

PREV IEW

THE FUTURE: FULL OF CHALLENGES Greener moves, social fraud, EU rules, and the war for talent The moving sector is evolving faster than ever. New regulations, market shifts, and societal expectations challenge entrepreneurs daily. BCR monitors developments, defends sector interests, and supports members in a rapidly changing landscape.

Low-emission zones become zero-emission zones Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent: environmental standards get stricter each year. What is allowed today may be prohibited tomorrow. Diesel Euro 5 can enter Brussels for now, but by 2030 only zero-emission vehicles will be allowed.

For many moving companies, switching to electric is a significant challenge, requiring investments, charging infrastructure, and adjusted planning. BCR monitors developments and ensures the sector’s voice is heard in transition discussions.

New EU rules for vans From July 2026, vans between 2.5 and 3.5 tons fall under EU transport regulations, including tachographs, driving and rest times, and cabotage rules.

What previously applied only to trucks will soon affect small movers’ vans.

Administrative impact will be felt. BCR helps companies prepare with guidance, information, and discussions with authorities.

PAGE 14

PREV IEW

Finding talent won’t get easier Aging affects our sector, and skilled movers are increasingly scarce. The “war for talent” is evident at every level. Companies investing in training, well-being, and fair conditions have an edge.

Together with the Social Fund and training center Ambassador, BCR provides targeted training and promotes the sector as an attractive employer for young professionals.

Combating social fraud In February 2024, all parties signed the Plan for Fair Competition (PFC): employers, unions, inspectors, and government - a historic moment.

The PFC bundles concrete measures against social fraud: stricter inspections, better information exchange, and sanctions.

A signature alone is not enough. Implementation requires time and consistent pressure. BCR continues to push for concrete follow-up. Fair competition is a right, not a favor.

PAGE 15

LIKE TO BECOME A MEMBER OF BCR? Quickly visit www.bkv‑cbd.be and send the completed membership form to the secretariat at info@bkv‑cbd.be.

BELGIAN CHAMBER OF REMOVERS

info@bkv-cbd.be - www.bkv-cbd.be Stroobantsstraat 48 A - 1140 Evere Tel. +32 2 240 45 70