Search this site

Prof. Jacomijn J. van Haersolte-van Hof Fountain Court Chambers Arbitrator Biography Jacomijn (Jackie) van Haersolte-van Hof is an independent arbitrator and a professor of law at Leiden University. From 2014-2024 she was the Director General of the London Court of International Arbitration. Jacomijn has served as arbitrator and counsel in dozens of disputes in arbitrations administered by the following institutions and/or governed by the following rules: • International Chamber of Commerce • London Court of International Arbitration • ICSID • UNCITRAL • Netherlands Arbitration Institute • Royal Dutch Grain and Feed Trade Association • Various ad hoc proceedings • Member of UNUM (the Dutch Transport Arbitration Institution) • She was recently added to the Panel of Arbitrators of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC). She has advised and represented multinational companies in commercial, investment, and dispute matters; acting for and against foreign states. Matters include sales and general contract law, post-Merger & Acquisition disputes; energy law (including gas price review disputes); international law (investment law; immunity law); transport and commodities, shipbuilding, including off-shore; insurance. Assisting parties in meditation. Previously, from 2008 until she joined the LCIA, she practiced as counsel and arbitrator at her GAR100 boutique in The Hague, HaersolteHof. Before then, she worked with the Rotterdam law firm Loeff Claeys Verbeke (1992-2000), including in its corporate and maritime law departments. During that time, she was seconded to the Claims Resolution Tribunal for Dormant Accounts in Zürich. Subsequently, she joined De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek in The Hague (2000-2005), and thereafter Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in Amsterdam as counsel in the International Arbitration Group (2005-2008). She was a summer associate with Baker McKenzie, New York (September-October 1988); intern with Chalos, English & Brown, New York (January-June 1987); Fisher Porter & Kent in Long Beach, California (October-December 1986); and Van Doorne & Sjollema Rotterdam (March 1986). From 1987-1991 she was Assistent in Opleiding Rijksuniversiteit Leiden. In 2020, she gave the 35th Annual Freshfields Arbitration Lecture. She is a member of the Editorial Board of Global Arbitration Review, member of the Advisory Council Pledge on Equal Representation in Arbitration, and member Arbitration Committee International Law Association. From 2008 until 2018 she was a Lecturer in International Arbitration at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. She acted as a member of the committee advising the European Commission on the amendment of the Brussels Regulation. She was a member of the Board of the Netherlands Arbitration Institute. She taught arbitration to in-house lawyers and law firm trainees. She recently gave evidence to the House of Lords in relation to the reform of the 1996 English Arbitration Act. As of 1 July 2026, she is a member of the Challenge Committee of the Netherlands Arbitration Institute. Contact Details United Kingdom +447824117167 jvh@fountaincourt.co.uk Additional Links Link Bar Admission(s) NL (Dutch Bar) CV Credentials Languages Spoken English, Dutch Specialisation Corporate Law / M&A, Distribution, Franchising, Energy and Natural Resources, Finance and Banking, Insurance, Investment / Public International Law, Joint Ventures, Consortia, Cooperation, Maritime, Pharmaceutical, Sales, Purchases, Transport price formula disputes

Through its network of expert commissions, ICC provides a platform for businesses to shape global policy and standards. These commissions are the backbone of ICC’s thought leadership and advocacy—working across disciplines to ensure that the voice of business is heard at every level of international rulemaking. Global Advocacy & Policy Commissions Through its network of expert commissions, ICC provides a platform for businesses to shape global policy and standards. These commissions are the backbone of ICC’s thought leadership and advocacy—working across disciplines to ensure that the voice of business is heard at every level of international rulemaking. ICC Commissions are working bodies composed of business leaders, legal experts, economists, and practitioners from around the world. Each commission focuses on a specific policy area—ranging from trade and taxation to sustainability, digital economy, dispute resolution, and anti-corruption. Together, they develop policy recommendations, practical guidance, and global business standards that help companies navigate complex international challenges. Global Policy Commissions Arbitration and Dispute Resolution As a unique thinktank of ICC Dispute Resolution Services, the Commission pools expertise to deepen awareness and insight on practical and legal arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) issues. It contributes to refining the ICC Dispute Resolution Rules and offers practical tools, recommendations, and model clauses in reports and guides available on the ICC website and in the ICC Bulletin. The latest report and guide from the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR enhance understanding of various dispute resolution methods and how to resolve international arbitration disputes effectively. Find out more Business Integrity The Commission provides a vital platform for sharing best practices and engaging with policymakers on key topics such as integrity, business ethics, transparency in reporting, and human rights. Central to our mission is the development of an "Integrity Advocacy Toolkit" designed to assist companies and local business networks in combating corruption effectively. We are also committed to updating the ICC Rules on Combating Corruption and the ICC Anti-Corruption Clause, reinforcing our stance against unethical practices. Additionally, the commission is pioneering the creation of the first industry framework for responsible dealings in "sensitive" markets, marking a significant step in promoting ethical business conduct globally. Find out more Commercial law & Practice The commission aims to modernise and streamline commercial law and practices. It seeks to provide businesses with practical tools for efficient implementation of ICC Incoterms® rules globally, update the ICC’s collection of model contracts to reflect evolving business requirements, and advocate for the update of legal structures to accommodate and promote the digital transformation of cross-border trade processes. Coming soon Intellectual Property The commission on Intellectual Property is centred on shaping and guiding the evolution of IP policy frameworks to address contemporary challenges and opportunities. It aims to offer insights on potential policy measures to counteract the rising concerns over abusive third-party financing of IP lawsuits. Additionally, the commission provides input into UN discussions to fine-tune existing legal structures that govern the nexus between scientific research, innovation, and biodiversity conservation. It is also committed to facilitating the deployment of resources that assist small businesses in maximizing the benefits from their IP holdings. Overall, the commission underscores the significance of fostering policy environments conducive to innovation. Coming soon Environment and Energy The commission on Environment and Energy is committed to infusing business expertise into pivotal environmental and energy-related global discussions. With an eye on the upcoming COP30, it seeks to contribute valuable insights from the business world to the UNFCCC negotiations. It also aims to craft guidance for policymakers on enhancing the efficacy of carbon pricing mechanisms, specifically addressing concerns of lekkage, pricing, and allocation of proceeds. Addressing the pressing global issue of plastics pollution, the commission offers business perspectives to aid in the creation of an impactful international treaty. Additionally, the commission is in the process of piloting and refining the ICC Sustainable Trade Framework, underscoring its dedication to sustainable practices in international trade. Find out more Marketing and Advertising The commission on Marketing and Advertising seeks to modernize and reinforce the standards and practices within the advertising industry. The commission emphasizes the enduring importance of self-regulation in marketing and advertising, particularly in areas of increasing significance like diversity and the adoption of novel technologies. Moreover, it advocates for the widespread acceptance and application of established ICC frameworks and guidelines, such as the ICC Framework for Responsible Environmental Marketing Communications, with the aim of instilling trust in corporate claims related to sustainability. Find out more Competition The commission is focused on evolving competition policies to align with contemporary challenges and business needs. Its primary goals are to reform antitrust policies to facilitate vital industry collaboration in addressing global climate and sustainability objectives, specifically in Europe, North America and LatAm. The commission also seeks to harmonize national merger control procedures, offering businesses more clarity and consistency in international operations. Moreover, it aims to guide companies through the intricate policy landscapes associated with foreign subsidies. Coming soon Taxation The commission on Taxation is dedicated to shaping coherent and effective global tax policies that cater to contemporary business and societal needs. Key objectives include offering essential business perspectives to shape international tax reforms, particularly within the OECD’s inclusive framework and the anticipated new UN convention, with a strong emphasis on tax certainty and global coordination. The commission ardently champions the creation and implementation of comprehensive mechanisms to prevent and resolve tax disputes. Additionally, in response to evolving work dynamics post-pandemic, the commission spearheads discussions on suitable tax frameworks for cross-border teleworkers. A crucial focus is also to guide businesses in understanding and navigating the intersections of tax policies with environmental objectives and the broader landscape reporting. Coming soon Digital Economy The commission aims to pioneer advancements in the digital economy with a particular emphasis on cybersecurity. The commission is also committed to offering vital business perspectives to shape the ongoing UN cybersecurity discussions. In addition, it advocates for a global alignment with the OECD’s principles concerning trusted government access to private sector-held personal data. Lastly, the commission seeks to guide the creation of international policy frameworks that promote the seamless and trustworthy flow of data, drawing on practical industry methodologies. Find out more Banking (trade, supply chain and export finance) The commission is dedicated to advancing and modernizing the banking sector, particularly focusing on trade, supply chain, and export finance. A key goal is to enhance the ICC Trade Register, establishing it as the premier source of market intelligence for trade finance products, serving banks, investors, and regulators alike. We advocate for equitable capital treatment of trade finance assets in significant legislative initiatives and promote the digitization of ICC trade finance rules, including the development of standardized APIs. Our efforts also include updating financial crime and risk policies for trade finance transactions, revising the ICC’s guidelines for processing letter-of-credit transactions ("ISBP"), and providing expert guidance on ICC banking rules through opinions and technical advisory briefings. Coming soon Customs & Trade facilitation Focus on enhancing customs and trade facilitation processes on a global scale. Its main objectives include offering valuable insights into pivotal World Customs Organization initiatives, especially concerning valuation and product classifications. It also aspires to be at the forefront of discussions on contemporary challenges faced by national customs agencies, with a focus on digital transformation and the circular economy. The commission promotes the enhancement of ‘trusted trader’ programs by suggesting modifications to pertinent WCO standards. Provide a platform to identify – and respond to – key in-country trade facilitation challenges utilising the full reach of ICC’s national committee network. Coming soon Trade & Investment The commission on Trade and Investment is committed to advancing and refining the global trade and investment landscape. It actively participates in shaping discussions related to the reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO) system. An important advocacy point is to persuade governments to permanently prohibit the imposition of customs duties on data transfers. The commission provides vital business perspectives to steer the WTO e-commerce negotiations towards a high-standard resolution. Furthermore, it takes a prominent role in global dialogues, promoting potential trade policy changes that can expedite the adoption and expansion of circular economy principles. Coming soon Wherever global decisions are made, we ensure that businessis at the table. Position papers & publications Global Trade Outlook 2025: Industry Insights Business leaders worldwide have shared crucial insights with ICC on key trade policy challenges, highlighting the need for predictability in global markets. Find out more Are value-added taxes a barrier to trade? Understanding the differences between value-added taxes (VAT) and tariffs is crucial for informed international trade policy decisions. Find out more The implications of a democracies-only trade pact New ICC analysis examines the economic implications of proposals to establish a trade system limited to democratic nations, finding such plans would trigger a tariff shock three times larger than the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 that significantly impacted global trade by raising US import duties on a wide range of goods. Find out more Why the most-favoured nation principle matters Stable, fair, and predictable trade benefits everyone Find out more Industry response to ISO Technical committee on Digital Marketing New ICC analysis examines the economic implications of proposals to establish a trade system limited to democratic nations, finding such plans would trigger a tariff shock three times larger than the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 that significantly impacted global trade by raising US import duties on a wide range of goods. Find out more How do we work? Representing over 45 million businesses in more than 170 countries, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) ensures that the voice of business is heard at global, regional, and national levels. We often see a gap between the policies developed by governments and the day-to-day reality for businesses. Our role is to bridge that gap — by sharing practical insights and proposing solutions that work in the real world, for companies large and small, across all sectors. Through our global network, we collect feedback from national contexts and bring it to the right international discussions. At the same time, we help shape national positions that align with the interests of the global business community. We advocate for the value of business in society, the importance of cross-border collaboration, and the need to build a sustainable and inclusive future. How do we form our positions? To develop our positions, we analyze how global policies impact business in practice. We do this in close collaboration with our members and partners through: 12 expert commissions Dedicated working groups and task forces This structure gives our members a voice in shaping global business policy, keeps us connected to what’s happening on the ground, and helps us focus on solutions that work. When you engage with ICC, you’re hearing the voice of 45 million companies in 170+ countries, representing more than 1 billion workers. Where do we raise our voice? ICC speaks on behalf of business at both national and global forums. We are the only business organization with permanent observer status at the United Nations, and an active voice at: The OECD The G7 and G20 The World Customs Organization The World Trade Organization The UN Climate Conferences (COP) We are a Trusted Partner

Explore ICC's comprehensive business solutions designed to facilitate global trade. From ATA Carnets and Incoterms® to model contracts, certificates of origin, and digital trade tools, discover how ICC's standards and resources support businesses of all sizes and drive international commerce. How to draft a contract Draft contracts with international business partners effortlessly using ICC Model Contracts and Clauses and the right Incoterms® rules. Go to: Step 1: Save time with ICC Model Contracts Step 2: Include ICC Model Clauses and Agreements Step 3: Choose the right Incoterms® rules Congratulations, you have successfully taken the first steps to kick-start your global export journey and identified a viable commercial opportunity. You are now looking to transact with a customer or a supplier in a foreign market. Get ready to draft, negotiate and conclude your contracts by following these steps: Save time with ICC Model Contracts Include the right clauses and terms Choose the right Incoterms® rules This work will be essential to your long-term success, whether you are selling goods to a foreign customer, hiring a commercial agent, entering into a franchising agreement, or choosing a distributor. Step 1: Save time with ICC Model Contracts Whether negotiating a consultancy agreement abroad, cooperating on major projects or licensing a trademark, ICC Model Contracts help you get your international contracts right. Drafted by legal experts from across ICC’s worldwide network, our range of model contracts provide balanced, neutral templates for use across legal jurisdictions, empowering you to quickly establish an even-handed agreement with parties in another country. Discover ICC Model Contracts & Learn how to use ICC Model Contracts with our video series ICC Model Contracts for Start-ups Start-up ventures are drivers of today’s economy and allow creators and businesspeople across the globe to share their innovative ideas with the world. ICC Model Contract – International Sale (Manufactured Goods) An international business transaction requires a precise and detailed underlying contract. ICC Model Contract on Distributorship Distributorship contracts are one of the most frequently used means for organising the distribution of goods in a foreign country. ICC Model Contract – Commercial Agency Virtually every company engaged in international trade makes use of agents and therefore must face the problem of drafting an international agency agreement. Step 2: Include ICC Model Clauses and Agreements Clauses and agreements in international contracts specify the commitments of each party. Omitting to include clauses could prove costly in potential disputes which is why it is important to include clauses on confidentiality, contract variation, force majeure and other key areas. Discover ICC Model Clauses and Agreements Force Majeure and Hardship Clauses ICC has updated its Force Majeure and Hardship clauses to help businesses large and small draft contracts adaptable to unforeseen events such as the COVID-19 outbreak. ICC Model Anti-corruption Clause The general aim of the Clause is to provide parties with a contractual provision that will reassure them about the integrity of their counterparts during the pre-contractual period as well as during the term of the contract and even thereafter. ICC Model Confidentiality Agreement Before entering a business transaction, companies of all sizes have to consider how to protect sensitive information by drafting a non-disclosure agreement. Not sure how to approach data-related clauses? Data Management Guide for Small Business The ICC Data Management Guide, in partnership with the University of Vienna, that can helps you address data- related topics when engaging and drafting contracts with your business partners. Step 3: Choose the right Incoterms® rules A key decision to make when drafting your international sale contracts is the selection of the right Incoterms® rules, which define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in a transaction. As the creator and guardian of the Incoterms® rules, ICC has made available a range of resources to help you decide which of the 11 Incoterms® 2020 rules to include in your contract. Tools and resources to choose the right Incoterms® rules Incoterms® 2020 App Get expert insights curated by ICC, the guardian of the Incoterms® rules. Find out more Globally-recognised certificates Become an ICC-certified Incoterms® experts. Find out more Incoterms® 2020 wallchart Each Incoterms® rule in one visual. Order here ICC Handbook on Transport and the Incoterms® 2020 Rules Your interactive guide to selecting the right Incoterms®2020 rule. Order here Step 1 How to seize global trade opportunities Step 2 How to draft a contract Step 3 How to execute a business transaction Step 4 How to prevent and solve potential disputes in business Step 5 How to meet international ESG requirements

< Back Sophia Elisabeth von Dewall DERAINS & GHARAVI Arbitrator Biography Sophia von Dewall is partner at Derains & Gharavi and has acted in numerous international arbitration proceedings, as well as in legal proceedings before Netherlands state courts. She has handled arbitrations conducted under the arbitration rules of the NAI, CEPINA, ICC, HKIAC and ICSID. Her areas of practice include international investment disputes and international commercial disputes arising out of international contracts, joint-venture and shareholder relationships and large infrastructural projects. She also acts as arbitrator, including in arbitrations administered by the ICC Rules (further information, see firm website). In addition, she is Member of the Executive Board of the Dutch Arbitration Association and Member of the ICC Task Force on Corruption. Sophia is admitted to the Amsterdam Bar and registered in the Paris Bar. She obtained an LL.M. in Public International & European Law (cum laude) and an LL.M. in Dutch Law (cum laude) from the University of Amsterdam. Contact Details Netherlands, France 00 33 (0)1 40 55 51 00 svondewall@derainsgharavi.com Additional Links Link About ICC Netherlands We ensure that Dutch business interests are heard and represented in international policymaking. We deliver tools and standards that simplify cross-border business like model contracts or Incoterms®. We support fair and efficient dispute resolution . Become a member Upcoming events Learn more Check our latest news! News Languages Spoken Dutch, English, French Specialisation Energy, Construction, Contracts, Distribution, Information and Communication Technologies Bar Admission(s) Credentials CV

We can’t find the page you’re looking for This page doesn’t exist. Go to Home and keep exploring. Go to Home

404 Looks like this page no longer exists. Back to Homepage

< Back DSI Legal Reform Advisory Board announces new Chair ICC DSI Feb 2, 2024 The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Digital Standards Initiative (DSI) has announced the appointment of Oliver Wieck, Secretary General of ICC Germany, as the new Chair of the DSI Legal Reform Advisory Board. Mr Wieck is joined by three Vice-Chairs: Luca Castellani, legal officer of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) and one of the drafters of the Model Law on Electronic Transferrable Records; Vashti Maharaj, Head of Digital Trade Policy with the Commonwealth; and Chantal Ononaiwu, Trade Policy and Legal Specialist Office of Trade Negotiations from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). ICC Executive Board member Valentina Mintah steps down from her role as Co-Chair having served on the Legal Reform Advisory Board since 2022. Since its inception in January 2022, the Legal Reform Advisory Board has played a pivotal role in the global campaign to remove legal barriers to seamless digital trade, and engage countries and policymakers in creating an enabling policy environment for digital trade to take root. John Denton, ICC Secretary General said: “The DSI Legal Reform Advisory Board leadership has a huge amount of expertise, and truly global reach, on the issue of legal reform. We look forward to supporting them in their advocacy work towards sustainable, inclusive, digital trade. The momentum is real, and 2024 will be pivotal.” The Legal Reform Advisory Board, which brings together a wide range of policy, legal, and financial expertise on trade digitalization, was instrumental in creating a monitoring framework to track global alignment to Model Law on Electronic Transferrable Records (MLETR). Mr Wieck, who has been serving as Interim Chair since September 2023, said: “As a representative of ICC’s national committees in the Legal Reform Advisory Board, I am very excited to contribute to shaping and promoting a globally comparable legal framework for the digitisation of global trade transactions.” Mr Castellani said: “I look forward to contributing to the work of ICC DSI on promoting the broader adoption of the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records, and, more generally, the digital transformation of trade. It is particularly important to include developing countries in those efforts in order to mitigate the digital divides.” Ms Maharaj said: “Within the Commonwealth legal reform to digitalize trade can be a true catalyst and game changer, particularly for developing states and it is my sincere honour to contribute to the dynamic work of the Legal Reform Advisory Board in creating a globally interoperable, integrated and enabling legal environment for trade facilitation.” Ms Ononaiwu said: “Trade Policy and Legal Specialist Office of Trade Negotiations from CARICOM, “I look forward to supporting the efforts of the Legal Reform Advisory Board to promote an enabling legal environment for paperless trade, which can greatly benefit small economies, like those in CARICOM, that are highly dependent on trade.” For more information about the ICC DSI, including tools and reports, please visit https://www.dsi.iccwbo.org/ . For business. For you. Previous Next

< Back G20 engagement ICC WBO Feb 2, 2024 News from the G20 Engagement in Brazil. John Denton was in Brazil this week for the opening ceremony of the B20, the business engagement group of the G20. Appointed Co-Chair of the B20 task force on Finance and Infrastructure, John was invited to address the role of global policies to enable business in a changing geopolitical and environmental landscape ( see photos ). Among other B20 Task Force or Action Council Co-Chairs announced this week are ICC Chair Maria Fernanda Garza (Integrity and Compliance), ICC Board Member Lama Al-Sulaiman (Employment and Education), and World Chambers Federation Vice-Chair Marie Christine Oghly (Women, Diversity and Inclusion in Business). John underscored the role of the private sector in unlocking diplomatic negotiations within the G20 in this interview with leading Brazilian newspaper O Globo. Previous Next

< Back Clock is ticking for future of e-commerce and digital trade ICC WBO Jan 24, 2024 A World Trade Organization (WTO) moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions is set to expire in February. Without its renewal, the future of e-commerce and digital trade hangs in the balance. The WTO E-Commerce Moratorium will lapse unless WTO members agree to renew it at the WTO’s upcoming 13th Ministerial Conference, which is set to take place next month on 26-29 February in Abu Dhabi. ICC is calling on all WTO members to renew the agreement and has been making the case for its permanent adoption. Without an extension, governments could start to experiment with unilateral tariffs on everything from software, digital payments, and cloud services to the data supporting popular streaming services, disrupting the digital economy and driving up the cost of digital services that businesses across the world depend on to run and grow their operations. ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said: “ The Moratorium is a critical safeguard and allowing it to lapse would be a historical setback, hurting small businesses and consumers the most, driving up costs and reducing access to knowledge, information, and digital tools. Not only would such a move add to a damaging pattern of escalating tariffs; it would also wreak potential havoc on the online economy. Tariffs really could ‘break the Internet’.” The Moratorium has been in place since the WTO’s Second Ministerial Conference in 1998. Since then, governments have agreed to extend it at the biennial WTO Ministerial Conference. While lacking a specific definition, the term “electronic transmissions” is generally understood to mean anything from software to digital music, movies, and video games. The moratorium has played an important role in the development of the Internet by keeping tariffs off digitally delivered products, services and content. “The agreement has played a hidden – but vital – role in the growth of the Internet economy over the past two decades shielding the Internet from distortions and disruptions induced by levies at national borders. We urge governments to ensure that the moratorium is renewed at MC13 next month,” said Mr Denton. Read more about the WTO E-Commerce Moratorium here . Previous Next

< Back Regional Summits to intensify chamber impact ICC WBO Dec 26, 2023 The ICC World Chambers Federation has unveiled a groundbreaking series of Regional Summits aimed at tackling global challenges through a regional perspective. Building on the resounding success of the World Chambers Congress, the summits serve as platforms for chambers and businesses to collaborate and lead the response to challenges and opportunities. WCF Chair Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu said: “ Regional focus is vital to amplify the voice of the real economy and to ensure the work programme of our World Chambers Federation remains inclusive, regionally relevant and impactful. The WCF Regional Summits mark a significant milestone in our efforts to foster global collaboration and address challenges through a regional lens .” ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton said: “ Inclusivity is our guiding principle for effective multilateralism. Our ICC regional summits will underscore the pressing need for enhanced global cooperation and governance while ensuring chambers and businesses, large and small, have a voice in the decision-making processes that shape international cooperation and economic development .” The summits will enable knowledge sharing and capacity building around the four key pillars of the WCF work plan: Empowerment of women, enhanced access to global markets for MSMEs, digitalisation for MSMEs, and sustainability in business and climate action. Open to WCF members and non-members alike, Regional Summits will be co-hosted with local chambers further extending ICC’s influence and global reach to positively impact the operations of smaller businesses that are the economic backbone of communities worldwide. The inaugural WCF Regional Summit will be hosted by the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce and take place in Bogotá from May 8-10, 2024. Executive President of the Bogotá Chamber Ovidio Claros said: “ We are thrilled to co-host this groundbreaking regional Summit. This inclusive event aims to unite chamber members, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs in fostering solutions for MSMEs to access new markets, ultimately contributing to a more prosperous future for all globally.” A second WCF Regional Summit, to be hosted by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB), is scheduled to take place from 23-25 October in Istanbul. Chambers interested in hosting a WCF Regional Summit are encouraged to contact ICC WCF for more information. For business. For you. Previous Next

< Back WTO Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions ICC WBO Feb 2, 2024 The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has joined a global coalition of industry associations in a united call to renew the pivotal digital safeguard. ICC and over 170 business associations from across the world are calling on members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to renew the WTO Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions at the WTO’s upcoming 13th Ministerial Conference, which will take place in Abu Dhabi, UAE on 26-29 February 2024. Without the renewal, the future of e-commerce and digital trade hangs in the balance. Governments could start to experiment with unilateral tariffs on everything from software, e-books, and cloud services to the data underlying popular streaming services, disrupting the digital economy and creating havoc for businesses across the world who all depend on the Moratorium to grow and operate their businesses. The Global Industry Statement highlights that allowing the Moratorium to expire would be a historic setback for the WTO, representing an unprecedented termination of a multilateral agreement in place since 1998, which is more critical than ever at a time of unprecedented digital transformation. The statement further states that continuation of the Moratorium is critical to ongoing COVID-19 recovery, supply chain resilience and particularly beneficial to micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises. It refers to recent studies that have demonstrated that any foregone revenue losses from the Moratorium are outweighed by the social, development and fiscal benefits arising from the growth of digital services. For business. For you. Previous Next

< Back Celebrating World Customs Day 2024 ICC WCO Jan 26, 2024 It’s World Customs Day, celebrated in 2024 under the theme ‘Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose.’ Businesses worldwide rely on efficient Customs regimes and smooth logistics when exporting and importing goods. That is why, as a long-time partner of the World Customs Organization, ICC helps drive the harmonisation and facilitation of customs procedures in line with our mission to business work for everyone, every day, everywhere. Here are just some of the ways in which we promote trade facilitation and customs modernisation, and help businesses get goods moving across borders. ATA Carnets – working like a passport for goods ATA Carnets are a trusted standard procedure administered by the ICC World Chambers Federation. They eliminate taxes and duties for the temporary import of almost all kinds of goods. For the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics in 2022, more than 118,000 pieces of equipment, from 34 countries, valued at US$94 million were temporarily imported into China. Issued worldwide every year for goods valued at US$25 billion, the ATA will be going for gold again in 2024 as the Olympic games and Paralympics head to Paris. What’s more, the world’s first fully digital ATA Carnet was used in 2023 to complete an entire customs journey using the digital ATA Carnet system pioneered by ICC. ICC Genesis Help is at hand for exporters, importers and customs authorities to reduce fraud risks and facilitate smoother customs checks with our groundbreaking Genesis verification tool. Genesis is a digital certifying tool, launched by ICC in 2022, to enable exporters to obtain the certification of their preferential origin statement on invoice declarations from a chamber of commerce. Through the World Chambers Federation, ICC provides an international Certificate of Origin accreditation chain system for chambers of commerce and has established international standards, rules and procedures that reinforce the trust and integrity of the CO Chain, to the benefit of traders and Customs administrations alike. Our Certificate of Origin verification website, allows chambers of commerce and customs authorities to confirm the authenticity and validity of COs issued by accredited chambers. Incoterms® Rules – the daily language of trade Incoterms® rules are ICC’s globally recognised trade terms supporting the efficient clearance of goods through customs by clarifying the tasks, costs and risks involved in the delivery of goods from sellers to buyers. Incorporated in contracts for the sale of goods worldwide, the Incoterm rules provide a common language for trade, providing guidance to importers and exporters and helping trading partners avoid potential misunderstandings. Learn more about ICC’s range of trade tools facilitate cross-border transactions Previous Next