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< Back < Previous | Next > Trade & Investment Why services can’t realistically be tariffed and shouldn’t be 4 Jun 2025 New ICC brief outlines why tariffs on cross-border services are unworkable and what policymakers should do instead. In today’s digital economy, cross-border services are essential to how businesses operate, grow and compete. But while goods have long been subject to customs tariffs, applying tariffs to services would be both impractical and create significant legal, operational, and economic risks. This is because services are fundamentally different from goods, making them virtually unworkable to tax at borders. Unlike physical products that customs agents can see and inspect, services are intangible—think of things like consulting, software, or design work—that often cross borders digitally or through the movement of people, rather than in shipping containers. This creates multiple challenges: there is no clear moment when a service ‘enters’ a country, no global classification system comparable to the Harmonized System for goods, and no consistent method to assess what should be taxed. Even when governments try to tax cross-border services – such as digital services taxes (DSTs) or withholding regimes – they face legal challenges, high enforcement costs, and risks of international retaliation, as these approaches often violate established rules or conflict with trade and tax agreements. In contrast, some countries have opted for a more neutral approach by applying VAT to cross-border services —treating domestic and foreign providers equally. Beyond feasibility, there is also a strong economic argument to be made against tariffs on services. Services account for more than half of global trade on a value-added basis and are vital enablers of productivity, innovation, and inclusion. Imposing tariffs would raise costs, fragment global supply chains, and disproportionately harm MSMEs and developing economies that rely on affordable cross-border services to grow and compete, including legal advice, design, IT support and marketing. Tariffs on services would also increase compliance burdens and administrative costs for governments, requiring entirely new systems to monitor digital transactions, register providers, and audit contracts. Exporters would not be spared either: many countries are net exporters of services in areas like finance, education, and media. Tariff measures could trigger retaliation and reduce market access for these firms. In short: services can’t realistically be tariffed – and they shouldn’t be. Instead, policymakers should: Reaffirm multilateral norms by supporting the continuation of the WTO E-Commerce Moratorium and rejecting tariffs on services. Avoid unilateral tariff-like measures — such as DSTs or withholding regimes —that risk legal conflict, trade retaliation, and fragmentation. Pursue multilateral cooperation through appropriate multilateral and regional bodies to develop common rules for the taxation of the digital economy. Download

< Back < Previous | Next > Geopolitics Navigating Uncertainty, Driving Solution 21 Mar 2025 Geopolitical tensions, trade barriers, and regulatory uncertainty continue to shape the international business landscape. Tariffs are increasing, supply chains are under pressure, and new EU regulations are redefining sustainability expectations. In this evolving environment, businesses must remain agile and proactive. At ICC, we see these challenges as a call to engage, not retreat. Whether through trade facilitation, arbitration, or sustainable trade finance, our mission is to help businesses navigate complexity and advocate for open markets. This was the key message of Philippe Varin, chair of the International Chamber of Commerce during his visit to the Netherlands last month. www.cityam.com International trade in the era of Trump 2.0 - how will the ICC adapt? Philippe Varin, chair of the International Chamber of Commerce, is stewarding the kind of globalist institution which Trump instinctively distrusts. He speaks to Eliot Wilson about championing free trade in an era of protectionism Key Themes This Month: Geopolitics & Trade Tensions : How will economic nationalism and tariffs impact global business? Read our interview with Bart Jan Koopman for insights into 2025 trade developments. Sustainability & Compliance : The EU Omnibus Proposal is redefining ESG reporting. Should businesses scale back compliance efforts or strengthen their sustainability strategies? The Future of Trade Rules : Despite regulatory uncertainty, progress is being made in trade digitalization. The long-overdue reform to recognize Digital Trade Documents in the Netherlands is finally moving forward Key Developments: • Trade finance is evolving to support sustainable supply chains. This month, Standard Chartered became the first international bank to fully align with ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance, setting a precedent for greater transparency, due diligence, and accountability. More financial institutions are expected to follow. • Growing reliance on ICC dispute resolution – New 2024 figures show that businesses are turning to ICC arbitration and mediation more than ever, especially for B2G disputes. The 20th ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition also kicked off in Paris, highlighting the increasing role of mediation in resolving global business conflicts. Read our interview with Jeremy Lack on the evolving landscape of mediation. • ICC remains committed to free trade – As the G20 Presidency moves to South Africa, ICC sees new opportunities for international cooperation. John Denton, ICC-WBO Secretary General, emphasizes: “As the first African nation to hold the G20 Presidency, South Africa has a unique opportunity to build coalitions and revitalize the multilateral trading system.” Stay Engaged & Informed ICC Strategic Priorities 1. Tackling Trade Barriers 2. Promoting Access to Justice, Integrity, and Rule of Law 3. Advancing Climate Action and Sustainability 4. Accelerating Trade Digitalisation 5. Strengthening Multilateralism

< Back < Previous | Next > Taxes Recent Developments in the World of Tax 17 Feb 2025 The ICC is at the forefront of global tax discussions, ensuring that businesses have a strong voice in shaping fair and effective tax policies. From VAT regulations to the development of a United Nations (UN) tax framework, ICC works to create a tax environment that fosters trade, investment, and economic growth. VAT & Tariffs The recent policy brief issued by the ICC clarifies the distinctions between VAT and import tariffs, emphasizing VAT’s positive role in global trade. This comes in response to concerns raised by the U.S. in the ‘Fair and Reciprocal Plan’ about VAT potentially discriminating against American businesses. In the VAT system, businesses act as intermediaries that collect and remit the tax at each stage of the supply chain, but the final cost is absorbed by the end consumer. This structure ensures that VAT is effectively a consumption tax, with each participant in the supply chain reclaiming the VAT on their inputs so that the tax burden accumulates only at the final point of sale. As a result, VAT, is inherently neutral and non-discriminatory toward foreign businesses, reinforcing its role as a fair and efficient mechanism in international trade.Recognising these benefits, the ICC has been at the forefront of these discussions, advocating for balanced VAT policies that help eliminate unnecessary trade obstacles. More information on the role of VAT in international trade can be found here. The UN Tax Convention: ICC Representing Business Interests In 2024, the United Nations General Assembly established an intergovernmental negotiating committee to draft an UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation. This process, running from 2025 to 2027, aims to create a clear and fair global tax framework that improves cooperation between countries. On 16 August 2024, the UN Ad Hoc Committee approved the Terms of Reference for the convention, marking a significant milestone in the process of developing new cross-border taxation rules. This approval sets the stage for future negotiations, shaping policies that will impact businesses globally. ICC has been actively involved in these discussions to ensure that the convention: • Promotes tax certainty and aligns with existing international frameworks. • Encourages investment, job creation, and sustainable economic growth. • Includes meaningful engagement with businesses throughout the negotiation process. Key Concerns and ICC’s Advocacy Efforts During the negotiations, ICC Global Policy Lead on Taxation, Luisa Scarcella, welcomed the inclusion of stakeholder participation in the drafting process but expressed concerns over the absence of explicit taxpayer safeguards in the final text. Additionally, the ICC emphasized the necessity for broad international coordination to ensure consistency with existing frameworks. Concerns were also raised about the ambitious timeline for negotiating the taxation of crossborder services, particularly regarding its potential economic impact on developing countries. ICC’s Commitment to Business-Friendly Tax Policies The ICC remains committed to working closely with policymakers to ensure balanced and effective tax policies that support global trade and investment. By actively participating in UN negotiations and advocating for business-friendly tax frameworks, ICC is shaping a more predictable and fair international tax system. Stay informed about ICC’s tax initiatives and how we’re working to protect business interests worldwide. Timeline 2025 The following is a timeline of the ICC’s Global Tax Commission for the remainder of 2025, with all dates subject to final confirmation and potential adjustments.

< Back < Previous | Next > Global Response ICC warns trade uncertainty is undermining global business confidence 2 Jun 2025 Speaking live in an interview on Bloomberg’s Balance of Power show with hosts Kailey Leinz and Joe Mathieu, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO discussed current trade policy tensions and what it means for the international business community. Mr Denton said uncertainty surrounding US tariffs and trade policy is acting as a “tax” on international businesses. “What we’re seeing on a global basis is heightened levels of uncertainty,” He said, adding that the lack of clear direction on trade policy is shaking business confidence and disrupting global trade planning. Citing a recent Pulse survey of ICC’s global business network to assess the impact of newly announced US tariff measures, Mr Denton highlighted the growing challenges for small businesses. Conducted across 68 countries the survey shows that 77% of firms report direct or knock-on risks from the tariffs, and 48% say the measures have already impacted their supply chains or market strategy. “What that tells you is that small businesses are really feeling this as well, and they do not have the resources that large businesses do. It’s just problematic, and even for large business this is very complicated,” he said Mr Denton called for continued international cooperation citing ICC’s long-standing support for a multilateral rules-based trading system. “The reason we’ve been able to see a decline in poverty globally is because we actually have rules-based trading systems operating,” he said Watch the interview here .

< Back < Previous | Next > Arbitration from the Corporate Perspective Tom Scott 31 Mar 2026 A conversation with Huie (Sandy) Huang Arbitration from the Corporate Perspective We cover the subject of arbitration every month in the ICC Netherlands newsletter. Until now, we have never interviewed an in-house lawyer with experience of arbitration from the corporate standpoint. Aiming to broaden our knowledge, we spoke to Huie Huang, who has worked on several arbitration cases in recent years and is now Compliance Data Counsel at TIP Group. Having studied law in the Netherlands and China and worked in Dubai, Shenzhen, Rome and now Amsterdam as an in-house lawyer dealing with international contracts and disputes, Huie brings a global perspective to dispute resolution. In this interview, she shares what arbitration looks like from the corporate side and offers practical advice for in-house counsel navigating international disputes. What does arbitration look like from your position of in-house counsel? Arbitration serves as a strategy to manage disputes while protecting the commercial interests of the company. Arbitration offers practical advantages: neutrality, procedural flexibility, enforceability and confidentiality are all reasons why a company would choose arbitration. The frequency of arbitration cases depends on the company’s industry and risk preference, but also the geography and the nature of the contract. So this is the connection with the geographical location of the parties? Indeed. In my experience working with large transaction cross-border contracts – in the Middle East or Africa, for example – where the counterparty is located in a different jurisdiction, we would prefer to use arbitration rather than litigation to resolve a dispute. Do all contracts have a dispute resolution clause? A standard contract template should normally include a dispute resolution clause; this could be litigation or arbitration. The company may have a different preference, but all this is included in the dispute resolution clause. And what makes a good dispute resolution clause? It’s really important to draft it in a very effective and clear way. That’s because the dispute might not happen until years later; maybe 10 years later for contracts in, for example, the telecom or construction industry. If the clause is poorly drafted, the potential consequences can be costly. Consent is the cornerstone of arbitration; the parties’ intention to resolve disputes through arbitration must be clearly expressed in the contract. You also need to identify the arbitration institution and the seat of arbitration. You can, of course, use a template provided by the arbitration institution. The ICC has this. You can customise the template for your own purposes. Is the ICC the most commonly used arbitration institution? I would say it’s one of the most commonly used institutions. Because of its well-developed arbitration rules and clear procedure structure, the ICC is a very good choice for an arbitration institution. In terms of the scrutiny of the decision, the ICC definitely has advantages compared to some other institutions. The first arbitration case I handled was an ICC arbitration. Can a company take on an arbitration case without an arbitration institution? It is an option, but in practice, I see that companies prefer to use an arbitration institution because it provides the structured framework and administrative support that makes the process more efficient. What factors come into play when a company has to select an arbitrator? Selecting the arbitrator is one of the most challenging and painful points for in-house counsel when dealing with an arbitration case. It’s not like reaching out to a law firm; arbitrators are normally independent. When we select arbitrators, we first consider neutrality and expertise. And because arbitration cases often involve technical issues, it is important that arbitrators have not only strong legal experience but also knowledge of the relevant industry. From a corporate perspective, an arbitrator must be able to understand the technical aspects of the dispute, identify liability and assess damages. An arbitrator who combines strong legal expertise with a clear understanding of commercial reality is therefore highly valued. Why can choosing an arbitrator be painful? Because the arbitrator is really the key factor in the arbitration procedure – they will give the final word. So if you choose the wrong person, it can ruin the case and affect the final result. What role does the seat of arbitration play, and what do companies look for when choosing one? It much depends on a company’s internal policy and its risk considerations. In some cases, companies choose a seat that is geographically close. If the arbitration takes place far away, travel and accommodation costs can become significant. Another key factor is neutrality. When parties come from different jurisdictions, they often prefer an arbitration-friendly country. What about the Netherlands as a seat of arbitration? The Netherlands is a strong option. Many international companies have their European or global headquarters here, which creates a large number of commercial relationships. The country also benefits from experienced arbitration practitioners, particularly in The Hague. More broadly, companies consider whether the seat offers a reliable legal framework, accessible facilities, and a well-known legal system where qualified lawyers and arbitration professionals are readily available. What advice would you give to in-house counsel handling their first arbitration case? My first message is simple: don’t panic. Arbitration is different from court litigation, and it takes time to become familiar with the process. One of the most important steps is to assemble the right team early. This includes not only external counsel but sometimes technical experts as well. At the same time, strong internal coordination is essential. In-house lawyers need support from management, colleagues who know the project well, and sometimes employees who may act as witnesses or experts during the proceedings. Another point that is often underestimated is the workload; arbitration requires significant internal coordination, and gathering the necessary materials can be a major task for in-house counsel. Managing expectations is also crucial; it is important to explain the process clearly to management and ensure they understand the time and resources required. At the same time, arbitration offers some flexibility. There is always the possibility of settlement during the proceedings, which can help reduce time and costs. Arbitration is demanding but very interesting, combining legal reasoning with commercial insight – I feel very privileged to be working as in-house counsel.

Latest News Filter by Category Select Category Enter your email* Subscribe I want to receive monthly newsletter and updates from ICC Netherlands. * 7 Jul 2026 Leading with Integrity in the Age of Agentic AI: lessons from inside Microsoft A recap of our Week of Integrity webinar with Susan Du Becker, Director Risk & Compliance at Microsoft. Read More 6 Jul 2026 Trade & Global Economy The price of not knowing A closer look at ICC Global’s The Cost of Uncertainty on Investment report Read More 6 Jul 2026 Digital Trade Two ICC signals on AI: a practical guide for SMEs, and a global business voice for the UN ICC has released a practical AI Self-Assessment Guide for SMEs, and coordinated the global business voice for the first UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance. Two signals in the same direction. Read More 6 Jul 2026 Integrity The Paradox of AI in Ethics and Compliance: When Compliance Tools Create New Risks AI is transforming ethics and compliance, but the tools designed to reduce risk can also create new ethical challenges. This session explores a practical five-pillar framework to help compliance professionals assess AI responsibly before deployment. Read More 5 Jul 2026 Dispute Resolution The 2026 Rules are in force. And Dutch arbitration is on the rise. The 2026 ICC Arbitration Rules are now in force, and the 2025 statistics tell a striking Dutch story: the Netherlands has more than tripled as a seat of arbitration in a single year. Read More 3 Jul 2026 Integrity Towards humane use of AI Artificial Intelligence is transforming the financial sector, creating new opportunities while raising important questions about responsibility, transparency and professional judgement. This session explores how professionals can use AI responsibly, ensuring that technology supports, rather than replaces, human expertise, integrity and client trust. Read More 1 Jul 2026 Trade & Global Economy The 2026 ICC Open Market Index: what the G7 tells us about the trading environment Dutch business operates in The US adopted 75,000 more restrictive trade measures in 2025 than a decade earlier. What the 2026 ICC Open Market Index tells Dutch business about the environment we now trade in. Read More 26 Jun 2026 Sanctions and export controls in 2026: where Dutch business is most exposed The Dutch FIOD has set up a dedicated sanctions team, and the catch-all controls now reach into common consumer goods. At our second Digital Business Lunch, Floor Koops and Ruud Altena set out where Dutch business is most exposed. Read More 17 Jun 2026 Integrity Five working groups, one mission: ICC Netherlands puts business integrity into practice From sanctions to boardroom ethics, the ICC Netherlands Business Integrity Commission is turning hard questions into practical tools that companies can actually use. Here is what its five working groups are building, and how you can take part. Read More 5 Jun 2026 Digital Trade The green light for eBLs Electronic bills of lading become law in the Netherlands From 1 July 2026, electronic bills of lading have the same legal status as paper in the Netherlands. At our first Digital Business Lunch, ING and Philips set out what Dutch business should do next. Read More 1 Jun 2026 Integrity Leading with integrity in a Digital Age By Sam Solaimani, Professor of Digital Technology, Innovation & Operations Management, Nyenrode Business Universiteit; Senior Managing Advisor, Berenschot Read More 1 Jun 2026 ICC Unveiling the 2026 ICC Arbitration Rules The 2026 ICC Rules of Arbitration entered into force on 1 June 2026. They define and regulate the management of cases received by the ICC International Court of Arbitration® from 1 June 2026 on.  Read More 1 Jun 2026 Climate & Sustainability Electrification, raw materials and Europe’s (lack of) competitiveness A conversation with Norbert Both, Senior Advisor at Publieke Zaken Read More 12 May 2026 Global Insights Europe has the diagnosis. Execution is missing ICC Netherlands General Assembly 2026: four voices on competitiveness, AI, energy and MedTech – and the one challenge they all converge on Read More 11 May 2026 ICC Understanding leadership: a series of interviews from ICC Netherlands Interview with Fabia Tetteroo-Bueno Read More 11 May 2026 Digital Trade Get your business ready for digital trade: meet the ICC Digital Trade Navigator With the Netherlands’ new electronic bill of lading law in force, this exclusive ICC member benefit could not be more timely. Join one of the onboarding sessions on 28 May. Read More 11 May 2026 ICC Policy uncertainty cost businesses US$202 billion in 2025 - and the stakes for 2026 are bigger A new ICC report with Oxford Economics puts a price tag on policy volatility. Read More 6 May 2026 Integrity Whistleblowing Management Webinar Insights from a webinar on Whistleblowing Management Systems during ICC Integrity Week Read More 6 May 2026 Marketing & Advertising Trust as the through-line: inside the Global Marketing and Advertising Commission’s London meeting ICC Global Marketing and Advertising Commission — 28 April 2026, London Read More 6 May 2026 Dispute Resolution Preventing Disputes Before They Arise: Strategic Tools in Investment and Commercial Arbitration Read More 21 Apr 2026 Trade & Global Economy Customs at an inflection point Four trends shaping global trade compliance in 2026 Read More 14 Apr 2026 Trade & Global Economy The new EU Customs Code What business needs to know — a practical guide to the most ambitious EU customs reform since 1968 Read More 6 Apr 2026 Trade & Global Economy Reflections on a career in international trade: Bart Jan Koopman on the ‘new normal’, survival mode, and the future of global commerce “Optimism is almost a responsibility. Without a healthy dose of optimism and perseverance, you won’t get anywhere.” Read More 1 Apr 2026 Digital Trade ICC Netherlands welcomes adoption of eBL legislation Electronic bills of lading now legally recognised under Dutch law, supporting faster and safer trade flows Read More 1 Apr 2026 Trade & Global Economy WTO MC14: A fragile outcome at a critical moment for global trade The outcome of WTO MC14 highlights growing strain on the multilateral trading system. With no agreement on key issues such as reform and digital trade, uncertainty persists. Read More 31 Mar 2026 Dispute Resolution Arbitration from the Corporate Perspective A conversation with Huie (Sandy) Huang Read More 25 Mar 2026 Digital Trade Orchestrating the back office of the future: why the human factor is becoming the primary vulnerability As financial institutions digitalise their back offices, fraud is evolving from technical breaches to human manipulation. What does this shift mean for control, governance and risk in increasingly automated environments? Read More 23 Mar 2026 Integrity Shifting the perspective of ethics and compliance by focusing on return-on-investment Compliance is often treated as overhead until the costs of non-compliance show up in legal fees, disruption, and lost trust. This post explains how you can reframe ethics and compliance as a value protecting system and shows how ROI language helps shift compliance from the department of no to an active safeguard and contributor of enterprise value. Read More 23 Mar 2026 Dispute Resolution ICC Executive Board approves revised Rules of Arbitration The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has approved a revised version of its Rules of Arbitration. The new Rules will enter into force on 1 June 2026. Read More 23 Mar 2026 Integrity OECD Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum 2026 At the 2026 OECD Integrity Forum, integrity and responsible business conduct emerged as strategic, data-driven drivers of competitiveness, requiring stronger integration with ESG, risk management and governance. Read More 20 Mar 2026 Marketing & Advertising ICC launches guidance on responsible AI in marketing As AI transforms marketing practices, ICC’s new guidance helps businesses apply established advertising standards to ensure transparency, accountability and consumer trust. Read More 17 Mar 2026 Digital Trade ICC launches global policy paper on preventing online and ICT-enabled fraud Read More 3 Mar 2026 Dispute Resolution The bigger picture of arbitration A conversation with Marc Krestin, Partner at Fieldfisher Read More 3 Mar 2026 Trade & Global Economy “Geopolitics is back in the boardroom”: a conversation with Marhijn Visser Ahead of WTO MC14, shifting trade dynamics and geopolitical pressures are directly affecting supply chain resilience, digital trade continuity and long-term planning; we discuss what Dutch business should anticipate and how engagement can strengthen predictability. Read More 2 Mar 2026 Trade & Global Economy “How Europe can stay economically strong in an age of geopolitical rivalry”: A conversation with Arend Jan Boekestijn As geopolitical rivalry increasingly shapes technology leadership, supply chains and energy security, European competitiveness depends on strategic coherence and institutional reform. We explore what this shift means for growth, resilience and long-term investment planning. Read More 27 Feb 2026 Integrity Boards under the microscope: from compliance to ethical stewardship As regulatory complexity, geopolitical pressure and AI reshape the risk landscape, how can boards transform ethics from a control function into a driver of long-term value, and what does this shift mean for today’s compliance leaders? Read More 27 Feb 2026 Trade & Global Economy Shaping the next chapter of global trade: the business agenda for MC14 Ahead of WTO MC14, 145 business organisations are urging reform and renewal of the digital trade Moratorium. This will have direct implications on legal certainty, cross-border data flows and the competitiveness of Dutch companies operating globally. Read More 25 Feb 2026 Climate & Sustainability CBAM enters a definitive phase: what businesses need to know With CBAM now in its definitive phase, carbon exposure has become a financial and operational reality for importers. What does this mean for margins, customs compliance and supply chain strategy in 2026 and beyond? Read More 25 Feb 2026 Climate & Sustainability COP 31 - Implementation is the real test As preparations for COP31 move forward, climate policy is shifting from targets to delivery, with new finance rules, carbon markets and trade measures increasingly shaping investment conditions, risk management and competitiveness for internationally active Dutch businesses. Read More 25 Feb 2026 Trade & Global Economy Will the UN Tax Framework reinforce certainty or create new fragmentations? UN negotiations on a new tax framework are entering a decisive drafting phase, with potential implications for treaty networks, service taxation and dispute resolution. These developments could have a substantial impact on internationally active Dutch businesses. Read More 24 Feb 2026 Digital Trade EU AI Omnibus - ICC’s position How will the EU’s AI and Digital Omnibus adjustments affect compliance costs, cross-border data flows and AI deployment strategies? We examine the practical implications for Dutch and internationally active companies as negotiations move forward. Read More 3 Feb 2026 Digital Trade Join the ICC Global Digital Trade Sandbox Digital trade is moving from ambition to execution. The ICC Global Digital Trade Sandbox offers companies a unique, vendor-neutral environment to test real digital trade processes, contribute to global pilots, and help shape the future of cross-border trade. Read More 3 Feb 2026 Dispute Resolution A Deeper Dive into the Importance of Dispute-Resolution Clauses Dispute-resolution clauses are often treated as boilerplate — but they are anything but. In our latest interview, Marieke Schaink explains why getting them right is a core element of risk management in international contracts. Read More 3 Feb 2026 Trade & Global Economy What Geopolitical Fragmentation Means for International Business Geopolitical fragmentation is no longer a risk scenario, it is the operating environment. In our interview, Michael Every unpacks what today’s geopolitical shifts mean for international business, and why companies must rethink strategy, resilience and assumptions. Read More 29 Jan 2026 Trade & Global Economy WTO reform at a critical juncture: business, policymakers and institutions in dialogue Keeping the multilateral trading system alive Ahead of the WTO Ministerial Conference, ICC Netherlands and VNO-NCW convened a timely round table on 29 January with business, policymakers and international institutions. The discussion confirmed one clear message: the system is under pressure, but indispensable — and reform is the only viable path forward. Read More 6 Jan 2026 Trade & Global Economy Intelligence-driven responses to geopolitical risk, espionage threats and cyber-attacks Geopolitical shocks, cyber-physical attacks and insider threats aren’t “emerging risks” anymore – they’re hitting companies now, and faster than leaders can update their plans. For our latest ICC Netherlands newsletter, we interviewed Tim Bosch (co-founder of the Birdwatcher Group) on why traditional scenario planning is collapsing, why every company is already a target, and why resilience can no longer be a project – it must embedded into your operating system. If your organisation isn’t preparing to pivot in days rather than quarters, it’s already behind Read More 6 Jan 2026 What ICC Members Can Expect from ICC Netherlands in 2026 In this New Year edition, ICC Netherlands outlines its strategic priorities for the year ahead, focusing on trade, integrity, dispute resolution, sustainability, leadership and digitalisation. Discover how we will work with our members, partners and global ICC network to strengthen Dutch business resilience in a rapidly changing world. Read More 2 Jan 2026 The Eight Key Benefits of ICC Arbitration for Business Disputes Read More 19 Dec 2025 Trade & Global Economy ICC warns of double taxation risks in latest UN tax talks As United Nations negotiations on a Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation continue, ICC warns that reforms risk creating new layers of double taxation. Following the latest round of talks in Nairobi, ICC states that expanding taxing rights without mandatory safeguards and relief from double taxation could undermine cross-border investment, strain tax administrations and weaken global growth. Read More 18 Dec 2025 Trade & Global Economy Revitalising the multilateral trading system: Call for action Ahead of the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), ICC calls on members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to launch a structured, time-bound WTO reform round and preserve the Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions – essential steps to restore stability and confidence in global trade. Read More 17 Dec 2025 Dispute Resolution Joint ICC Arbitration Day: Key Takeaways Arbitration is evolving, fast. Missed the Joint ICC Arbitration Day? Catch the key moments: new ICC rules, Court insights, in-house expectations, and Europe’s shifting landscape. Read More 1 Dec 2025 Trade & Global Economy Navigating Geopolitical Risk in a Fractured World In a global landscape marked by geopolitical tension, regulatory fragmentation and increasingly fragile supply chains, businesses face risks that are more complex – and more consequential – than ever. To explore how organisations can navigate this uncertainty, we spoke with Tobias Wellner, a Senior Analyst at global specialist risk consultancy Control Risks. Read More 1 Dec 2025 Dispute Resolution International Arbitration: from a neutral’s perspective Continuing our series of interviews with arbitration experts, we spoke with Marieke Witkamp, a retired Dutch commercial judge now based in Houston, where she serves full-time as an international arbitrator. [...] In this interview, she reflects on the moment she truly understood the power of arbitration, the advantages it offers over litigation, and how dispute resolution continues to evolve across different sectors. Read More 27 Nov 2025 Dispute Resolution What Businesses Really Want to Know About Arbitration: Top Questions from Last Week’s ICC Workshop What questions do businesses really ask about arbitration? From sanctions and enforcement to confidentiality and clause drafting, discover the top questions businesses raised during our latest ICC arbitration workshop. Read More 26 Nov 2025 Trade & Global Economy The WTO’s hidden value Every time a product clears a border, every time a services firm invests abroad, or every time an innovator protects a patent overseas, they are relying on WTO rules, committees and monitoring systems designed to reduce risk and increase predictability. Read More 23 Nov 2025 Climate & Sustainability COP30 Falls Short of What the Global Economy Needs COP30 reaffirmed global commitment to the Paris Agreement, but its outcomes fall short of what the world economy urgently needs. Without clear pathways on adaptation, mitigation and finance, the private sector’s ability to deliver climate solutions at scale remains constrained. Read More 7 Nov 2025 Climate & Sustainability Updated Global Framework for Responsible Environmental Marketing Communications ICC has released its updated 2025 Framework for Responsible Environmental Marketing Communications, providing global guidance to ensure environmental claims are accurate, transparent and evidence-based. Read More 4 Nov 2025 Dispute Resolution The Silent Drain on Enterprise: The Economic Impact of Unresolved Commercial Disputes A new ICC–Oxera report reveals the staggering global cost of unresolved commercial disputes, which drain liquidity, suppress investment, and weaken trust in markets. The study highlights how affordable, digital dispute resolution can unlock growth, especially for SMEs, and strengthen justice as essential economic infrastructure. Read More 3 Nov 2025 Trade & Global Economy Competitiveness in times of Geo-economic Fragmentation As global power shifts toward fragmented multipolarity, trade is increasingly shaped by geopolitics, security, and strategic autonomy. Businesses must navigate competing rules, supply-chain risks, and political pressures to remain competitive in an era of geo-economic fragmentation. Read More 3 Nov 2025 Digital Trade Paperless Trade Pilot Handbook – Road to a broader Digital Trade Paperless trade is no longer a distant aspiration; It is today’s most practical lever for cutting cost, time, and risk in cross-border commerce. Read More 3 Nov 2025 Dispute Resolution Arbitration in Focus Bas van Zelst is a partner at Enhance Arbitration, a law firm dedicated exclusively to arbitration. Enhance provides (co-)counsel, arbitration and advisory services. He is also a member of the ICC Netherlands Arbitration & Dispute Resolution Committee. In this article, he talks about the main definitions and characteristics of arbitration – and how these differ from litigation. He also outlines what makes the Netherlands an attractive seat of arbitration, and shares his thoughts on the link between arbitration and peace. Read More 2 Nov 2025 Climate & Sustainability From Ambition to Economic Delivery: ICC’s Call to Action Ahead of COP30 As world leaders prepare to meet in Belém for COP30, ICC calls on governments to turn climate ambition into economic delivery. Representing over 45 million companies, ICC urges concrete action on finance, adaptation and market integrity to unlock private investment and make the transition to net zero a driver of growth and resilience. Read More 1 Nov 2025 Integrity Highlights from the Week of Integrity 2025 The Week of Integrity 2025 brought together organizations across sectors to explore how integrity strengthens culture, trust, and sustainable growth. From the launch of the new Book of Integrity to inspiring partner initiatives and thought-provoking dialogues, the week proved that integrity is a year-round capability, not just a one-week commitment. Read More 30 Oct 2025 Trade & Global Economy ICC Trade Register 2025 Built on over USD 25 trillion in transaction data, the ICC Trade Register 2025 offers the most comprehensive insight into global trade and supply chain finance. Its findings confirm trade finance as a low-risk, high-impact asset class—and show how data-driven evidence continues to shape smarter regulation, sustainability, and competitiveness worldwide. Read More 27 Oct 2025 Climate & Sustainability Turning Ambition into Action: ICC and Sage Release 2025 SME Climate Finance Stocktake A new ICC–Sage report reveals that while SMEs are leading on sustainability ambition, access to green finance remains critically low. The study calls for digital solutions, simpler reporting, and smarter policy to unlock the trillions needed for small businesses to drive the global net-zero transition. Read More 21 Oct 2025 Digital Trade ICC Calls for Government Action and Business Expertise to Strengthen Global Cyber Resilience As the UN prepares to launch a new Global Mechanism on cybersecurity, ICC urges governments to pair decisive action with business expertise to strengthen global cyber resilience. The private sector, operating on the front lines of digital defense, must be meaningfully included to ensure policies are practical, inclusive, and future-proof. Read More 7 Oct 2025 Dispute Resolution Beyond the Contract: Insights from the ICC NL Dispute Resolution Forum 2025 At the ICC Dispute Resolution Forum on 7 October, experts explored how culture, trust, and human behaviour shape cross-border business disputes. The discussions revealed that resolving conflicts effectively starts long before the contract is signed. Read More 7 Oct 2025 Global Insights Building common ground in a fragmented world From trade digitalisation to sustainability and WTO reform, one message keeps returning: ambition is high, but the system must move faster. A reflection on clarity, trust, and cooperation, and why bringing people together still matters most. Read More 6 Oct 2025 Trade & Global Economy ICC Netherlands at the WTO Public Forum 2025 in Geneva At the WTO Public Forum 2025, ICC Netherlands joined global leaders to address one key question: how can we rebuild trust in global trade? From digitalization to AI and sustainability, the call for WTO reform has never been more pressing. Read More 6 Oct 2025 Climate & Sustainability Circular Plastics and Dutch Leadership: An Interview with Willemijn Peeters, founding director of Searious Business "The Netherlands stands at a crossroads. If we embrace circularity at scale, we can future-proof our economy, strengthen our resilience, and prove that sustainability and competitiveness can go hand in hand". Read More 1 Sept 2025 Trade & Global Economy Global trade – an urgent need for reform Global trade is at a crossroads. Rising protectionism, geopolitical tensions and stalled reforms threaten the stability of the rules-based system that underpins Dutch and international business. In this interview, Valerie Picard, ICC’s Head of Trade, explains why urgent WTO reform is needed, what “revitalising the global trading system” means in practice, and how Dutch companies can play a leadership role in shaping the future of trade. Read More 1 Sept 2025 Digital Trade ICC Netherlands calls on Dutch Parliament to accelerate adoption of MLETR ICC Netherlands, together with a broad coalition of companies, banks and business associations, has presented a whitepaper to the Dutch Parliament calling for swift adoption of the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) – a move that will cut costs, reduce delays and strengthen the Netherlands’ competitive position. Read More 1 Sept 2025 Digital Trade ICC Netherlands roept Tweede Kamer op: versnel adoptie van digitale handelsdocumenten (MLETR) ICC Nederland heeft samen met een brede coalitie van bedrijven, banken en brancheorganisaties een whitepaper aangeboden aan de Tweede Kamer om snelle invoering van de UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) te bevorderen – een stap die kosten bespaart, doorlooptijden verkort en de concurrentiepositie van Nederland versterkt. Read More 31 Aug 2025 Climate & Sustainability Share Your Story: Be Part of ICC’s Global Climate Campaign Business has a crucial role to play in tackling climate change – not only by reducing risks but by creating opportunities. Real-world examples from companies of all sizes show policymakers and peers that innovation and investment can deliver climate solutions at scale. That’s why ICC is calling on businesses to share their stories as part of its global climate campaign ahead of COP30. By showcasing successes and lessons learned, we can inspire action, remove barriers, and make the case for the enabling policies needed to accelerate the clean transition. Read More 28 Aug 2025 Climate & Sustainability ICC Report: Unlocking Private Sector Investment for Climate Adaptation Climate change is already costing the global economy trillions, yet adaptation finance continues to lag far behind what is needed. A new ICC–Oxera report highlights how the private sector can play a decisive role in closing this gap. With public funds alone insufficient, innovative instruments, better risk data, and enabling regulation are essential to unlock private investment at scale. As the official voice of business in the UN climate process, ICC will bring these recommendations to COP30 in Belém to advocate for a stronger role of business in building global climate resilience. Read More 20 Aug 2025 Trade & Global Economy Business takeaways from the first rounds of UN Tax Framework Convention negotiations ICC is advocating for predictable, stable global tax rules to support cross-border trade and investment at the first rounds of United Nations Tax Framework Convention talks. Taxpayer rights, rigorous economic analysis, clarity on new instruments and effective dispute prevention and resolution were championed as key priorities for business. Read More 15 Aug 2025 Climate & Sustainability Business disappointed by failure to secure global plastics treaty The International Chamber of Commerce has issued the following statement at the conclusion of the latest round of intergovernmental negotiations on a proposed UN plastics treaty: Read More 28 Jul 2025 Climate & Sustainability How to scale private finance for adaptation and unlock new business opportunities As the frequency and severity of climate-related events escalate, there is a growing consensus that mitigation alone is insufficient. Adaptation must play a central role in securing resilience. To support this shift, the new ICC-commissioned Oxera report assesses how the private sector’s role in climate adaptation can be strengthened and scaled. The report is intended to inform ICC’s advocacy as the official UNFCCC Focal Point for Business and Industry in the lead-up to COP30 in Belém. Read More 26 Jul 2025 Climate & Sustainability Enhancing Climate Finance in Emerging Markets Emerging markets and developing economies need US$450–550 billion in additional annual climate finance by 2030, but private flows are declining. ICC’s new policy brief shows how targeted reforms to the Basel III framework could unlock 3–4 times more private investment in climate-aligned projects. Ahead of COP30, ICC is calling for a structured dialogue with regulators to ensure climate finance flows to where it is most urgently needed. Read More 11 Jul 2025 Global Insights Harmonised AI standards to reduce fragmented global rules This ICC policy paper highlights how divergent AI regulations across countries can lead to fragmented global markets and increased business costs. ICC calls for greater coordination on the development of international, market-driven AI standards, to bridge legal differences, reduce compliance burdens, improve market access and enhance cross-border innovation. Read More 10 Jul 2025 Trade & Global Economy ICC and WCO release trade facilitation recommendations for enhanced integrity at borders Integrity at borders is fundamental to sustainable trade and economic growth. A new joint International Chamber of Commerce-World Customs Organization paper highlights how trade facilitation – by digitalising processes, reducing complexities and increasing transparency – can be a powerful tool for fighting corruption. Read More 4 Jul 2025 Business Solutions ICC Anti-corruption Clause The ICC Anti-corruption Clause is a voluntary contractual provision that companies can include in their commercial agreements, whereby they undertake to comply with the 2023 ICC Rules on Combating Corruption or commit to put in place and maintain an anti-corruption compliance programme. Read More 30 Jun 2025 Climate & Sustainability Business at the Table: ICC and the Private Sector at the SB62 Climate Talks At the June 2025 Bonn Climate Conference, business leaders led by the ICC called for urgent action to remove regulatory and financial barriers, scale up adaptation, and support high-integrity carbon markets. With COP30 nearing, they urged governments to align with 1.5°C goals and shift from talk to action, emphasizing that the private sector is ready but needs the right conditions. Read More 30 Jun 2025 Climate & Sustainability New ICC Policy Brief Calls for Regulatory Reforms to Unlock Climate Finance in Emerging Markets ICC urges targeted reforms to global banking rules, especially Basel III, to unlock climate finance for emerging markets. The brief proposes near-term fixes and deeper changes to ease capital barriers without risking financial stability. Read More 30 Jun 2025 Climate & Sustainability FfD4 Opens in Seville: A Crucial Test for Financing the SDGs At the FfD4 conference in Seville, the ICC called for practical, private sector-led financing to achieve the SDGs, urging action beyond symbolic commitments. With the “Compromiso de Sevilla” agreed, ICC is pushing for greater business input on SME investment, tax reform, and climate finance. Read More 30 Jun 2025 Trade & Global Economy Project Phoenix: A Bold Business-Led Response to Trade System Fragmentation At the National Committee (NC) Strategic Session held during We are ICC Week 2025, ICC unveiled its most ambitious initiative in recent years: Project Phoenix. Introduced by ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton following a high-level panel with Shinta Kamdani, Arancha González, and Andrew Wilson, the launch framed ICC’s response to deepening geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Read More 30 Jun 2025 Climate & Sustainability Post-UNOC3: Business Rallies for Ocean Action with Landmark Call to Policymakers Over 80 businesses and networks joined an ICC-led declaration at UNOC3, urging urgent action to protect ocean health as key to climate resilience and economic prosperity. The Business Call to Action outlines commitments and policy asks to scale sustainable ocean solutions and is open for more support. Read More 30 Jun 2025 Marketing & Advertising European Commission Withdraws Green Claims Directive — ICC Welcomes Opportunity for Constructive Recalibration The European Commission has withdrawn the Green Claims Directive after concerns over burdens on SMEs, marking a key advocacy win for ICC and its members. ICC now invites businesses to help shape future sustainability marketing policies that are credible, practical, and innovation-friendly. Read More 30 Jun 2025 Trade & Global Economy Beyond the West: Rethinking Europe’s Role in the Global Order Alex Krijger, a historian and geopolitical advisor, says the 2025 NATO Summit was a turning point, with Europe finally stepping up to take more responsibility for its own security. He believes the world is shifting toward a new global balance of power, and Europe needs to build fairer relationships with the Global South, rethink old institutions, and broaden its view beyond just Western perspectives. Read More 30 Jun 2025 ICC #WeAreICCWeek From 16–19 June, #WeAreICC Week brought together over 200 ICC representatives and leaders from 85 countries in Paris for a dynamic series of strategy and governance meetings. Highlights included the annual meeting of the ICC World Council, chaired by Philippe Varin, and a gathering of the ICC Executive Board. Read More 24 Jun 2025 Dispute Resolution ICC Dispute Resolution Statistics: 2024 The annual ICC Dispute Resolution Statistics offer a comprehensive overview of disputes submitted to the ICC International Court of Arbitration and the ICC International Centre for ADR. They provide an in-depth breakdown of the numbers and global reach of ICC Arbitration and other ICC Dispute Resolution Services worldwide. Read More 16 Jun 2025 Integrity Building Integrity Through Trust and Psychological Safety A culture of integrity doesn’t come solely through regulations; it thrives on trust, transparency, and psychological safety. Psychological safety—where individuals can speak up and raise concerns without fear—is the foundation of a strong compliance culture. Read More 13 Jun 2025 Global Insights Major banks set industry milestone with endorsement of ICC’s Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance A group of leading Trade Finance banks have announced their endorsement of the International Chamber of Commerce’s (ICC) Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance (ICC PSTF). This group, and further supporting banks, collectively represent as much as 25% of the global trade finance market by volume. Read More 12 Jun 2025 Dispute Resolution ICC arbitration tops global survey The Arbitration Rules of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) have been named the world’s preferred arbitration rules in a global survey investigating current trends in user preferences and perceptions. Read More 11 Jun 2025 Digital Trade Data flows in supply chains: Practical realities and policy implications Cross-border data flows are essential for efficient global supply chains, enabling real-time coordination and logistics across borders. ICC provides concrete recommendations to align policies with operational realities and keep trade flowing. Read More 10 Jun 2025 Climate & Sustainability ICC joins Business Call to Action to accelerate global cooperation for our oceans In a joint Business Call to Action more than 80 businesses and supporting organisations from 25 countries, including 55 businesses representing over €600 billion in turnover and 2 million employees, urged both private and public decisions-makers to strengthen global cooperation and accelerate action to conserve and sustainably use the ocean. Read More 4 Jun 2025 Trade & Global Economy Why services can’t realistically be tariffed and shouldn’t be New ICC brief outlines why tariffs on cross-border services are unworkable and what policymakers should do instead. Read More 2 Jun 2025 Trade & Global Economy ICC warns trade uncertainty is undermining global business confidence Speaking live in an interview on Bloomberg’s Balance of Power show with hosts Kailey Leinz and Joe Mathieu, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO discussed current trade policy tensions and what it means for the international business community. Read More 1 Jun 2025 Climate & Sustainability Sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a business imperative Sustainability is everywhere – but what does it really mean for a business to be sustainable? And who gets to define it? To get some answers, we spoke to Ed Gillespie, whose credentials involve nearly three decades at the forefront of sustainability. Read More 1 Jun 2025 Trade & Global Economy Africa – issues and opportunities relating to trade In the previous issue of this newsletter we heard that the USA represents just 13% of global trade. In our conversation with Secretary General of ICC United Kingdom Chris Southworth, he said that “we need to focus on the remaining 87% of the global trade system.” Read More

< Back < Previous | Next > Sustainability Business at the Table: ICC and the Private Sector at the SB62 Climate Talks 30 Jun 2025 At the June 2025 Bonn Climate Conference, business leaders led by the ICC called for urgent action to remove regulatory and financial barriers, scale up adaptation, and support high-integrity carbon markets. With COP30 nearing, they urged governments to align with 1.5°C goals and shift from talk to action, emphasizing that the private sector is ready but needs the right conditions. How business voices shaped the climate agenda in Bonn—and what’s next on the road to COP30 in Belém The June 2025 Bonn Climate Change Conference (SB62) marked a pivotal checkpoint on the road to COP30. With rising climate impacts, growing geopolitical tensions, and increasing scrutiny of implementation gaps, business and industry leaders—represented through the UNFCCC Business and Industry NGO constituency (BINGO)—played a visible and engaged role in the process. The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), as the leading global business representative, was at the heart of these efforts. Business Speaks Up at Opening and Closing Plenaries Rob Cameron, Chair of the ICC Environment Commission, delivered the BINGO opening statement, raising urgent concerns over delays in agenda adoption and calling for accelerated action across the climate agenda. “Ten years after Paris, COP30 must deliver—and it must do so for the real economy,” he emphasized. Four key points framed the private sector’s intervention: NDC Implementation: Businesses called on governments to translate Global Stocktake findings into ambitious, actionable Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) aligned with 1.5°C, with meaningful business engagement in their design and delivery. Adaptation: While mitigation remains critical, businesses urged for a robust framework to scale up private-sector-supported adaptation solutions. Finance: Echoing the Presidency’s USD 1.3 trillion roadmap, the private sector stressed that unlocking capital will require removing regulatory barriers and enhancing risk-sharing mechanisms. Carbon Markets: ICC strongly supported high-integrity carbon markets and rapid implementation of Article 6 as tools to drive finance to where it's most needed. At the closing plenary, the tone was cautiously optimistic. Delegates had worked constructively, but “significant divergences persist,” ICC noted. “Now is the time to transform promises made into real-world implementation,” the statement concluded. Financing Climate Action: Private Sector Ready—but Held Back During the Presidency-led consultation on the Baku to Belém Roadmap to 1.3 Trillion, ICC highlighted the urgent need to align financial frameworks with climate goals. As Beth Burks (S&P Global), speaking for BINGO, noted: “We fully recognize the role we play in reaching the USD 1.3 trillion goal—but the current system is holding us back.” ICC’s contribution to the discussion outlined three priority areas: Enabling Environments: Policy coherence and predictability—especially strong offtake markets and stable regulatory frameworks—are prerequisites for unlocking private investment in developing economies. Reforming Development Finance: Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) must become real catalysts for private finance by accepting greater risk and investing in project development capacity. Prudential Regulation Reform: Current banking regulations penalize climate investment in emerging markets. ICC proposed a structured dialogue with regulators to explore targeted reforms, estimating that such changes could quadruple available bank capital for climate projects. ICC has now published this paper, setting out concrete steps to realign financial regulation with climate ambition. Read it here. Just Transition: Making Climate Action Fair and Inclusive ICC and BINGO welcomed progress on the Just Transition Work Programme, while stressing that implementation must now take center stage. In its statement, business emphasized that a truly just transition must: Be holistic and inclusive, engaging governments, large companies, SMEs, and local innovators. Provide the most vulnerable communities with the tools, skills, and opportunities to thrive. Avoid unintended cross-border consequences, especially for SMEs in developing countries. Business urged policymakers to ensure predictability and coherence across policies, warning that fragmented or duplicative efforts could slow investment and innovation. “There is no silver bullet,” the ICC statement noted. “Efforts must be tailored to national and local realities to be truly effective.” Observer Engagement and Implementation Gaps ICC also weighed in on the Arrangements for Intergovernmental Meetings (AIM) discussions, advocating for more inclusive and efficient observer engagement. Suggestions included shifting some Action Agenda activities to Regional Climate Weeks and leveraging expert dialogues to integrate real-world insights into the process. “The Brazilian concept of Mutirão—working together for the common good—captures what is needed now,” said Agnes Vinblad, representing the United States Council for International Business. “No one actor can tackle the climate challenge alone. We must unite.” What’s Next? Belém Must Deliver for the Real Economy With COP30 in Belém just months away, ICC’s message is clear: it’s time to move from negotiation to implementation. This means: Delivering updated NDCs aligned with 1.5°C. Advancing robust frameworks on adaptation and just transition. Fixing regulatory and financial barriers to unlock private capital. Accelerating Article 6 implementation and voluntary carbon market integrity. ICC stands ready to support the COP Presidencies and Parties in translating words into action. As underscored in the closing statement: “Our shared climate ambitions demand collaborative solutions. The private sector is ready to do its part—but it cannot do it alone.”

< Back < Previous | Next > Customs at an inflection point 21 Apr 2026 Four trends shaping global trade compliance in 2026 Two back-to-back events in April 2026, a conference in Brussels on the new Union Customs Code hosted by ICC Be, and the latest meeting of the ICC Customs and Trade Facilitation Commission hosted by ICC NL, offered a useful snapshot of where global customs is heading. Different audiences, different levels of detail, but the same underlying currents. Four trends in particular deserve business attention this year. In one minute (for non-specialists) If your business ships goods across borders, or works with companies that do, the systems governing those movements are being rewritten. The EU is building a single digital platform to replace 27 national customs systems, starting with e-commerce in 2028 and extending to all trade by 2034. Worldwide, customs authorities are shifting from checking paperwork to analysing live data, with artificial intelligence doing more of the work every year. Companies that share clean, consistent data with customs get faster clearance; those that don't get more friction at the border. Four trends stand out in 2026: data quality becomes a business priority, AI is changing how controls work, "trusted trader" status is being redefined, and global rules are harmonizing, but unevenly. The rest of this article explains each, with a short glossary of the main terms at the end. 1. Data is becoming the unit of customs compliance For decades, customs has been organised around declarations. A trader submits an entry summary, an import declaration, a transit message, an export declaration, often into separate national systems, often with overlapping content. The EU's new Union Customs Code, politically agreed in late March, is the clearest signal yet that this model is giving way to something else: a data-driven, consignment-centric system in which the same information is submitted once and consumed many times. The EU Customs Data Hub will go live for e-commerce in July 2028 and become mandatory for all operators by 2034. The same shift is visible at global level. The World Customs Organization's 2025 edition of the SAFE Framework of Standards makes data harmonisation one of its headline priorities, explicitly to reduce duplication and streamline cross-border processes. At the operational level, Dutch Customs is piloting what it calls "digital corridors", arrangements with trusted operators who make supply-chain data available via API, in exchange for lighter-touch controls at the border. The conceptual direction of travel is unmistakable. For business, the practical implication is that data quality moves from being a back-office concern to a compliance KPI. Unique identifiers that follow a consignment from origin to destination, consistent product classifications, clean master data on parties in the chain — these stop being "nice to have" and become the basis on which risk, duty and release decisions are made. Several speakers at both events made the same point in different words: the technology is not the problem, the data model is. 2. The AI adoption gap is widening, not narrowing The WCO's 2026 Study Report on Disruptive Technologies, based on a survey of 116 customs administrations, makes for sobering reading. Only around 10 percent of administrations report using artificial intelligence or machine learning in production. Another 37 percent are experimenting or piloting. Roughly 30 percent still describe themselves as "operational", meaning foundational systems are in place but limited advanced analytics. Against this, private-sector adoption of AI has accelerated sharply. UNCTAD projects the technology will be the frontier technology with the largest market size by 2033, at around USD 4.8 trillion. The gap has two consequences. First, administrations will increasingly rely on private-sector data quality and self-assessment because they cannot inspect their way through growing volumes, 5.8 billion e-commerce items entered the EU alone in 2025. Second, where administrations do deploy AI, they deploy it in ways that demand more from industry, not less. Several customs authorities are now using large data models to identify "risk clusters" at a macro level, then asking individual importers to prove their specific shipments are outside those clusters. Rotterdam's AI-driven x-ray image recognition is an encouraging example of how automation can raise coverage without adding headcount. But the gap between administrations with that capability and those still working from paper-based processes is not closing. 3. The trust architecture is being rebuilt A common thread across the EU reform, the WCO SAFE update, and recent bilateral trade agreements is that the relationship between administrations and compliant businesses is being redefined. Three examples make the pattern visible. In the EU, the new Trust & Check trader regime, on top of the existing AEO programme, offers self-assessment, self-release and reduced controls to companies willing to grant customs real-time access to their data. This is a significant step beyond AEO: the balance of effort shifts from periodic audit to continuous visibility. Whether the benefits will justify the investment for most companies is an open question, and one industry is actively shaping through the delegated acts still being drafted. At the same time, the EU's co-legislators wisely chose to retain AEO in parallel, preserving a more accessible tier for companies that cannot or will not go that far. In origin certification, research presented at recent WCO events suggests full self-certification does not produce measurably lower compliance than third-party certification. That evidence is nudging administrations that had resisted the shift. But the picture is not uniform: India's new "authentication" requirement under the EU-India and UK-India agreements introduces a verification layer on top of self-certification, requiring exporters to provide additional identifiers through new IT systems. The UK and the EU have built two different solutions. Expect this pattern, self-certification at the level of principle, authentication in the detail, to spread. On the platform side, e-commerce marketplaces are being drawn into the compliance chain as "deemed importers", liable for customs compliance, duty and VAT on goods sold to EU consumers. The shift in responsibility is less a change of doctrine than a recognition that trust, data and liability must be realigned for the actors who actually hold the commercial information. 4. Harmonisation is uneven and will stay that way Against the direction of travel towards greater integration, real-world harmonisation remains patchy. HS 2028 was finalised in January 2026 and enters into force across the WCO membership in 2028, but a meaningful number of countries are still implementing HS 2017, with all the friction in correlation tables, tariff engineering and origin determinations that implies. In the EU reform, centralised customs clearance for imports is being introduced, but the VAT framework has not been aligned, leaving a gap industry has flagged as a missed opportunity. Penalties are only partially harmonised: the final text sets a minimum common core of infringements and non-criminal sanctions, but Member States retain room to add national sanctions on top. The United States is debating a bill that would replace its first-sale valuation rule with a last-sale rule, converging with other jurisdictions but doing so through a politically charged process with affordability implications for consumers. None of this is an argument against the direction of travel. But it is an argument for realism about timelines and transition costs. Companies operating across multiple jurisdictions will continue to need parallel capability for some years, systems, data, and compliance processes that accommodate different rules, different timings, and different assumptions. So what? The operational substance of customs reform is being written now, in the delegated and implementing acts of the EU Union Customs Code, in the explanatory notes accompanying HS 2028, in the work programmes of the WCO Permanent Technical Committee and its technical sub-committees, and in the bilateral IT systems being built around new trade agreements. These are not abstract debates. They will determine the data companies have to provide, the systems they have to connect to, the trusted-trader status they can realistically target, and the penalties they are exposed to. The practical channels for businesses to engage are well established: national trade facilitation committees, industry federations, chambers of commerce, and global business organisations with formal observer status at the WCO. Where those channels are used well, the detail reflects operational reality. Where they are not, business ends up implementing rules that were designed without it. The next twelve months, between now and the first EU Data Hub go-live in mid-2028, will set the tone. Key terms at a glance Harmonised System (HS) — the global product-classification language used by customs authorities in 200+ countries. Every tradeable good is assigned an HS code, which drives duty rates, origin rules and statistics. The system is updated every 5–6 years by the WCO. HS 2017 / HS 2022 / HS 2028 — successive editions of the Harmonised System. HS 2028 was finalised in January 2026 and takes effect in 2028; many countries are still implementing HS 2017 or HS 2022, which creates classification gaps between trading partners. WCO (World Customs Organization) — the Brussels-based body that develops global customs standards, including the Harmonised System and the SAFE Framework. 185+ member administrations. Union Customs Code (UCC) — the EU's foundational customs law. The "new UCC" is the reform politically agreed in March 2026, introducing the EU Customs Data Hub, the EU Customs Authority and the Trust & Check trader regime. EU Customs Data Hub — a single EU-wide digital platform that will replace the 111 national and EU customs IT systems currently in use. E-commerce goes first in 2028; all trade by 2034. AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) — the existing trusted-trader status in the EU and most major economies. Companies meeting security and compliance criteria get lighter-touch treatment at the border. Trust & Check — a new, higher-tier trusted-trader regime in the EU reform. In exchange for giving customs real-time access to company data, traders get self-assessment and self-release. AEO remains in parallel. Deemed importer — an e-commerce platform or marketplace treated, for customs and VAT purposes, as if it were the importer of the goods it sells — even if it never physically handles them.

< Back < Previous | Next > ICC #WeAreICCWeek 30 Jun 2025 From 16–19 June, #WeAreICC Week brought together over 200 ICC representatives and leaders from 85 countries in Paris for a dynamic series of strategy and governance meetings. Highlights included the annual meeting of the ICC World Council, chaired by Philippe Varin, and a gathering of the ICC Executive Board. 🌍 We are ICC Week Global Priorities, Local Impact: What You Need to Know and How to Engage From 16–19 June, #WeAreICC Week brought together over 200 ICC representatives and leaders from 85 countries in Paris for a dynamic series of strategy and governance meetings. Highlights included the annual meeting of the ICC World Council , chaired by Philippe Varin, and a gathering of the ICC Executive Board . The Council approved four new Executive Board appointments , five term renewals , and a second term for World Chambers Federation Chair Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu . The meeting also welcomed the creation of four new ICC national committees (DR Congo, Mongolia, Venezuela, and North Macedonia), alongside new direct members from El Salvador, Ethiopia, Honduras, Malawi, Senegal, Tanzania, and Yemen . At the heart of the week were presentations from ICC’s global workstreams —from climate, tax, and digital trade to dispute resolution, customs, and food systems—highlighting key policy priorities and opportunities for member engagement in the months ahead. Each commission and initiative outlined practical tools, global milestones, and open invitations for companies, experts, and national committees to get involved. Below, you’ll find short summaries of each workstream, including key takeaways and concrete ways to contribute. Whether your interest lies in sustainable finance, model contracts, or cross-border digitalisation, now is the time to shape the agenda . 🌱 Driving Climate and Environmental Action: ICC’s Energy & Environment Workstream Accelerating the Green Transition with Business at the Table During the #WeAreICC week, the Energy and Environment workstream outlined a bold vision for private sector engagement on climate and sustainability issues ahead of COP30 and beyond. Structured around three pillars— climate action, sustainable trade, and environmental responsibility —the ICC Global Commission is actively aligning business advocacy with the goals of the Paris Agreement, while providing practical tools and platforms for companies worldwide. 🔹 Key Updates: Following COP29, ICC welcomed the Baku Climate Unity Pact and is now leveraging the Baku to Belém Roadmap to scale up private investment toward the new climate finance targets ($1.3 trillion/year by 2035). For COP30, ICC will lead business input into negotiations on finance, adaptation, carbon markets (Article 6), and just transition. ICC’s new global campaign will mark 10 years since the Paris Agreement and highlight business commitments to climate goals. On plastics, ICC remains a strong advocate in the UN Plastics Treaty process (INC-5.2), calling for practical, business-informed approaches and regulatory clarity. 🔹 Cross-Cutting Initiatives: ICC is expanding its Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance , with recent endorsements by major global banks, including the Dutch ING Bank, and continued development of social and green trade finance standards. Efforts continue to shape high-integrity voluntary carbon markets and broaden collaboration on sustainability-linked supply chain finance. 🔹 Opportunities to Engage: Nominate experts to ICC working groups (plastics, climate finance, trade). Encourage banks and members to endorse ICC’s Sustainable Trade Principles. Share national insights on regulatory barriers or incentives to climate investment. Prepare for COP30 participation, especially via ICC’s dedicated Blue Zone space or engagement aboard the ICC-hosted ship in Belém. Together, we can make climate and environmental action everyone’s business. ⚖️ Commercial Law and Practice Commission Keeping International Contracts Fair, Flexible, and Future-Proof This commission ensures business contracts and model clauses evolve alongside trade and legal developments. From model contracts on agency, force majeure, and sustainable transactions to guidance on ESG compliance and corruption risk, ICC continues to provide essential legal tools for international business. 🔹 Key Updates: The revision of the ICC Model Contract for the International Sale of Goods is underway, reflecting modern business realities such as digital contracting, sustainability, and force majeure risks. ICC is finalizing new model clauses for negotiating and drafting sustainable contracts , providing practical tools to integrate ESG criteria into commercial agreements. The CLP Commission is contributing to global discussions on responsible business conduct , engaging with the OECD and other partners on business and human rights. Work has also begun on a project examining the use of model contracts in digital trade , including interoperability and electronic signature standards. 🔹 Supporting Legal Certainty in Turbulent Times: The Commission is monitoring trends in contract performance and dispute escalation resulting from supply chain volatility and climate transition. It continues to provide business input to UNCITRAL and UNIDROIT on commercial law reform and emerging technologies. 🔹 Opportunities to Engage: Join the working group on the revised Model Sale of Goods Contract or sustainable contracting. Contribute use cases on how businesses are integrating ESG into their contractual practices. Stay tuned for upcoming consultations and new publications expected later this year. 🚛 Revitalizing Global Trade: ICC’s Trade and Customs Commission Creating a Trade System That Works for All ICC’s Trade and Customs Commission is pushing for practical reforms to simplify border procedures, promote trusted trader programs, and improve transparency. It remains a key platform to shape WTO modernization efforts and defend multilateral trade. The Commissions outlined a robust agenda aimed at modernizing the multilateral trade system, addressing mounting protectionism, and ensuring that trade remains a tool for resilience, sustainability, and shared prosperity. At the heart of the workstream is ICC’s campaign to revitalize the global trading system , particularly in the lead-up to the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) in 2026. Through strategic advocacy, data-driven insights, and global collaboration, ICC is shaping the business voice on key trade debates. 🔹 Key Updates: A new suite of policy briefs addresses urgent topics: the erosion of the WTO, exchange rate misalignments, trade-related subsidies, and the economic impact of WTO dissolution on developing countries (in partnership with Oxford Economics). ICC is actively engaged in shaping outcomes on trade and climate , including the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) , deforestation regulations, and a new set of Ecoterms® defining sustainability in trade. The WTO e-commerce moratorium and digital trade negotiations remain high on the agenda, as ICC works to ensure an open, rules-based digital economy. The Customs Commission is advancing work on rules of origin , Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs for SMEs , and an integrity at borders initiative with the WCO. A virtual meeting of the Global Customs Commission will take place on 2–3 July 2025 , open to all nominated experts. 🔹 Opportunities to Engage: Nominate trade and customs experts to ICC’s Global Commissions. Join national-level advocacy to promote ICC policy positions. Participate in upcoming dialogues and provide feedback on draft publications. Share ICC tools and insights with Dutch policymakers to build momentum ahead of MC14. Global trade reform needs business leadership—and ICC members are uniquely positioned to deliver it. 🌐 A Decade of Impact: The Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation Making Trade Simpler, Faster, and More Inclusive The Alliance’s public-private approach is helping countries implement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. With 36 projects in 30+ countries, the Alliance is working on reducing clearance times, automating processes, and engaging small businesses—especially in Africa and Latin America. 🔹 What’s New: New and upcoming projects across Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe , including Bangladesh, Cameroon, Mauritania, Moldova, and potentially Ukraine and Egypt. A growing partnership with UNICEF to streamline medical imports, improving access to vaccines and health products in up to 10 countries. A regional initiative with the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) to scale up digital phytosanitary certificates (ePhyto) across Africa. 🔹 Opportunities for ICC Members: Connect local businesses with GATF projects to share trade bottlenecks and shape reform. Participate to roundtables or workshops on trade facilitation challenges with Alliance support. 🌐 Learn more | @GATFnews 💻 Accelerating Digital Trade: Progress and Priorities from the ICC Digital Standards Initiative Laying the Foundations for Seamless Digital Trade DSI is scaling digital trade adoption by setting standards, building trust, supporting legal reform, and boosting capacity. Recent highlights include the global rollout of the Key Trade Data Glossary (KTDDE), a reliability framework for digital platforms, and support for MLETR adoption in over 20 countries. The DSI’s four-pillar vision—standards, trust, legal reform, and capacity—has gained impressive traction, offering both governments and businesses a structured roadmap to transition from paper to interoperable, secure digital trade. 🔹 Key Highlights: The Key Trade Data Glossary (KTDDE) is emerging as a global baseline for standardised trade data. Implementation guides now support real-time data exchange across over 160 million businesses worldwide. DSI launched a reliability assessment framework for digital trade platforms, a major step toward scalable digital trust. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Digital Governance Council of Canada, aims to help solution providers, regulators, and businesses benchmark the reliability of digital systems. Significant momentum is building behind the adoption of the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) . DSI is currently engaged in 20+ countries including Thailand, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Nigeria, offering legal reform technical support to governments. In May 2025, the Dutch government submitted a bill to Parliament to formally recognise the legal validity of electronic bills of lading (eBLs) —an important first step toward aligning with MLETR principles . While the proposal stops short of full MLETR adoption, it lays the groundwork for broader digital trade reform. A three-year review clause was included to explore expansion to other types of electronic transferable records. ICC Netherlands and partners continue to advocate for full implementation to unlock the benefits of paperless trade across sectors. Through more than 50 global training sessions in 2024, DSI has strengthened its presence in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. A professional certification— Certificate in Digital Trade Strategy (CDTS) —has also been relaunched via ICC Academy to boost private sector knowledge. 🔹 Opportunities to Engage: Dutch businesses are encouraged to support ICC Netherlands’ advocacy for full MLETR implementation by endorsing the upcoming White Paper on Digital Trade Reform , which outlines the benefits and practical pathways for adoption in the Netherlands. Companies can help raise awareness by sharing practical use cases where paperless trade would reduce costs, improve efficiency, or support sustainability goals. Members are invited to join ICC-hosted events and working groups to engage policymakers, especially in the lead-up to the three-year legislative review. Interested firms can also adopt ICC’s reliability tools to assess their digital trade readiness and gain visibility in the broader European digital trade ecosystem. 💼 Driving Business Voice in the Evolving Global Tax Landscape Global Tax Commission Shaping Fair and Predictable Global Tax Rules The Commission is actively contributing to the new UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation. Its advocacy secured business access to negotiations and is shaping global protocols on service taxation and dispute resolution. 🔹 UN Tax Convention – A New Era The presentation outlined the road to the new UN Tax process—initiated during the 2015 Addis Ababa Financing for Development Conference and formalized through UNGA Resolution 78/230 in 2023. The process now advances under an intergovernmental committee tasked with drafting a binding Framework Convention and two early protocols: Cross-border taxation of services Tax dispute prevention and resolution Through strategic engagement, ICC successfully advocated for business participation to be formally included in the negotiation process—a significant achievement that opens the door for private sector input in shaping international tax norms. 🔹 What’s Next The ad hoc committee will hold three formal sessions annually from 2025–2027, with the first rounds in August 2025 (New York) and November 2025 (Nairobi) . ICC coordinates accreditation for business representatives and supports members with talking points and logistics. Beyond UN engagement, the Global Tax Commission remains active in key regional platforms (EU, LAC, and potentially ATAF and Asia), while also monitoring developments such as the U.S. Section 899 proposal and its implications for foreign direct investment. 🔹 Opportunities to Engage Participate in joint regional webinars to engage with business and government stakeholders. Contribute to public consultations . Respond to the upcoming global survey on tax and sustainable investment (summer 2025). Stay informed through regular briefings , including updates on VAT, digital taxation, and telework. ICC members are strongly encouraged to seize these openings to shape fair, transparent, and growth-friendly global tax frameworks. 🛡️ Upholding Business Integrity in Uncertain Times Business Integrity The Integrity Commission is leading ICC’s work on anti-corruption, whistleblowing, responsible business conduct, and ethical trade. New tools include updated corruption rules, SME guidance, and model clauses for responsible behavior in fragile settings. The #WeAreICC presentation on Business Integrity reaffirmed ICC’s longstanding commitment to advancing responsible business conduct, anti-corruption, and the rule of law. As global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions rise, business integrity is more critical than ever—not only as a matter of ethics but also for risk mitigation, trust-building, and sustainable development. 🔹 What ICC Is Doing At the heart of this work is the ICC Global Commission on Business Integrity , a platform uniting companies and policymakers to drive consistent and effective integrity standards across jurisdictions. ICC acts as a global standard-setter , notably through the 2023 revised ICC Rules on Combating Corruption , which now include clear mandatory provisions, guidance for implementation, and compliance program elements. New and updated tools have also been launched: ICC Anti-Corruption Clause – to be voluntarily included in contracts; ICC Whistleblowing Guidelines – practical guidance for safe speak-up environments; Due Diligence Guidance for SMEs , Gifts and Hospitality Guidelines , and the RESIST Tool for anti-bribery scenarios; ICC Guidance on Responsible Business in Challenging Contexts – offering a strategic and tactical approach to integrity in fragile or conflict-affected settings. 🔹 Opportunities to Engage Participate to the Dutch mirror committee and Week of Integrity events. Businesses can embed ICC tools into compliance programs or legal frameworks. Members are encouraged to join the next Global Commission meeting (October 2025, virtual). 🏦 Scaling Up Trade Finance: ICC’s Banking Commission Sets the Agenda Global Banking Commission Powering Sustainable Trade Finance The Commission continues to set rules and provide data that support trade finance reliability and regulatory fairness. Priorities include sustainability frameworks, eRules, and digital innovation in collaboration with DSI. The ICC Global Banking Commission, the world’s leading standard-setting body for trade finance, used its #WeAreICC Week briefing to reaffirm its commitment to building resilient financial frameworks for global trade. As trade finance demand grows amid shifting supply chains, climate obligations, and digitalisation, the Commission is accelerating work across four priority areas: access, risk, trust, and transformation. 🔹 Key Areas of Focus: Trade Finance Modernization : ICC continues to guide the industry with updated rules, opinions, and technical guidance , while aligning on a clear and consistent definition of trade finance to counter regulatory fragmentation. Sustainability : The ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance (PSTF) —developed with banks and in collaboration with the ICC Environment & Energy Commission—establish a common framework to define and assess sustainable trade across industries and regions. Digitisation & Innovation : In partnership with the Digital Standards Initiative (DSI) , the Commission is advancing API standards and eRules to support paperless trade finance systems. A working group on digital trade finance is actively pursuing global adoption. Risk Data & Advocacy : The ICC Trade Register continues to offer unmatched data on the low-risk nature of trade finance, reinforcing advocacy for proportionate capital treatment under global banking regulations. 🔹 Opportunities to Engage: Nominate experts to join ICC’s technical taskforces. Promote ICC’s banking rules and advocacy papers to regulators . Contribute national data to strengthen the ICC Trade Register . Join capacity-building efforts and promote uptake of sustainable trade finance frameworks. As global trade faces tighter financing conditions and regulatory pressures, the Banking Commission is more relevant than ever in bridging private sector needs and public policy. 🌾 Unlocking Sustainable Growth: ICC’s Agri-Food Initiative Sets a New Course for Food Systems Agri-Food Initiative Enabling Sustainable and Inclusive Food Systems The ICC Agri-Food Initiative is a multistakeholder platform supporting food systems transformation. Work focuses on sustainable trade, finance, climate adaptation, and innovation—with a major milestone coming at the Committee on Food Security in October 2025. The #WeAreICC presentation on the ICC Agri-Food Initiative laid out a clear vision: enable food systems transformation through cross-sectoral cooperation, global standards, and inclusive trade. This unique platform, convened by ICC, connects business leaders, farmers, financiers, and policymakers to drive practical solutions for a resilient and sustainable agri-food economy. 🔹 Key Highlights: The initiative responds to a triple challenge: feeding a growing population , preserving the environment , and ensuring fair market access . It is structured around four thematic tracks : Food Trade, Climate, Finance, and Innovation—supported by a cross-cutting Policy & Advocacy track . Work is underway on practical guidance for trade policy design , sustainable financing models, and tools for agri-business resilience in vulnerable regions. The platform has already mobilized over 150 experts , including partners from WBCSD, WEF, UNDP, IFAD, and major agribusinesses. 🔹 2025 Priorities: A flagship event at the UN Committee on Food Security (October 2025, Rome) will launch a policy paper with concrete business-driven recommendations. Continued input into UNFCCC , COP30 , and WTO dialogues on food systems and climate-smart trade. Expansion of regional dialogues and national committee engagement to localize solutions. 🔹 Opportunities to Engage: Nominate experts to the thematic tracks and contribute case studies or policy inputs. Help identify food system barriers in supply chain—trade, financing, or regulation. Participate to knowledge-sharing sessions with ICC’s Agri-Food team. In a time of escalating food insecurity, ICC’s Agri-Food Initiative offers a rare, solutions-driven forum where business plays a central role in fixing broken food systems—globally and locally. 🌾 [Explore more: iccwbo.org ] | #AgriFoodForChange ⚖️ Dispute Resolution at the Core of Global Business Confidence Dispute Resolution Services (DRS) Dispute Resolution: ICC Charts a Strategic Path Forward for DRS Services During the We are ICC Week, a dedicated strategy session shed light on the latest trends in ICC Dispute Resolution Services (DRS) and outlined upcoming initiatives designed to reinforce ICC’s role as the world’s leading institution for business dispute resolution. In 2024, ICC saw nearly 2,850 new arbitration and ADR cases filed, covering a record $102 billion in new disputes. These figures not only reflect ICC’s global reach—spanning every continent and increasingly involving state-owned entities—but also show growing reliance on ICC rules, particularly the Expedited Procedure Provisions (EPP), now under revision. Looking ahead, ICC’s work will be anchored around several priority actions: A major revision of the ICC Arbitration Rules is underway, incorporating input from over 135 submissions received through national committees. A redline version is now in circulation with working sessions planned in July and a new set of rules expected to enter into force in 2026. Expansion of ICC DRS digital capabilities with the launch of “ICC Case Connect,” a secure digital case management platform powered by Opus2. Development of regional ICC Hearing Centres , enhancing in-person arbitration infrastructure in key locations. Advancing thought leadership on urgent issues including AI in dispute resolution and corruption risks in arbitration, via newly established task forces. Continued commitment to diversity and inclusivity , with increased female representation (46%) and stronger corporate in-house participation among appointed delegates. Opportunities to Engage Members are encouraged to: Participate in the ICC Rules revision process and nominate delegates for July’s working sessions. Share feedback to help shape future dispute resolution tools and guidance. Propose or join (new) task forces and use ICC’s DRS roadmap to align local actions with global goals. Dispute resolution is more than legal certainty—it’s business continuity. ICC ensures companies, big and small, have access to world-class, trusted solutions. 🔗 Explore more

< Back < Previous | Next > From Ambition to Economic Delivery: ICC’s Call to Action Ahead of COP30 2 Nov 2025 As world leaders prepare to meet in Belém for COP30, ICC calls on governments to turn climate ambition into economic delivery. Representing over 45 million companies, ICC urges concrete action on finance, adaptation and market integrity to unlock private investment and make the transition to net zero a driver of growth and resilience. From Ambition to Economic Delivery: ICC’s Call to Action Ahead of COP30 As world leaders prepare to gather in Belém for COP30 , the message from business is clear: climate ambition must now translate into economic delivery . In an open letter to Climate Ministers, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO conveyed the views of more than 45 million companies across 170 countries , calling on governments to make COP30 the turning point where commitment becomes implementation . Business urges governments to make COP30 about delivery The global business community sees the transition to a net-zero, climate-resilient world not only as a moral imperative, but as an economic necessity . Businesses are already investing, innovating, and adapting to growing physical and transition risks. Yet progress is being held back by fragmented regulations and uncertainty around the enabling conditions needed to unlock private capital at scale. To deliver on the Paris Agreement, ICC calls on governments to anchor COP30 outcomes around three priority pillars: Investment-ready national climate action plans. Governments must co-design updated and ambitious NDCs with business, aligning climate goals with growth, energy security and industrial competitiveness. Predictable frameworks and clear market signals are essential to drive long-term investment. A Global Goal on Adaptation that mobilises private finance. Adaptation receives less than 10% of total climate finance today. ICC calls for robust metrics, risk-reporting standards, and smart incentives to make resilience investable, turning adaptation into a scalable economic opportunity. A finance implementation plan that operationalises the new collective quantified goal. The next step in the Baku-to-Belém process must be a concrete roadmap to channel funding into emerging and developing economies. That means addressing structural barriers, including reforms to prudential rules such as Basel III and more effective use of development bank balance sheets, to unlock private capital at scale. Scaling finance and integrity at the heart of ICC’s agenda ICC’s COP30 strategy sets out practical policy actions to turbocharge climate finance, strengthen carbon markets and embed adaptation into business models .Key ICC proposals include: Reforms to global financial regulations to enable greater green investment; New frameworks for Article 6 implementation and voluntary carbon markets; Development of investable adaptation pipelines supported by clear data, incentives and risk-transfer mechanisms such as resilience bonds; Recognition of trade finance as a key enabler of climate-aligned growth. At COP30, ICC will also highlight the role of small and medium-sized enterprises , presenting new data and insights on how SMEs can be empowered to take climate action. A partnership for delivery The private sector has proven its capacity to innovate, from clean energy systems to new low-carbon technologies, but cannot act alone. ICC is urging governments to work hand-in-hand with business to turn high-level ambition into real-world impact through policy coherence, transparent carbon markets and credible financing mechanisms. “COP30 can and should mark the point where climate ambition becomes economic strategy — anchored in growth, resilience and opportunity,” said ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO. How businesses can engage ICC Netherlands invites all members and partners to join this call to action: Use ICC’s key messages in your own communications and bilateral engagements with government representatives in the run-up to and during COP30; Share ICC’s Open Letter and Strategy across your business networks to amplify the voice of the real economy; Highlight concrete business actions that show how Dutch companies are driving sustainable growth and climate innovation. Join the ICC Netherlands Sustainability Commission meeting – 11 December : we will discuss how Dutch businesses can engage with the COP30 outcomes and shape our ICC Netherlands sustainability agenda for 2026 and beyond. The decisions made in Belém will shape global competitiveness, capital flows and resilience for years to come. Business is ready, and willing, to partner with governments to deliver the opportunity of a lifetime . Read further ICC and UNFCCC Business Group call on climate ministers ahead of COP30 (15 October 2025) Ahead of COP30 in Belém, ICC and the UNFCCC Business Group urge governments to make climate ambition a driver of economic transformation, calling for coherent policies that unlock private investment at scale. COP30 Open Letter to Climate Ministers (29 October 2025, ICC) ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO outlines the business priorities for COP30: investment-ready climate plans, a global goal on adaptation, and a finance implementation plan to deliver growth and resilience. COP30 Key ICC Messages and Strategy (October 2025, ICC) ICC’s roadmap for Belém sets out how to scale climate finance, drive private investment in adaptation, and strengthen carbon market integrity — turning the “opportunity of a lifetime” into tangible action. The opportunity to align Basel’s global banking rules with climate needs Basel III made the financial system sturdier after the 2008 crisis. But rules built to prevent a repeat of the last financial crisis now risk slowing the climate transition. Emerging markets need hundreds of billions annually for the world to meet climate targets and stay on a net-zero path. With rule clarifications, targeted adjustments and smart reforms, a unique opportunity presents itself to align financial stability with climate needs and unlock vital private capital.

< Back < Previous | Next > Global Response ICC Pulse Survey 2025: Business reactions to new U.S. tariffs 25 Apr 2025 The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) conducted a pulse survey of its global business network from 3 -11 April 2025. The Survey assesses the impact of newly announced U.S. tariff measures. Conducted after the announcement of new U.S. tariff measures on 2 April 2025, the ICC Pulse Survey gathered insights from 448 companies across 68 countries, spanning a wide range of company sizes and sectors. The findings reveal deep concern among businesses worldwide regarding rising costs, supply chain uncertainty, and the threat of trade retaliation. The survey findings cover: Global business sentiment in the wake of the 2 April tariff announcement Regional, sectoral, company-size breakdowns of the expected impacts and top concerns Business outlook for the next 6-12 months Key findings: 60% of respondents view the new tariffs negatively  Top concerns include increased costs (64%), planning uncertainty (47%) , and supply chain disruptions (45%) Ripple effects are being felt in service sectors like accommodation and food services Large companies are twice as likely as SMEs to cite trade retaliation as a top concern (50% vs. 25–35%) Over 70% of businesses reported either heightened caution or a more pessimistic outlook for the coming 6–12 months —signaling broader apprehension about economic stability 3 in 10 businesses now report a more pessimistic outlook 4 in 10 say they are more cautious about the next 6–12 months Download

ATA Carnet is an international customs document that permits duty-free and tax-free temporary import of goods for up to one year and serves as a guarantee to customs duties and taxes. ATA Carnets cut red tape by simplifying and unifying customs border crossing regulations. Learn More... ATA Carnet ATA Carnet is an international customs document that permits duty-free and tax-free temporary import of goods for up to one year and serves as a guarantee to customs duties and taxes. ATA Carnets cut red tape by simplifying and unifying customs border crossing regulations. What is an ATA Carnet? Ever wondered how teams carry their equipment across the world for the Olympics? Or maybe how F1 racing cars are taken to every Grand Prix in multiple countries? The answer is ATA Carnet, the Passport for Goods.® The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that permits duty-free and tax-free temporary import of goods for up to one year. It contains pre-prepared unified customs declaration forms to be used at each customs border offices and serves as a guarantee to customs duties and taxes. The initials “ATA” are an acronym of the French and English words “Admission Temporaire/ Temporary Admission”. Why should I use an ATA Carnet? In a nutshell, ATA Carnet FACILITATES, SIMPLIFIES, REDUCES COSTS and is SECURE ATA Carnets cut red tape by simplifying and unifying customs border crossing regulations for temporary import and export. Without ATA Carnet the temporary admission of goods would require going through the customs procedures established in each country: one customs declaration for every frontier passage one deposit for Customs duties and taxes at each border (cash, bank guarantee…) With the ATA Carnet, exhibitors, salespeople, artists, athletes, TV crews, technicians, event participants and business travellers may: travel through customs without paying import duties, taxes at each customs border office use a single unified document for all declarations at home and abroad use one document for multiple destinations and trips throughout its one-year validity make advanced customs arrangements at predetermined costs ATA Carnets cover almost everything including: goods for use at trade fairs, shows, exhibitions professional equipment commercial samples personal effects and goods for sports purposes What are the disadvantages of not using ATA Carnet? Payment of Customs duties and taxes and the posting of a security normally required at the time of importation into each foreign country visited (this could be a temporary import bond, a cash deposit for Customs duties/taxes, or a capital in foreign Customs custody). This also can possibly entail the carrying of large sums of foreign currencies. Paperwork to be filled at each Customs port passage at home and abroad, leading to unavoidable language barriers, longer processing times, and increased chances of processing errors. Multiple documents, declarations and agreements to be signed for each country visited, each bearing different rules, time allowances and various other terms of use. Each Custom will have different fees and security demands that can add up to a hefty price to pay when all totalled up. Where do I get an ATA Carnet and where can I use it? ATA Carnets are issued and accepted in approximately 80 countries/customs territories. ATA Carnets are issued at national level. ATA in Netherlands The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tel: (31) 88 585 16 31 Website: www.kvk.nl ATA Carnet in numbers The ATA Carnet helps exhibitors, salespeople, artists, athletes, TV crews, technicians, event participants and business travellers travel through multiple customs with almost any type of good. document for all of your needs 1 countries and territories visitable +80 deposits to give to Customs during temporary admission 0