FIATA
International Federation of
Freight Forwarders Associations
The global voice of freight logistics

2025 FIATA HQ Meeting, IMO MEPC updates, and ICS2 Release 3 Compliance

FIATA e-flash
3 March 2025

FIATA Events: Register Now to Secure Your Spot at the 2025 FIATA HQ Meeting!

The 2025 FIATA HQ Meeting is just around the corner, and with close to 200 registrants already, spaces are filling up fast! Don’t miss the chance to attend this important event, which promises a wealth of opportunities for networking, learning, and engagement. Here are some key updates to ensure your comfort during the meeting:

Private Business Rooms Available for Booking
Two private meeting rooms, each accommodating up to 4 people, will be available for participants' business meetings. The rooms can be booked in advance via the FIATA Events App while requesting a one-to-one meeting to ensure a quiet and confidential space for meetings or discussions.

Download the App here for Android Users

Download the App here for iOS Users


FIATA  HQ Team Availability
The FIATA HQ Team will be available at the FIATA booth during the event to assist with any questions or concerns. Participants are encouraged to stop by for more information or to address any inquiries they may have. Please find below the availabilities of each business unit during the 2025 FIATA HQ Meeting.

Events Team
Monday 17 March, 16:15-16:45
Yue Wang, Events and Administration Officer ([email protected])

Digital Projects Team
Tuesday 18 March, 10:45-11:15
Noel Urassa, Digital Project Officer ([email protected])

Marketing and Communications Team
Tuesday 18 March, 16:15-16:45
Pritha Prasad, Marketing and Communications Officer ([email protected])

Sustainability, Training and Professional Development
Wednesday 19 March, 10:45-11:15
Sofia Aiche, Project Officer ([email protected])
Sara Salib, Education Programme Officer ([email protected])

International Trade and Law Team
Wednesday 19 March,16:15-16:45
Andrea Tang, Legal Services Director ([email protected])
Anastasiia Filipovska, International Trade and Transport Officer ([email protected])
Leticia Cherini, International Trade and Law Officer ([email protected])

Membership Team
Monday 17 March, 10:45-11:15 & 16:15-16:45
Tuesday 18 March, 10:45-11:15 & 16:15-16:45
Wednesday 19 March,10:45-11:15 & 16:15-16:45
Emmanuela Simantirakis, Membership Officer ([email protected])
Yue Wang, Events and Administration Officer ([email protected])
Nathalie Bergeret, Office Administrator ([email protected])

Iftar Meals
In recognition of Ramadan, Iftar meals will be available, to the participants who have opted for it, and distributed during the last break of each day (16:15-16:45) to ensure those observing the fast are accommodated.

Prayer Room
A prayer room will be accessible at the CICG for attendees who wish to take time for prayer during the event. This quiet and private space will provide comfort and privacy for those who need it.

Be sure to register now to secure your spot at the 2025 FIATA HQ Meeting and stay tuned for more updates as the event draws closer.

Secure Your Spot NOW for the 2025 FIATA HQ Meeting!

FIATA Events: Join us for the Coffee & Learn Session on the FIT Alliance eBL Survey Results!

Did you know?
🔹 64% of freight forwarders are aware of electronic Bills of Lading (eBLs), compared to 84% of shipowners and 82% of banks.

🔹 eBL adoption is growing rapidly—49% of industry players now using them, making a 50% increase since 2022. Meanwhile, 29.4% of freight forwarders have adopted eBLs, highlighting a significant opportunity for growth in digital trade within the industry.

🔹 A promising 45% of freight forwarders plan to transition to eBLs within the next 2 years.

Want to learn more? Join us at the 2025 FIATA HQ Meeting Coffee & Learn session taking place on Monday, 17th March, from 13:45 to 14:30. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore the results of the latest FIT Alliance eBL (electronic Bill of Lading) survey, with key industry experts leading the discussion.

Featured Speakers:

  • Neil Shah, DCSA (Digital Container Shipping Association), Programme Lead - Freight Forwarders 
  • Pamela Mar, ICC DSI (International Chamber of Commerce Digital Standards Initiative), Managing Director
  • Leticia Cherini, FIATA International Trade and Law Officer

The session will focus on the findings from the recent FIT Alliance eBL survey 2024, shedding light on the current state of eBL adoption in the freight and logistics industry. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the main obstacles hindering eBL adoption, including the challenges and benefits identified in the survey.

This is an excellent opportunity to engage with experts in the field and explore how the industry can collectively support the future of electronic Bills of Lading in global trade.

Don’t miss out on this informative and engaging discussion. Bring your questions and insights!

Maritime - Towards Net-Zero: A Carbon Levy on the Horizon?

During its 83rd session from 7-11 April 2025, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) is set to endorse mid-term measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These measures align with the IMO's strategy to achieve net-zero GHG emissions from the shipping industry by around 2050 and will be formally adopted in October 2025.

The proposed initiatives include a goal-based marine fuel standard that mandates a shift to lower-GHG fuels and a global pricing mechanism for maritime emissions, potentially involving a carbon levy or fuel tax. This framework aims to incentivise the use of more sustainable alternatives in the maritime sector.

As the sole representative of the freight forwarding and logistics industry at the IMO, FIATA has submitted a document expressing concerns about the carbon levy and alerting on its potential to raise costs for freight forwarders and end customers due to cost transfer within the supply chain. FIATA underscores that this shifting of costs may undermine the levy’s goal of incentivising ship owners and operators to reduce emissions and could disproportionately impact micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

In response to these issues, FIATA has advocated for careful management during the implementation of carbon levies, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive impact assessments that consider the effects on all stakeholders, especially MSMEs.

For more information about FIATA's submission outlining key considerations regarding the implementation of a carbon levy, particularly its potential impact on freight forwarders click here.

FIATA fully supports the transition to a more sustainable supply chain while ensuring the interests of freight forwarders are safeguarded throughout this vital shift.

FIATA will continue to keep its Members informed about ongoing developments and welcomes any feedback from its membership at [email protected].

Safety and Security: EU ICS2 Release 3 for Maritime - Prepare for Compliance!

Starting 1 March 2024, maritime and inland waterway carriers, freight forwarders, and house-level filers must comply with the new Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) data requirements under the European Union’s (EU) Import Control System 2 (ICS2). Ensuring timely and accurate ENS submission is crucial to avoid delays, penalties, or shipment disruptions at EU borders.

Key Compliance Steps:

  • Update business processes to align with ICS2 rules.
  • Submit complete and accurate ENS data to prevent clearance issues.
  • Engage with clients early to secure necessary shipment details.
  • Check the dedicated FIATA communication with useful resources for the freight forwarders.


Multiple Filing Advantage
Freight forwarders can now file house-level ENS data separately from carriers’ master-level filings, improving customs processing and protecting commercially sensitive information. FIATA is developing a Bilateral Model Agreement for maritime multiple filing to clarify roles and responsibilities.

Failure to comply may result in shipment delays, penalties, or denied entry into the EU. Take action now to avoid trade disruptions!

Upcoming FIATA Events