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

Customs, Logistics, Safety, 2026 FIATA HQ Meeting and Calls for Bids

FIATA e-flash
12 December 2025

Customs: US Supreme Court Reviews IEEPA Tariffs and What Importers Should Know

The United States (US) Supreme Court is currently deliberating the legality of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) during the Trump administration. A decision is expected soon, but uncertainty remains regarding whether duty refunds will be available if the tariffs are struck down, and what steps importers may need to take to secure them.

Key considerations for importers:

  • Monitor liquidation deadlines: Traditionally, duty refunds require filing a formal protest within 180 days of liquidation. While most entries liquidate about 314 days after entry, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can act sooner. Timely protests are essential to preserve claims.
  • Court action may be necessary: Under certain legal interpretations, importers may need to file cases in the US Court of International Trade (CIT) to protect refund rights. Some theories suggest that only pre-liquidation court actions, combined with injunctions, can guarantee recovery.
  • Alternative scenarios: Refunds could be issued automatically through a court order, legislation, or executive action—but this outcome is uncertain. Even if the Supreme Court invalidates the tariffs, the administration’s stance on retroactive refunds remains unclear.

Importers should evaluate their strategy, whether to file protests, pursue litigation, or await further developments, based on their risk tolerance and operational priorities.

FIATA together with the kind support of Frank J. Desiderio, Esq., Partner at GDLSK New York, will continue to monitor the situation and share updates as they become available.

Facts & Figures: Regional Networks Gaining Ground

The United Nations Trade & Development (UNCTAD) December 2025 issue of the Global Trade Update shows that world trade has continued to expand despite an uncertain outlook. The current projections suggest that total trade in goods and services is on track to surpass USD 35 trillion by the end of the year, an increase of USD 2.2 trillion compared to 2024, with goods accounting for an estimated USD 1.5 trillion, expected to grow 0.5% in Q4 2025 and services accounting for an estimated USD 750 billion, expected to grow 2% during the same period

Regional dynamics, East Asia, Africa and South-South trade, are playing a central role in this growth. East Asia recorded the strongest export performance over the past four quarters, reaching 9%, alongside a 10% rise in intraregional trade. South America has shown similar momentum, with intraregional exchanges increasing by 7% during the same period. These trends reinforce the increasing relevance of regional trade networks and the growing importance of the Region Asia-Pacific, a development highlighted in the 2025 FIATA Market Report published earlier this year.

Click here to access the 2025 FIATA Market Report

Click here to access the UNCTAD Global Trade Update

Digitalisation: FIATA and ALOG Drive Logistics in Chile

FIATA was honoured to participate in the annual meeting of the Asociación Logística de Chile A.G. (ALOG), a key event that brought together leading figures from Chile’s logistics sector. The evening began with keynote addresses from Mr Juan Carlos Muñoz, Minister of Transport and Telecommunications, and Dr Stéphane Graber, FIATA Director General.

The FIATA Director General emphasised that disruption and uncertainty have become the norm, making resilient and sustainable supply chains essential for global logistics and a core business requirement. To navigate unpredictability, the industry must remain resilient. Resilience now depends on diversification, regional balance, and embracing multimodality to ensure supply chains remain flexible, efficient, and sustainable amid constant change. Digital transformation is accelerating this shift, and FIATA and ALOG are leading the way through collaboration, innovation, and technological advancement.

Ongoing discussions with Alejandra Arriaza Loeb, National Director of the Servicio Nacional de Aduanas, resulted with the agreement to launch a pilot for the digital Negotiable FIATA Multimodal Transport Bills of Lading (eFBL) in Chile, specifically at the Port of San Antonio, with ALOG’s support. The Port of San Antonio, Chile’s largest and busiest port, serves as a vital maritime gateway for the nation’s trade, handling massive container volumes, bulk goods, and vehicles through advanced terminals like San Antonio Terminal Internacional (STI). It is a major hub for imports and exports, supporting industries from agriculture to manufacturing, and is continuously expanding to increase capacity and sustainability.

The event also featured the ALOG 2025 Awards, recognising outstanding contributions to the logistics industry. ALOG proudly celebrated the achievements of its partners, with awards highlighting innovation, sustainability, social impact and employee development, underscoring the sector’s commitment to community engagement and talent development.

Earlier in the day, FIATA and ALOG recorded two podcasts on Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) & logistics and on the eFBL, featuring Nicolás Castillo, Head of Traza Logística, one of the eFBL Champions in Chile and South America. They will soon be available to FIATA Members, stay tuned!

FIATA congratulates ALOG and all participants for fostering innovation and excellence in Chile’s logistics community. The joint efforts of FIATA and its Members contribute to building a resilient and connected global supply chain.

From left to right:  Mr Reymundo Prieto, ALOG President; Mr Juan Carlos Munoz , Minister of Transport and Telecommunications; Mr Neil Taylor, FIATA Treasurer and ALOG first Vice-President; and Dr Graber, FIATA Director General.

Dr Graber, FIATA Director General and Mr Neil Taylor, FIATA Treasurer and ALOG first Vice-President.

Safety and Security: FIATA at the 67th UN Sub-Committee on the Transport of Dangerous Goods

From left to right: Mr Romain Hubert, Section Chief Secretary of the Committee and Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods; Mr Remko Dardenne, Dangerous Goods Coordinator for the Belgian Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport and Vice-Chair United Nations Economic Commission for Europe; and Mr Shen Chenfeng (CIFA), delegate of FIATA’s Advisory Body on Safety and Security (ABSS).

From 25 November to 3 December, Mr Shen Chenfeng (China International Freight Forwarders Association - CIFA), delegate of FIATA’s Advisory Body on Safety and Security (ABSS) and FIATA representative at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations Training Working Group, participated in the 67th Session of the United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (AC.10/C.3) under the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC) in Geneva, Switzerland. The session brought together government officials, industry associations, and scientific experts to discuss safety standards, regulatory revisions, and operational best practices for the global transport of dangerous goods.

Key topics addressed included:

  • Transport of explosives and related substances: Discussions covered alternative packaging for small samples, ammonium nitrate transport requirements, and thermite classification standards. Proposals aimed to refine test methods, improve packaging, and reduce transport risks.
     
  • Lithium-ion battery safety: The session addressed transport rules for single-cell batteries, test methods for large batteries over 400 kg, re-inspection of used or refurbished batteries, and hazard-oriented classification. Special provisions for on-vehicle batteries were clarified to enhance supply chain safety in the new energy sector.
     
  • Transport of gases and pressure vessel management: Territory representatives discussed flammable gas transport, provisions for UN 1911 packaging, and inclusion of large pipeline equipment in the Model Regulations. The focus was on global standardisation for pressure vessels and safe transport of low-flammable or non-flammable refrigerant gases.
     
  • Optimisation of marking, labelling, and packaging rules: Proposals for the revision of marking, labelling, and packaging rules were put forward included updated packaging markings, use of electronic labels, standardisation for reusable UN pressure vessels, and surface marking requirements for limited-quantity items in multimodal transport. IDGCA proposed “Additional Marking for Permissible Stacking Mass of Portable Tanks” to improve safety and operator accessibility.

Mr Shen contributed actively to discussions, sharing insights from the freight forwarding industry and suggesting practical improvements for the optimisation of security measures, labelling, and safety norms for multimodal transport connections. His input helped ensure that regulatory revisions remain closely aligned with real-world logistics operations, supporting the safe, efficient, and smooth movement of dangerous goods worldwide.

The session also provided a platform for strengthening international cooperation, standardisation, and the scientific management of hazardous materials transport.

FIATA continues to monitor these developments closely to ensure the interests of the global freight forwarding community are represented and safety standards remain aligned with operational realities.

Call for bids: 2027 FIATA Regional Field Meetings

FIATA Association Members are invited to submit a bid to host the 2027 FIATA Regional Field Meeting: The Region Africa and the Middle East, Region Americas, Region Asia-Pacific and Region Europe Field Meetings. This opportunity offers a valuable platform for FIATA Association Members to highlight the logistics strengths, investment prospects and trade potential of their region to an international audience.

FIATA Association Members interested in hosting are invited to submit a Letter of Intent outlining their interest and organisational capacity, by 31 December 2025.

Submissions will be assessed against several indicative considerations, including the accessibility of the proposed venue, visa procedures, safety and security, local commercial opportunities, venue incentives, previous experience in hosting similar events and active involvement in FIATA’s work. 
Applications will be evaluated based on the following indicative criteria:

  • Accessibility to the venue;
  • Visa requirements;
  • Safety and security;
  • Local business opportunities;
  • Venue incentives;
  • Past hosting experience;
  • Participation in FIATA’s activities.

Candidates will be invited to present detailed applications during the 2026 FIATA Regional Meetings, scheduled to take place in conjunction with the 2026 FIATA HQ Meeting in Geneva, which will take place from 30 March-2 April 2026. The finalists will be chosen by delegates during this meeting.

FIATA encourages all eligible Association Members to seize this prestigious opportunity to host the 2027 FIATA Regional Field Meetings, as it offers a distinguished occasion for the selected hosts to support meaningful dialogue, showcase regional expertise, encourage regional networking and promote forward-looking logistics solutions across each region and globally.

Further information and enquiries may be directed to [email protected].

Stay tuned for the 2025 FIATA-Region Americas Field Meeting Special, next week!

HQ Team Update: FIATA Welcomes New Expertise to Support Legal, Maritime and Trade Facilitation Initiatives

FIATA is pleased to welcome Ms Cindy Santos da Silva to its HQ Team as Junior International Trade and Transport Officer. She will contribute to the International Trade and Law business unit and support the work of the Customs Affairs Institute (CAI) and the Multimodal Transport Institute (MTI). Her work will concentrate on transport policy, particularly maritime transport and matters related to trade facilitation.

Cindy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Lausanne and a Master’s degree in International and Development Studies from the Graduate Institute of Geneva. She has gained experience across several territories in Latin America and Europe. Her exposure to regulatory processes and her multidisciplinary background make her a valuable addition to the organisation.

Her global experience and strong grounding in policy issues will support FIATA’s ongoing work on trade and transport facilitation, and deepen cooperation across the global freight forwarding and logistics community, with particular attention to developments in maritime transport.

Upcoming FIATA Events