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

Driving Digital Progress and Navigating Trade Changes

FIATA e-flash
9 August 2025

Leadership and Strategy: FIATA’s 2024 Year in Review

FIATA’s 2024 Annual Report captures a year defined by dynamic growth, bold innovation, and strengthened global partnerships. The report offers a clear view of FIATA’s unwavering dedication to empowering freight forwarders, shaping policy, and driving digital transformation within the logistics sector. From influencing international standards to delivering practical training on the ground, FIATA’s work has reinforced resilience and created lasting value worldwide.

Highlights from 2024 reveal a forward-thinking organisation embracing change and collaboration:

  • FIATA Members issued nearly 2,000 digital Negotiable FIATA Multimodal Transport Bills of Lading (eFBLs), reflecting growing confidence in advanced digital solutions
  • FIATA Diploma delivery increased by 19.4% in 2024, maintaining high standards in global logistics education
  • FIATA contributed actively to key international initiatives, including the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Negotiable Cargo Documents (NCD) Convention and the advancing of the adoption of the electronic consignment note (eCMR)

…and many more notable achievements!

FIATA extends its sincere thanks to all Members and delegates who generously dedicated their time and expertise throughout the year. Continued trust and active engagement form the cornerstone of collective progress, empowering the building of a resilient and future-focused logistics sector.

Read the 2024 FIATA Annual Report!

Digitalisation: Driving Progress with eCMR and GE.22

The June 2025 Group of Experts on operationalisation of eCMR (GE.22) session achieved a crucial breakthrough on the electronic consignment note (eCMR) regulatory framework, with formal approval expected in October. This advancement will simplify cross-border transport through reduced paperwork, real-time tracking, and faster customs clearance, delivering clear benefits to freight forwarders worldwide.

FIATA, together with the International Road Transport Union (IRU), championed industry needs throughout the process. Members are encouraged to engage with national authorities and partners to support eCMR adoption and help shape the future of digital logistics.

For further details on practical benefits for freight forwarders, please see FIATA’s previous update here.

Customs: US Tariff Update – Key Changes and Operational Impacts

FIATA reminds Members that major US tariff measures took effect on 7 August 2025 following Executive Orders issued on 30–31 July. These changes introduce a new reciprocal tariff framework, remove the de minimis threshold for non-postal imports, raise tariffs on certain copper products to 50%, and strengthen transshipment enforcement.

The measures have immediate operational implications for freight forwarders, requiring prompt review of classification, origin, and customs processes. Members should also prepare for possible routing adjustments and engage with clients on supply chain strategies.

Full details, including territory-specific rates, exemptions, and practical guidance, are available in FIATA’s previous communication.

2025 FIATA-REU Field Meeting: Charting Europe’s Logistics Future

FIATA warmly welcomes its Members to gather in the historic city of Prague on 3–4 September 2025 for the 2025 FIATA-Region Europe (REU) Field Meeting. This flagship event will bring together freight forwarders, logistics professionals, and essential industry stakeholders from across Europe to explore key themes including intermodality, innovation, and sustainable development within the European logistics landscape.

Why attend?

Engage with leading industry figures, share insights, and help shape the future of logistics in Europe. The programme will cover essential topics driving the sector forward, from integrated transport systems and digital innovation to sustainable logistics solutions.

What is on the agenda?

Get ready for a dynamic programme exploring the key trends and pressing challenges shaping logistics in Europe:

  • Unlocking growth through intermodal innovation: Explore how combining road, rail, and maritime transport can enhance efficiency and stimulate regional progress.
  • Building resilient supply chains: Delve into approaches that strengthen flexibility and dependability in today’s shifting global environment.
  • Advancing sustainability: Examine the role of inland waterways and green logistics practices in creating more sustainable freight systems.
  • Navigating complex regulations: Receive expert guidance on maintaining compliance and staying competitive across European markets.
  • Accelerating digital transformation: Discover how tools like eCMR and harmonised data platforms are improving trade flows and cargo tracking.
  • Empowering air cargo: Gain insights into its expanding impact on e-commerce and its integration into sustainable, multimodal logistics strategies.

Featured speakers include:

  • Mr Turgut Erkeskin, FIATA President
  • Mr Tomas Arvidsson, FIATA REU Vice-Chair
  • Ms Paula Baena, Global Policy Lead, International Chamber of Commerce
  • Mr Alessandro Barbiero, FIATA Working Group Road Delegate
  • Ms Kubova Bartkova, Associate Partner, Roedl & Partners
  • Mr Václav Bernard, Vice-Minister of Transportation, Representative of Local Transport Ministries, Czech Republic
  • Mr John Bölts, Chief of Transport Division of Deutsch-Tschechische Industrie- und Handelskammer (DTIHK), a.hartrodt
  • Mr Mark Bromley, FIATA Multimodal Transport Institute (MTI) Chair
  • Mr Zdeněk Dušek, Partner, Ernst & Young
  • Mr Andrew Farelly, CEO and Co-Founder, CT Strategies
  • Mr Vladimir Fiser, CEO of Bohemia Kombi
  • Mr Roel Janssens, Secretary to the Working Party on Transport Trends and Economics, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
  • Mr Martin Koubek, Director Silk Road and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Metrans
  • Mr Pavel Kuchynka, Head of the Customs Fraud Coordination Department, Celní správa (Customs Administration of the Czech Republic)
  • Mr Markus Muecke, FIATA Airfreight Institute (AFI) Delegate, Managing Director, Im3pact AG
  • Mr Cédric Oelhafen, Associate Director, Information Systems/Information Technology, International Road Transport Union (IRU)
  • Mr Vuk Perovic, Director, Port Governance Agency, Serbia
  • Mr Petr Rozek, FIATA Working Group Road Chair & SSL Executive Director
  • Ms Andrea Schoen, Programme Director, Smart Freight Centre
  • Mr Dimitri Serafimoff, President of the European Association for Forwarding, Transport, Logistics and Customs Services (CLECAT)
  • Mr Jochem Sprenger, Secretary/Head of the Netherlands Association for Freight Forwarders (FENEX)
  • Ms Antonella Straulino, FIATA REU Chair
  • Ms Michaela Svrčková, Managing Director, Medlog
  • Mr Cédric Virciglio, Strategic Planning and Forecasting Director in charge of International and European Affairs, HAROPA Port
  • Mr Vit Votroubek, President of SSL
  • Mr Mehmet Yavuz Kankavi, Managing Director, Bertan Logistics Industry and Foreign Trade Ltd.
  • Mr Jindrich Zeman, Cargo Development Manager, Airport Prague

...and more to come!

Enjoy expert-led sessions, valuable networking opportunities, and memorable social events (including a welcome reception and gala dinner) all set in the breathtaking surroundings of Prague.

Register Now for the 2025 FIATA-REU Field Meeting!

2025 FIATA World Congress: Global Solutions, Local Impact in Logistics

Join the international logistics community in dynamic Hanoi from 6 to 10 October 2025 for the 2025 FIATA World Congress. A premier gathering of freight forwarders, supply chain experts, and industry pioneers. This year’s edition will highlight the evolving landscape of logistics, with special emphasis on innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable practices.

Why attend?

Engage with industry leaders, explore emerging global logistics trends, and be part of the dialogue driving the future of the sector. From Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven supply chains to sustainable green corridors, the programme addresses the key topics that matter most to FIATA Members.

What is on the Programme?

  • Next-generation innovation in action: Gain insights into how young professionals are shaping the future through bold ideas, entrepreneurial spirit, and a fresh approach to leadership.
  • Pushing the boundaries of digital trade: Uncover how streamlined customs, smarter return systems, and instant data flow are revolutionising cross-border e-commerce.
  • Digital tools powering sustainability: Explore how technologies like AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and data integration are driving emission reductions and preparing logistics for a greener future.
  • Resilience through smart infrastructure: See how cold chain advancements and adaptive supply strategies are reinforcing stability across global networks.
  • Evolving trade, evolving rules: Navigate the changing landscape of production shifts, tariff adjustments, and complex origin requirements with expert guidance.
  • Linking regions for shared prosperity: Investigate how multimodal digital corridors are enhancing connectivity and unlocking economic potential across borders.
  • Reviving rail and inland waterways: Reimagine logistics planning by tapping into the growing role of inland waterways and rail to ease congestion and support sustainable transport.

Featured speakers include:

  • Mr Turgut Erkeskin, FIATA President
  • Mr Todd Frazier, Strategic Project Lead, FedEx Express
  • Dr Yap Kwong Weng, CEO Vietnam SuperPort, YCH Singapore
  • Mr Nachi Mendelow, Senior Business Development Executive, WiseTech
  • Dr Marco Thanh, CEO, SOTRANS Group
  • Dr Nick Vyas, Founding Executive Director, USC Kendrick GSC Institute
  • Dr Robert Yap, Executive Chairman, YCH

and more to come!

More than just a conference

This event offers dynamic sessions, valuable networking opportunities, and an interactive exhibition area. They are all complemented by memorable social events including a welcome cocktail, cultural evening, and the Gala Dinner.

Fly with Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines is the official airline partner, offering a 15% discount to registered participants. Use code 118TKM25 when booking at turkishairlines.com.

Register Now for the 2025 FIATA World Congress!

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