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

Key Updates on Safety & Security, Maritime Digitalisation, and Upcoming Events

FIATA e-flash
14 March 2025

Events: FIATA Welcomes You to Geneva!

FIATA is thrilled to welcome you to the 2025 FIATA HQ Meeting. As you arrive this weekend, we invite you to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Geneva, a city renowned for its global connections and rich history in logistics and trade, and at the heart of international organisations in Europe. Over the coming days, you will have the opportunity to engage in insightful discussions, share knowledge, and build meaningful relationships with industry leaders from around the world.

We look forward to an inspiring and productive meeting as we work together to shape the future of logistics and supply chain management. See you soon!

Not registered yet? Register now!

Safety and Security: Enforcement of Pre-Load Air Cargo Targeting Program (PACT) in Canada on 1 April 2025

The enforcement of Canada’s Pre-Load Air Cargo Targeting Program (PACT) regulation will commence on 1 April 2025. This PLACI initiative aims to enhance air cargo security by requiring pre-loading risk assessments for shipments entering Canada. The detailed regulation has been published in the Canada Gazette, Part II.

FIATA emphasises that air cargo industry must ensure compliance with PACT requirements, as freight forwarders, alongside air carriers, play a critical role in cargo documentation and data transmission. Forwarders should work closely with their airline partners to guarantee accurate and timely data submission, avoiding disruptions and potential penalties.

As per the PACT regulation, freight forwarders or air carriers who create waybills or operate flights that precede the last point of departure for Canada (e.g., codeshare arrangements) may also participate in PACT voluntarily at the request of an air carrier.

Compliance and Technical Resources

Key compliance requirements are included in the official PACT Technical Implementation Guide (currently version 1.5, dated February 15, 2025), which outlines the necessary data formats and submission processes. To facilitate compliance, freight forwarders and air cargo partners are strongly encouraged to review the guide, which can be accessed here: PACT Technical Implementation Guide

FIATA calls all freight forwarders, air carriers, and logistics stakeholders to be aware of these regulation and to ensure compliance ahead of the 1 April 2025 deadline to avoid any potential penalties or operational disruptions. Freight forwarders are particularly encouraged to engage with their airline partners to facilitate smooth implementation of the new requirements.

For more information on Canada’s PACT requirements, please consult the Transport Canada webpage: Transport Canada – PACT Program. Please find a previous FIATA communication on PACT requirements here.

Maritime: FIATA Engages in IMO Discussions on Trade Facilitation with a Focus on Maritime Digitalisation and Standards

Between 10 and 14 March 2025, FIATA attended the 49th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Facilitation Committee (FAL), held in London, United Kingdom. This five-day agenda encompassed crucial discussions in both plenary sessions and various working groups, including the Working Group on Facilitation Instruments, the Working Group on Electronic Business, and the Working Group on Other Facilitation Subjects. 

Among the principal topics of discussion was the analysis of new datasets for inclusion in the IMO Compendium on Facilitation and Electronic Business. Key datasets under consideration included the "Electronic Bunker Delivery Note," the "Electronic Bill of Lading," the "Transport of Dangerous Goods," the Container Inspection Programme, and "Fuel Oil Consumption and Carbon Intensity Indicator Reporting". Furthermore, delegates engaged in discussions concerning the development of joint guidelines among the FAL, Legal Committee (LEG), Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), and Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) on electronic certificates. There was a strong consensus supporting the establishment of standardised guidelines. 

The implementation of maritime single windows also featured prominently in the agenda. A request was made for technical and regulatory support to facilitate the establishment of single windows, alongside a proposal to amend the existing guidelines for setting up maritime single windows to introduce a verification function to reduce manual verification of information, thereby streamlining the process. 

Additionally, the proposal for developing an IMO strategy on maritime digitalisation was approved. This initiative seeks to align digitalisation efforts across various IMO committees, ensuring a holistic approach to the digital transformation of shipping to enhance both efficiency and sustainability. 

Other agenda items included the revision of the Guidelines on Maritime Cyber Risk Management and the identification of next steps to strengthen maritime cybersecurity measures. Discussions also covered topics such as the implications of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) within the framework of the Facilitation Committee, among others. 

FIATA remains committed to closely monitoring developments across the various IMO committees to ensure that the interests of freight forwarders are adequately represented within the Organisation.

Airfreight: How to Become an IATA Customer Portal Expert

FIATA invites its freight forwarding members to attend the upcoming IATA Customer Portal webinars in March 2025 and learn how you can maximise your usage of the different Customer Portal functionalities, including:

  • What is the IATA Customer Portal?
  • How can you register both as an individual and as a company?
  • What can you find and do on the platform?
  • What can an IATA Customer Portal Administrator do?

When are the Sessions?
There will be 2 identical sessions conducted in English for you to choose the one that suits you best:

  • Tuesday 25 March, 9:30 – 10:30 AM Central European Time (CET)
  • Tuesday 25 March, 3:30 – 4:30 PM Central European Time (CET)

How Can I Register to Attend the Sessions?
Click here to register for any of the sessions above.

Hurry up as the seats are limited!

Register Now!

Training and Professional Development: Congratulations to Inessa Platanova, the New Chair of the FFVT Management Committee

FIATA would like to extend its heartfelt congratulations to Ms Inessa Platonova on her appointment as the Chair of the Management Committee of the FIATA Foundation Vocational Training (FFVT). As current FIATA Logistics Institute (FLI) delegate and former FIATA Vice President, Ms Platonova is a distinguished expert in logistics education and training and has played a pivotal role in advancing logistics training standards globally. Her extensive experience covers vocational training, curriculum development, and strategic leadership, having led training initiatives through FIATA, ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) Ukraine, and private sector enterprises.

With her solid expertise in training and the Train-the-Trainer (ToT) programmes, Ms Platonova’s appointment marks a significant step forward for the FFVT. This crucial position, which had remained vacant for an extended period, plays a key role in leading the FIATA Foundation actions and enhancing the delivery of ToT programmes to FIATA Association Members. Under her leadership, FIATA is confident that the FFVT will further empower FIATA Association Members, particularly in emerging economies, by equipping them with skilled trainers to establish sustainable and effective training programmes.

FIATA extends its best wishes to Ms Platonova in her new role and looks forward to collaborating with her in advancing vocational trainings and ToT programmes within the global logistics community for the best interest of FIATA Members.

FIATA Events: Call for Bids - 2026 FIATA-RAP Field Meeting

FIATA announces that the bid for hosting the 2026 FIATA-Region Asia-Pacific (RAP) Field Meeting is still open! 

This is a unique opportunity for FIATA Member Associations to showcase the logistics potential and business opportunities of their region to a global audience. 

Association Members interested in hosting the event are invited to submit a Letter of Intent expressing their interest to [email protected] no later than 30 April 2025. 

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 

Bidders will have the opportunity to present their proposals at the 2025 FIATA-RAP Field Meeting, which will take place in New Delhi, India, from 21-24 May 2025. A final decision on the host will be made at the 2025 FIATA World Congress, taking place 6 to10 October in Hanoi, Vietnam. 

We encourage all eligible Association Members to seize this opportunity to host the 2026 FIATA-RAP Field Meeting and contribute to the advancement of the logistics sector both regionally and globally. 

For further information or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. 

Upcoming FIATA Events