Latest insights on PLACI, ICAO, SEEFF and BIFA

PLACI: Latest insights from regulators and FIATA actions

On 14 and 15 May 2024, FIATA was actively engaged in the 2024 PLACI Compliance Requirements Sessions for air cargo, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. With five countries currently implementing pre-loading advance cargo information (PLACI) regimes, accounting for over 30% of global cargo volume, the significance of this initiative cannot be overstated.

During the event, FIATA contributed valuable insights into freight forwarders' experiences with PLACI regimes. A panel discussion, featuring representatives from DHL, Lufthansa Cargo, American Airlines Cargo and FIATA, provided a platform to address the pressing need for unification among various PLACI programmes. Specifically, discussions centred on harmonising datasets and filing processes across different modes of transport to streamline operations for cargo operators dealing with multiple regimes.

One notable highlight was the discussions on the EU ICS2 Release 2, which empowers freight forwarders to self-file house-level information as part of the entry summary declaration. Recognising that freight forwarders are typically the first point of contact for house-level information obtained from shippers, enabling house-level filling facilitates early risk analysis, prevents delays, and enhances data quality and confidentiality.

FIATA also emphasised its collaborative efforts with carriers and freight forwarders in developing the FIATA Model Agreement on Bilateral Multiple Filling for PLACI regimes. This essential document aims to clarify roles and responsibilities between parties, serving as an industry reference to support the implementation of ICS2 Release 2, as well as other PLACI regimes where multiple filing is made possible under the regulation.

FIATA reiterated its commitment to supporting the implementation of PLACI regimes through various initiatives, including:

• Raising awareness and readiness among freight forwarders;

• Facilitating cooperation with stakeholders impacted by ICS 2 Release 2, addressing operational challenges, and preparing for future releases;

• Developing resources to foster legal clarity in parties' contractual arrangements when utilising multiple filing;

• Focusing on enhancing data quality through the release of the FIATA-GSF guidance note, providing valuable assistance to global freight forwarders and shippers for ICS2 compliance, accurate goods description, and HS codes.

FIATA extends its gratitude to the UAE National Advance Information Centre (NAIC) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for organising this insightful event. Such collaborative platforms foster cooperation within the industry, ensuring efficient and successful compliance with PLACI regimes.

Guidance Note on Data Quality for ICS2

On the same day, FIATA participated in the Pan-Asian E-commerce Alliance (PAA) conference. FIATA Legal Services Director, Ms Andrea Tang, showcased FIATA’s work on the EU's ICS2. She presented the recently published Guidance Note on Data Quality for ICS2 developed jointly by FIATA and the Global Shippers Forum (GSF), that provides global freight forwarders and shippers with a guidance tool to ensure ICS2 compliance.

Additionally, FIATA presented the FIATA Model Bilateral Agreement for Multiple Filing for the PLACI regime and explained the benefits of multiple filing for the industry. This event allowed FIATA and GSF to engage with PAA Members – the IT companies based outside the EU that provide single window solutions in their respective countries, collaborating closely with freight forwarders and non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs). FIATA would like to highlight that there is a need to build awareness on ICS2 to all stakeholders, especially those based outside of the EU.

FIATA at the 2024 ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium

On 29 April – 2 May, FIATA Advisory Body Safey and Security and FIATA Logistics Institute Manager, Sofia Aiche, represented FIATA in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS), in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. FIATA was invited in its capacity of TRAINAIR PLUS Programme partner. For the 80th anniversary of ICAO, the GISS touched upon various topics from safety and security to training and the importance of consistent capacity building. When it comes to integrating safety, the panels discussed technology and its importance as technology cannot come at the expense of safety. Air operators will have to go through immersive training, conduct simulation or role play to gain soft skills. While emerging technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for enhancing aviation practices, it was reiterated that they should complement, rather than replace, traditional classroom training, particularly for safety-critical tasks.

The ICAO GISS was a great platform for the ICAO Secretary General, Mr Juan Carlos Salazar, to update its members on the new sustainability initiative, the "Finvest Hub". ICAO is aiming to help the developing countries to implement decarbonisation practices. The discussion around the globalisation of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) was highlighted as being key. Failure to achieve widespread usage of SAF could precipitate unprecedented challenges for the civil aviation industry, potentially incentivising stakeholders to explore alternative modes of transportation.

As FIATA is actively working with ICAO on professional development, the discussions around the aviation workforce resonated strongly. Similarly to the freight forwarding industry, the shortage of staff is becoming a key concern. It was mentioned that young professionals see the aviation career as a risky one. Moreover, the panel highlighted that training capacity has become insufficient to meet demand. Considering these challenges, the adoption of a Competency-Based Training Assessment (CBTA) approach emerged as a consensus solution. By integrating behavioural competencies, soft skills, and cultural norms into job functions, CBTA offers a holistic framework for workforce development. FIATA is aligned with this paradigm and encourages its members to explore initiatives such as the ICAO-FIATA Dangerous Goods by Air Training Course, which embodies the principles of CBTA.

FIATA’s active engagement in the ICAO GISS underscores its commitment to fostering excellence and safety within the aviation sector. Collaboration and innovation remain indispensable in shaping a resilient and sustainable future for global aviation.

FIATA visits ADACAM!

FIATA also seized the opportunity to visit its Association Member in the Dominican Republic, Asociacion Dominicana de Agentes de Carga Aerea y Maritima Inc. (ADACAM). The discussion with the ADACAM Executive Director, Elaine Julian, was extremely fruitful, due to their increased interest in expanding their reach when it comes to capacity building.

FIATA will be participating in the first Global Supply Chain Forum

FIATA will participate in the first edition of the Global Supply Chain Forum organised by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Bridgetown, Barbados, from 21 to 24 May 2024. The Forum will focus on critical issues such as resilience, climate change, connectivity, digitalisation and inclusiveness of vulnerable country groups such as small islands developing states, land-locked developing countries and developed countries. 

FIATA looks forward to leading a session with key industry actors such as the Global Shippers Forum, the Global Shippers' Alliance, the World Shipping Council and UNCTAD to find practical multi-stakeholder solutions to strengthen service quality and connectivity in maritime transport in times of global disruptions and crises. 

Topics will include:

• Current supply chain challenges and bottlenecks;
• Impact on global connectivity and service performance, particularly for Small Island Developing States;
• Importance of harmonisation and dialogue to drive forward decarbonisation efforts.
• Expectations for minimum service levels.

For more information on the Global Supply Chain Forum and the programme, please visit the official website. 

FIATA at the successful SEEFF Congress in Belgrade, Serbia

On May 9-11, FIATA, represented by its President, Mr Turgut Erkeskin, Immediate Past President, Mr Ivan Petrov, and Working Groups Rail and Road managers, Ms Anastasiia Filipovska and Ms Leticia Cherini, participated at this year's Congress of South-East European Associations of Freight Forwarders (SEEFF) which took place in Belgrade, Serbia. 

This edition of the SEEFF Congress, themed "Quo Vadis Logistics?", provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to explore pressing issues and emerging trends in the transport, freight forwarding, and logistics sectors within the region. Hosted and organised by the National Association of Freight Forwarding Companies and Agents B.U. "Transport and Logistics" in Serbia - NAFCA B.A., the event featured five engaging panels spread across two days.The event gathered FIATA Members, delegates and guests from neighbouring countries and counted over 100 participants.

The Congress was opened by the National Association of Freight Forwarding Companies and Agents B.U. "Transport and Logistics" in Serbia - NAFCA B.A President, Mr Slavoljub Jevtić, the Transport and Infrastructure of Serbia Minister of Construction, Mr Goran Vesić, and the FIATA President, Mr Turgut Erkeskin. The opening set the tone of the event by outlining the industry's current landscape and future prospects, in Serbia and globally.

The first panel explored global trends, development strategies, and the evolving role of European Union and local authorities in supporting these strategies. FIATA President also highlighted the impact of shifting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows towards geopolitically closer countries is fragmenting the global economy and increasing economic protectionism, nearshoring, and allyshoring policies. Multipolarity and derisking were key topics of discussion as rising trends in the logistics industry. The future of logistics and infrastructure projects in the region took centre stage in the second panel, featuring high-level invited speakers. 

On the second day, Dr Petrov, Ms Filipovska and Ms Cherini, participated in the panel "Sustainability in Transport and Logistics Processes & Electronic Transport Documents". FIATA's sustainability projects were showcased, as well as the FIATA Digital Bill of Lading (eFBL), which enhances corridor efficiency and promotes digital logistics by replacing paper-based documents.

FIATA also contributed to a panel on logistics education, highlighting how FIATA training programmes support industry growth and ways to attract the younger generation to the industry.

FIATA congratulates the National Association of Freight Forwarding Companies and Agents B.U. "Transport and Logistics" in Serbia - NAFCA B.A on its successful Congress that brought together the freight forwarders from the region. Its commitment to support its Members and the logistics indusrtry globally is commended. 

The next edition of SEEFF Congress will take place in Bucharest, Romania, in 2026.

FIATA Celebrates Women in Maritime!

FIATA will join the global celebration of the IMO International Day for Women in Maritime 2024, hoisting our sails high in support of women shaping the future of maritime safety under the theme "Safe Horizons: Women Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety."

FIATA recognises the gender gap in maritime transport and urges all its members to champion the recruitment, retention, and ongoing employment of women in this vital sector. Our compass aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 5, navigating towards gender equality on the high seas. FIATA is steadfast in our commitment to safety across maritime and multimodal transport, steering towards a future where gender parity reigns supreme. FIATA is dedicated to ensuring diverse representation in our panels and events, fostering an environment where every voice can be heard and every opportunity seized.

Building on last year's theme of "Mobilising Networks for Gender Equality", FIATA remains an active member in WISTA (Women's International Shipping & Trading Association) through our Legal Services Director, Andrea Tang. FIATA is proudly advancing the cause of gender equality in Switzerland and beyond. FIATA congratulates IMO and WISTA for their unwavering dedication to this vital mission, navigating toward safer, more inclusive waters, together.

Paving the way towards a more sustainable industry

On 16 May 2024, FIATA's Director General, Dr Stéphane Graber. visited BIFA, the British International Forwarders Association, for the BIFA Business Leader Forum dedicated to sustainability in the logistics industry. 

Lead by BIFA Director General, Mr Steve Parker, and guests Pledge Founder and CEO, Mr David de Picciotto, and Shape Tomorrow Founder, Ms Kelly Hobson, they presented the challenges of sustainability for logistics companies and shared their experiences in the industry. Both presenters agreed that shippers are slowly redefining their priorities in terms of climate commitments, which is having an increasingly significant impact on logistics companies. Pledge supported its statement with three key figures: 53% of shippers will exclude freight forwarders in the event of non-compliance, 72% require sustainability targets as part of tender procedures and 56% are pushing for the termination of contracts in the event of targets not being met. Pledge, which is also a FIATA Partner, helps shippers to take action on their logistics emissions in response to customer demand. Further information is available on the FIATA website.

During his visit, the FIATA Director General also exchanged views with the BIFA Board on the benefits available to FIATA Individual Members, such as free access to FIATA guidance notes and best practice guides, preferential rates for participating in FIATA events, or professional services such as the digital FIATA Bill of Lading and FreightPay, accessible through the Individual Member's exclusive FIATA Digital Identity.

FIATA Director General also had the opportunity to discuss with interested BIFA Members the challenges of PLACI regimes and the problem of increasing fines levied by administrations around the world when data is not transmitted in full compliance with the various administrative requirements. If you are experiencing such difficulties, please do not hesitate to share your experience with FIATA at [email protected] so that FIATA can consider possible actions to support its members.