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

MLETR Advances, EU ICS2 and Aviation Security Updates, and Upcoming Events

FIATA e-flash
5 September 2025

Legal Reform: MLETR Advances Globally

The International Chamber of Commerce Digital Standards Initiative (ICC DSI) reports that 61.5% of global exports now come from economies that have either aligned with or committed to the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR). This represents a significant step forward in building the legal certainty for paperless trade, paving the way to accelerate digital adoption worldwide.

In Europe, France has become the first European Union (EU) member to fully transpose MLETR into domestic law through Decree No. 2025-811. The legislation establishes legal equivalence between paper and electronic transferable records and sets out clear technical and legal safeguards, including reliability, integrity, and traceability. The EU has also reinforced its commitment through its digital trade agreement with Singapore.

In the Asia-Pacific region, progress is especially strong, with many economies adopting or advancing MLETR-aligned frameworks. Japan is preparing to amend its Commercial Code to allow for the use of electronic bills of lading (eBL). The bill, consistent with MLETR principles, is expected to be submitted to Japan’s legislature in 2025, with implementation foreseen by the 2026 fiscal year. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is also negotiating digital trade commitments under the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).

In Africa, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has embedded a commitment to MLETR within its Digital Trade Protocol, signalling regional alignment with international standards.

Why this matters for freight forwarders
For freight forwarders, these reforms mean faster and more secure documentation processes, reduced legal barriers in cross-border trade, and greater trust in digital records. On a practical level, this translates into faster and more secure documentation processes, lower administrative costs, and reduced risk of disputes.

By adapting to MLETR-compliant practices, forwarders can provide trusted digital records across borders, strengthen their role as data custodians in the supply chain, and differentiate themselves through more efficient, transparent, and customer-focused services. In an increasingly digital trade environment, these capabilities position freight forwarders at the centre of resilient, paperless global supply chains.

2025 FIATA World Congress: Special Fireside Chat with ITF Secretary General

The 2025 FIATA World Congress will bring together freight forwarding and logistics leaders from around the world in Hanoi, Vietnam during 6-10 October 2025. Delegates will explore the latest trends in sustainable, resilient, and digitalised supply chains, with sessions covering multimodal transport, e‑commerce logistics, and climate-sensitive operations.

A highlight of the Congress is the Leaders’ Insights session on Thursday 9 October, featuring Dr Young Tae Kim, Secretary General of the International Transport Forum (ITF), in a fireside chat with the FIATA Director General, Dr Stéphane Graber. Members are encouraged to submit questions in advance to help shape the discussion.

Send your questions to [email protected] and join this unique opportunity to hear directly from global transport and logistics leaders.

Call to action: Bid now to host the 2027 FIATA Regional Field Meetings in your territory

FIATA is inviting its Association Members to submit applications to host the 2027 FIATA Regional Field Meetings across the four regions: Region Africa and the Middle East (RAME), Region Americas (RAMs), Region Asia-Pacific (RAP) and Region Europe (REU).

The opportunity allows Association Members to showcase the logistics potential and business opportunities of their region to an international audience. Letters of Intent must be submitted to [email protected] no later than 31 December 2025.

Applications will be evaluated against 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

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to present detailed proposals during the 2026 FIATA Regional Committee Meetings, scheduled to take place around the 2026 FIATA HQ Meeting in Geneva, Switzerland from 30 March to 2 April 2026.

Further information can be requested from [email protected].

Policy and Regulatory Affairs: EU ICS2 Release 3 Now in Force for Road and Rail Operators

From 1 September 2025, compliance with the European Union’s (EU) Import Control System 2 (ICS2) has become mandatory for all road and rail operators, marking the full implementation of Release 3. This expansion extends ICS2 beyond air and maritime transport to cover all modes, requiring complete and accurate Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) before goods arrive at the EU border.

Economic operators are advised to ensure their systems and processes are aligned, as incomplete or poor-quality data may result in shipment delays, penalties, or refusal of entry. Certain EU Member States require immediate compliance with no transition period.

FIATA encourages its Members to review the new requirements carefully and take note of the additional resources available.

Read the full FIATA Communication on ICS2 Release 3..
For questions, or to provide feedback on ICS2 implementation, contact: [email protected].

Useful Resources

Air Freight: New EU Aviation Security Regulation in Effect

From 1 September 2025, new European Union (EU) requirements under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/920 have entered into effect. The regulation introduces an Established Business Relationship (EBR) requirement for Regulated Agents (RAs) and removes several third-territory airports from the EU equivalence list.

RAs must now demonstrate that consignors have a valid EBR in place, supported by verifiable business and contractual information. The EU has removed several third-territory airports from its equivalence list and cargo from these points must now undergo full EU security controls upon entry.

FIATA advises freight forwarders to review processes and documentation to ensure compliance, and to prepare for possible delays or additional screening of consignments.

Read the full FIATA communication for more information and FIATA's recommended actions

For questions, please contact FIATA at [email protected].

Upcoming FIATA Events