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

Safety, Digitalisation and 2025 Congress Highlights

FIATA e-flash
13 June 2025

2025 FIATA World Congress: Green and Resilient Logistics

FIATA is pleased to announce that the 2025 FIATA World Congress (FWC) will take place from 6–10 October 2025 in Hanoi, Vietnam. Organised in partnership with the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA), this flagship annual event will be held at the National Convention Centre and will gather leading professionals, experts, and innovators from across the logistics, transport, and freight forwarding sectors.

An Engaging and Forward-Looking Programme
The 2025 edition of the Congress will feature a dynamic programme of panel discussions addressing key topics such as digital transformation, sustainable logistics, the development of multimodal transport corridors, and regional and international trade. The event will also celebrate rising talent in the sector through the Young Logistics Professionals Award.
 
Networking and B2B Engagement Opportunities
The 2025 FWC will offer targeted B2B engagement sessions, designed to foster collaboration and the formation of new partnerships. Participants will also benefit from a variety of networking events, including a welcome cocktail, a cultural night, and the gala dinner, providing the ideal blend of professional interaction and cultural discovery in one of Asia’s most vibrant capitals.
 
Exhibition Opportunities
The exhibition area will serve as a showcase for the latest solutions and services in logistics and supply chain management. Having a booth at the 2025 FIATA World Congress is an excellent opportunity to present exclusive services, capabilities, and innovations to a global audience. Exhibitors will gain increased visibility, direct access to industry stakeholders, and the chance to connect with potential clients and partners.
Become an exhibitor, now!
 
Sponsorship Possibilities
The 2025 FWC offers a variety of sponsorship packages designed to suit different business objectives and promotional strategies. Customisable options are available to help sponsors maximise their presence and impact at the Congress.
Become a sponsor, now!
 
Plan your stay in Hanoi

Special accommodation rates are available for Congress attendees at hotels located near the venue. Participants are invited to take advantage of these offers and explore everything Vietnam has to offer, from its bustling urban energy to its stunning natural landscapes.
Reserve your stay here!
 
Exclusive Tours
Vietnam offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, making it an unforgettable destination for travellers. From lively cities to stunning landscapes, there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy.

And many more!
 For more tour options visit Vietnam Tour Booking Online
 
Accompanying persons have access to two complimentary tours:


Register Now
FIATA invites you all to register and take part in shaping the future of global logistics at the 2025 FWC Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and lead the conversation.

Register Now!

Safety and Security: ICS2 Compliance for Rail and Road Freight

The European Union's (EU) Import Control System 2 (ICS2) aims to improve the safety and security of goods entering the EU by introducing a standardised pre-arrival customs process for all transportation modes, including road and rail, in addition to the existing air, maritime, and inland waterway requirements. Starting from 1 September 2025, the Economic Operators (EOs) involved in the entry of goods by rail and road into the EU will be required to provide data on goods prior to their arrival in the EU, by submitting a complete Entry Summary Declaration (ENS).

EOs who are sending goods to or via the EU by rail or road can currently benefit from a deployment window until 1 September 2025 to establish the necessary system connections and ensure they have a valid Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number issued by the EU Member States. EOs are advised to use this time to connect to ICS2 in order to avoid disruptions at EU customs borders, as after this date, filing ENS will become mandatory for all impacted EOs.

ICS2 also introduces the option of multiple filing, allowing carriers to submit master-level data while freight forwarders submit house-level data independently which will allow timely submission of data and protection of the commercially sensitive information. ICS2 will allow multiple filing option for rail in Q1 2026 and for road in Q3 2026 offering forwarders more control over their data.

Alongside technical implementation, it is important that the roll out of ICS2 takes into account the operational realities of the logistics industry, particularly considering small and medium-sized supply chain operators with limited resources.

FIATA supports the joint statement by Global and European transport industry associations to the European Commission to assess the readiness of Member States ahead of the go-live dates for ICS2 Release 3 as well as to provide earlier access to multiple filing options. FIATA supports and encourages continued collaboration between the EU Commission and logistics industry stakeholders to ensure a smooth and effective implementation of ICS2 Release 3 for road and rail transport.

Useful links for further guidance:

Call to Action: Take the 9th Edition of the Descartes Forwarder & Broker Industry Benchmark Survey

Tariff volatility and operational challenges remain key concerns in the freight forwarding sector. The 9th edition of the Descartes Forwarder & Broker Industry Benchmark Survey seeks to capture the latest trends, strategies, and technological advancements affecting forwarders and brokers worldwide.

FIATA encourages its Members to take part in this brief survey, designed to benchmark the industry on important issues such as tariff fluctuations and the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) automation in easing workloads.

Descartes Systems Group would like to note that participation is confidential, with contact information optional. Those providing an email address will receive an executive summary of the findings, offering valuable insights for further analysis.

The survey requires less than 15 minutes to complete. FIATA values the input of its Members and highlights this opportunity to contribute to a comprehensive industry overview.

Click here to participate in the survey

Digitalisation: Enabling Trust, Capacity and Connectivity with the eFBL

The logistics industry is undergoing a critical digital transformation to cope with the growing complexities of global trade, regulatory pressures, and sustainability goals. This shift is not just a technological upgrade but a strategic necessity. As Dr Stéphane Graber, FIATA Director General, emphasised during the 2025 FIATA-Region Asia-Pacific Field Meeting in India (21-24 May 2025): “Digitalisation is not only about replacing paper. It is about building trust, simplifying operations, and enabling data access across a fragmented supply chain — without sacrificing security or sovereignty.”

While digital tools like the electronic airway bills and Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tracking have improved operations, inconsistencies remain, especially in high-traffic regions like India. Delhi Airport’s transition to paperless processes significantly increased its cargo capacity without new infrastructure, underscoring digitalisation as a capacity multiplier, according to Parvinder Singh Chhatwal of Hans Infomatics.

A major challenge lies in interoperability, not the absence of technology. Dr Graber points out: “The question is not whether the tools exist. The question is: are we speaking the same digital language?”. This is where FIATA’s work becomes central, its blockchain-secured electronic negotiable FIATA Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading (eFBL) is a key innovation. It offers secure, real-time shipment validation using encrypted QR codes and certified digital identities, supporting a “zero-trust architecture” that eliminates the need for intermediaries.

Read more on p. 6 in the Air Cargo Week, Weekly News.

As the logistics industry continues to evolve, FIATA reaffirms its commitment to supporting and empowering its Members through this transformation. By championing transparency, efficiency, and resilience, FIATA actively advancing digitalisation in a way that delivers meaningful benefits for all stakeholders, driving innovation that is inclusive, secure, and future-ready.

Upcoming FIATA Events