International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)

Trade Rules for a Borderless World

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is a non-governmental organisation that represents over 45 million companies in more than 170 countries. Founded in 1919, the ICC promotes international trade by providing rules, tools, and services that support business confidence across borders – especially in complex sectors like shipping, trade finance, and customs.

It calls itself “the world business organization.”

What Does the ICC Actually Do?

The ICC develops widely used standards and systems that facilitate smooth international trade, including:

1. Incoterms®

• These define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international contracts (e.g. EXW, FOB, CIF).
• They are essential in shipping documents and cargo contracts, ensuring legal clarity.

2. Dispute Resolution & Arbitration

• ICC operates one of the most respected international arbitration courts – resolving commercial disputes outside of national courts.
• Vital for shipping, insurance, and trade finance conflicts.

3. Model Contracts & Rules

• Provides standardised contracts and clauses used in transport, distribution, and agency agreements.

4. Trade Facilitation & Customs Advocacy

• Works with the World Customs Organization and WTO to improve cross-border procedures and reduce friction at ports.

5. Business Ethics & Sustainability

• Promotes responsible business conduct, digital trust, and climate-positive practices.

Why It Matters for Maritime Trade

The ICC’s work touches nearly every step of the maritime trade process:

• The Incoterms® rules appear on shipping documents, bills of lading, port contracts, and customs declarations.
• Its arbitration services are frequently used in maritime disputes – especially between companies from different legal systems.
• ICC also supports the digitalisation of trade – including e-bills of lading, smart contracts, and paperless ports.

Whether you’re a freight forwarder, port operator, or exporter, the ICC’s tools help manage risk, clarity, and trust.

A Private Sector Voice in Global Trade

Unlike WTO or UNCTAD, the ICC is not intergovernmental. It’s business-led – providing a platform where the private sector shapes trade governance.

It represents business interests at:

• WTO negotiations
• G20 discussions
• UN climate platforms
• World Customs Organization meetings

It helps bridge the gap between policy-makers and practitioners.

Global Reach, Local Action

• HQ: Paris, France
• Over 90 National Committees (e.g. ICC Romania, ICC India)
• Works with SMEs, multinationals, chambers of commerce, and trade lawyers

Its influence comes not from legal power – but from credibility, consistency, and global adoption.

Reflection Question

How do Incoterms® created by the ICC support clarity and trust in maritime shipping contracts?