The International Federation of Customs Brokers (IFCBA) had a virtual Board of Directors meeting on August 28, 2023, with representatives from several nations, from Angola to Uruguay, in various phases of international trade facilitation!
The Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) Chairman and IFCBA Chairman, Shankar Shinde, welcomed prior IFCBA chairs and directors from all around the world as he inaugurated the conference. Shinde invited all directors to provide thoughts and take action in support of three areas that were important to him.
The organisations and businesses who join the IFCBA will first benefit from an increase in membership in the organisation. Sharing information about best practises in member nations and giving customs brokers a place to network are two goals of the IFCBA. National associations and businesses are now recruiting new members!
The development of the upcoming generation of customs brokers is a second goal. This objective, which is also shared by the World Customs Organisation (WCO), is crucial to the future development of the IFCBA member nations.
“The Customs Brokers business across the world is undergoing rapid changes with disruption of emerging technologies and digital/faceless mechanisms. We must be prudent to the changes in the horizon, and this can be attained with exchange of ideas for mutual benefits. IFCBA not only provides an effective platform to the CB community to connect with the world of wisdom but also acts as a vigilant on international Customs matters, intervening/collaborating with the policy decisions of different Governments. We at IFCBA appeal to the world Customs fraternity to get them prepared for coping with the threat to the traditional CB business. Under this umbrella organisation they should also be united to strengthen trade facilitation, i.e. smooth cargo clearance across the borders,” said Shinde.
During the meeting, IFCBA past chairman and director from Mexico Jamie King provided an update on the activities of the WCO Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG). King is the current Chair of the PSCG, which was especially active in advising the WCO on concerns and solutions during the COVID pandemic.
IFCBA directors provided individual reports on the state of customs brokers and trade in their respective countries. There was considerable alignment of priorities and commentary, including the following common issues around the globe:
-The need to attract the younger generation to this industry;
-The need for professional education and professional development standards that support the complex work of customs brokers.
-Increasing government regulation and expectations of investments by customs brokers with increasingly diminished returns.
Although the problems affecting customs brokers throughout the world are urgent, the IFCBA’s combined voices, ideas, and enthusiasm are positive, and the organization’s commitment to cooperate on shared objectives is noteworthy. Join the IFCBA’s worldwide network whether you represent a national customs brokers association or a customs broker company, and keep an eye out for updates, such as when we reveal where our conference will be in 2024.
