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

IMO Consultative Status, US Port Fees, and Key Upcoming Events

FIATA e-flash
15 August 2025

Breaking News: FIATA Secures Full Consultative Status at the IMO!

FIATA has been granted full consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), pending final approval at the IMO Assembly in November, strengthening the freight forwarding sector’s voice in shaping global shipping regulations. Such achievement crowns the efforts deployed over recent years to enhance FIATA’s relevance and visibility within international policy institutions, marking the culmination of a longstanding ambition that had been pursued by FIATA and reflects the strategic work of the Presidency and Headquarters to raise FIATA’s profile internationally.

Full consultative status enables FIATA to influence practical and sustainable regulations, from digitalisation and environmental measures to maritime safety standards. For freight forwarders, this means more streamlined processes, achievable environmental requirements, and safety rules grounded in real operational realities.

Find out how FIATA’s engagement at the IMO benefits freight forwarders and how Members can contribute: share insights, participate in working groups, and engage with local authorities.

Read the full communication here.

Maritime: Freight Forwarders Face Operational Risks Under US Port Fee Regime

From 14 October 2025, US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) will roll out a new fee regime targeting vessels owned, operated, or built in China. Non-payment could see cargo operations blocked or port clearance withheld, a scenario that freight forwarders cannot afford to overlook.

Under the new rules, Chinese-owned or operated vessels will pay USD 50 per net tonne initially, rising to USD 140 by April 2028. Non-Chinese operators of Chinese-built ships face lower fees, while short-sea services, smaller vessels, US-owned ships, ballast voyages, and certain specialised exporters are exempt. Charges are assessed per voyage, capped at 5 chargeable rotations per vessel per year, and apply only at the first US port of call.

CBP will be introducing a dedicated Pay.gov portal to simplify payments. Forwarders and charterers should review contracts carefully and plan ahead, as these fees could influence routing, operational costs, and overall logistics strategy. While supporters argue the measure strengthens US maritime security and domestic shipbuilding, critics warn of higher costs and potential trade disruptions at smaller ports.

For freight forwarders, early preparation and clear allocation of financial responsibility will be essential to navigate the new landscape successfully.

2025 FIATA-REU Field Meeting: Connecting Leaders Across Europe’s Logistics Sector

On 3–4 September, Prague will host the 2025 FIATA-Region Europe (REU) Field Meeting, uniting top freight forwarders, industry leaders, and policymakers to tackle Europe’s most urgent logistics challenges. Hosted by the Association of Forwarding and Logistics of the Czech Republic (SSL), this dynamic two-day event delivers bold ideas, practical solutions, and high-value connections.

Programme Highlights include:

  • Resilient supply chains: Stronger, smarter networks across road, rail, and sea.
  • Sustainable waterways: Greener corridors, better port links.
  • Seamless borders: Digital tools for faster, safer cargo flows.
  • Smarter road freight: Tech and regulation for competitiveness.
  • Airfreight evolution: Sustainable answers to e-commerce growth.

Access the full programme here!

The FIATA-REU Field Meeting will feature over 27 speakers, representing key stakeholders from across Europe’s supply chain and logistics sectors. For the full list of speakers, click here.

Register now for the 2025 FIATA-REU Field Meeting!

2025 FIATA World Congress: Updated Visa Exemptions

Starting 15 August 2025, Vietnam will extend visa exemption to citizens of 12 additional European territories — Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland — allowing stays of up to 45 days. With this expansion, a total of 25 European nations can now visit Vietnam visa-free, reflecting the territory's commitment to enhancing connectivity, tourism, and business engagement across Europe.

For more information on visa requirements for your region, please visit the official travel page of the 2025 FIATA World Congress. Please note this is not an official government source; contact your local embassy for the most up-to-date information.

This timely development offers an excellent opportunity for logistics and supply chain professionals to attend the 2025 FIATA World Congress in Hanoi from 6–10 October. Themed “Green & Resilient Logistics,” the Congress will bring together industry leaders to explore sustainable practices, digital transformation, and the future of global trade.

To make attending even easier, Turkish Airlines, as the official airline partner for the event, is offering registered participants a 15% discount. To apply, visit turkishairlines.com and enter the event code 118TKM25 in the Promotion Code field when booking online. Further details on using the discount code are available here.

Register now for the 2025 FIATA World Congress!

Upcoming FIATA Events