Objectives

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) serves world business by promoting trade and investment and open markets for goods and services, as well as the free flow of capital. It defends the private enterprise system and encourages self-regulation by business.
Founded in 1919, the ICC is a non-governmental organisation of thousands of companies and business associations worldwide. ICC National Committees throughout the world present ICC views to their governments and alert Paris Headquarters to national business concerns.

Special status

The ICC has top level consultative status with the UN, where it puts forward the views of business in industrialised and developing countries. It also maintains close relations with the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the European Union, and other inter-governmental and non-governmental bodies. ICC permanent representatives at the UN in New York and Geneva monitor developments affecting business within the UN and its specialised agencies.

The ICC makes sure business concerns are constantly brought to the attention of governments, both through its international headquarters in Paris and the representations of ICC National Committees throughout the world. An example of this political activity is the ICC President’s annual meeting with the head of the host government of the Group of Eight Economic Summit. On that occasion, the ICC submits policy recommendations on behalf of world business for the consideration of the G8 leaders at the Summit.

Technical commissions

One of the ICC’s main activities is the harmonisation of trade practices. ICC rules on documentary credits are used by banks throughout the world, and ICC Incoterms – international commercial terms defined by the ICC – are applied by importers and exporters worldwide.

The ICC also draws up voluntary codes for business which set ethical standards. In 1996, it issued its Rules of Conduct to Combat Extortion and Bribery in International Business Transactions, which companies are urged to use to develop their own codes of conduct. The ICC’s Business Charter for Sustainable Development contains 16 principles governing every aspect of a company’s activities in relation to the environment, from product design to customer advice. The ICC’s marketing codes cover direct marketing, advertising, sales promotion and sponsorship.

Specialist ICC Commissions meet regularly to review issues affecting business, among them banking, competition, the environment, financial services and insurance, intellectual property, marketing, air, maritime and surface transport, taxation, and trade and investment policy. Commission members include senior executives of major international companies, law firms, and academics. The Commissions make critical assessments of legislative proposals and other developments affecting their fields, and communicate these views to governments and international organisations.

Specialist divisions and practical services

• ICC International Court of Arbitration: The world’s leading body for the resolution of business disputes by arbitration
• ICC Institute of World Business Law: Conducts research, training and the dissemination of information among practitioners and scholars in the field of international business law
• ICC Commercial Crime Services (CCS): This specialised division is the ICC’s umbrella organisation covering commercial crime, maritime crime, and counterfeiting
• ICC Publishing SA: Publishes practical reference works for the conduct of international business, based on the ICC’s work programme. New guides and corporate handbooks are added to the list every year. All current publications may be ordered from ICC United Kingdom.
• ICC International Bureau of Chambers of Commerce (IBCC): The world forum for chambers of commerce, and works to strengthen chambers worldwide. It provides technical assistance and training programmes for those in Central and Eastern Europe, and the developing world. The IBCC also manages the ATA Carnet system for temporary duty-free imports.
• ICC Conferences and Congresses: May be held anywhere in the world, providing an opportunity for business people to learn from each other’s experiences.