ICS2 Stop-Words List, Middle Corridor eFBL, OTIF Discussions, China Maritime Webinar and HQ Team Update

Regulatory Update: European Commission Publishes Revised ICS2 Stop-Words List Applicable from 3 August 2026

The European Commission has published an updated version of the Import Control System 2 (ICS2) Stop-Words list in the CIRCABC library. These terms are deemed to indicate insufficient data quality during the Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) and may lead to automatic filing rejections.

The revised list will enter into force on 3 August 2026 and should be used by economic operators when preparing ENS.

Freight forwarders are encouraged to review the updated list and ensure that their systems and internal processes are aligned before the new version becomes applicable.

The updated Stop-Words list can be downloaded below:

• Updated ICS2 Stop-Words List (effective 3 August 2026)

For background information on the purpose of ICS2 Stop Words, their impact on ENS submissions, and recommended actions to improve data quality, please refer to the previous FIATA article:

• Alert: European Commission Updates ICS2 Stop-Words - Action Required for Accurate ENS Submissions
  
  

FIATA eFBL: Advancing Digital Connectivity Along the Middle Corridor

From 22 to 24 June 2026, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan visited Brussels to strengthen relations between Kazakhstan and the European Union. Discussions focused on investment, transport connectivity, energy, critical raw materials, and economic cooperation, culminating in the conclusion of several major commercial agreements valued at approximately €10-12 billion.

In connection with this visit, the Administration of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan organised a business conference under the theme"Strengthening Kazakhstan-EU Connectivity: Perspectives and Strategic Potential of the Middle Corridor."

The evolving geopolitical environment and the transformation of global supply chains have reinforced the strategic importance of diversified transport routes connecting Europe and Asia. In this context, the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route) has emerged as a key platform for sustainable, secure, and resilient connectivity across Eurasia. The corridor supports enhanced economic integration and trade flows between the European Union, Central Asia, and China.

The conference provided an opportunity for Global DTC and FIATA to demonstrate how digital trade and transport documentation can support the development of the Middle Corridor and facilitate seamless connectivity between Asia and Europe. Through its platform, Global DTC has integrated the FIATA Electronic Bill of Lading (eFBL), enabling the use of a multimodal negotiable transport document in support of trade and transport operations along the corridor.

As cargo volumes along the Middle Corridor continue to grow, the digitalisation of trade and transport documentation will play an increasingly important role in reducing administrative burdens, improving transparency, strengthening legal certainty, and facilitating cross-border trade. The implementation of the FIATA eFBL demonstrates how interoperable digital solutions can facilitate trusted data exchange between stakeholders and contribute to more efficient, secure, and transparent supply chains.

FIATA is sincerely grateful to Global DTC, the Administration of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Ms Assel Zhanassova, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration, for their kind invitation and support. FIATA highly values Kazakhstan's efforts to strengthen connectivity between Europe and Asia and looks forward to continuing its cooperation with partners across the region to advance digitalisation, interoperability, and trade facilitation, thereby supporting the continued development and efficiency of the Middle Corridor as a strategic Eurasian transport route.

Advocacy: FIATA Takes Part in OTIF Discussions on Rail Liability and Digital Transport Documents

On 23 June 2026, FIATA attended the 9th Session of the ad hoc Committee on Legal Affairs and International Cooperation of the Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail (OTIF), held in Bern, Switzerland.

Among the matters considered, the session included discussions on liability for loss or damage caused by a railway vehicle, a question that had previously been discussed at an OTIF Roundtable in April 2026. The Committee also examined digitalisation in international transport, with particular attention to freight transport documents, in order to facilitate the use of electronic transport documents under the CIM Uniform Rules.

FIATA's participation reflects its continued engagement in international discussions relevant to multimodal transport and the legal frameworks affecting freight forwarders, and underlines the importance it places on following developments that affect the sector.

International Trade and Law: FIATA Webinar Explores China's Updated Maritime Code

From left to right: Mr Yuntao Yang, Chair of the FIATA Advisory Body on Legal Matters; and Mr Lianjun Li, Partner, Reed Smith Richards Butler LLP

FIATA recently held a webinar on China's Updated Maritime Code: Impact on Freight Forwarders, following the first comprehensive revision of China's Maritime Code in more than 30 years. The revised Code entered into force on 1 May 2026 and introduces important changes for freight forwarders operating in, or connected to, China.

Mr Yuntao Yang, Chair of the FIATA Advisory Body on Legal Matters, outlined the scope of the revised Code, including the distinction between freight forwarders acting as agents and those acting as principals, non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) or multimodal transport operators. He highlighted seven key changes for the industry, spanning domestic sea carriage, voyage charterparties, carrier liability, deck cargo, unclaimed cargo, electronic transport records, multimodal transport and limitation periods.

The webinar also addressed practical steps for freight forwarders, including checking the route, role, cargo and documents before accepting business, reviewing contract templates, assessing liability and insurance exposure, and keeping evidence files for high-risk shipments.

Mr Lianjun Li, Partner at Reed Smith Richards Butler LLP, addressed China's countermeasures and the growing complexity of sanctions and counter-sanctions in maritime trade. His recommendations included screening against both Western and Chinese sanctions lists, reviewing contracts for two-way risks, planning payment arrangements, documenting compliance decisions and seeking legal advice where needed.

The session underlined that the revised Maritime Code presents both a compliance challenge and an opportunity for freight forwarders to strengthen risk management. FIATA thanks the speakers and participants for their engagement.

Following the webinar, FIATA has published a detailed Guidance Note on the Code, which covers key changes relevant to freight forwarders conducting business in China.

Click here to access the Guidance Note on China's Revised Maritime Code: Key Implications for Freight Forwarders

HQ Team Update: FIATA Welcomes New Support for Professional Development and Sustainability

FIATA is delighted to welcome Ms Bárbara Alves Patrício to its HQ Team as Training Assistant. She will support the Professional Development and Sustainability Unit for the implementation of FIATA's training programmes and professional development initiatives. Her work will focus on educational activities, stakeholder coordination, and projects related to sustainability and capacity building within the global logistics and freight forwarding sector.

Bárbara holds a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration from the University of Lisbon and a Master's degree in International Development and Cooperation from the Lisbon School of Economics and Management. She has gained experience working in multicultural and international environments through her academic background and her professional experience at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva. Her multidisciplinary profile, combining project coordination, stakeholder engagement and communications, makes her a valuable addition to the Federation.

Upcoming FIATA Events

• 2026 FIATA World Congress, Milan, Italy: 6-9 October 2026
• 2026 FIATA-Region Africa and the Middle East Field Meeting, Doha, Qatar: 9-10 November 2026
• 2026 FIATA-Region Americas Field Meeting, Cartagena, Colombia: 25-27 November 2026