The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is one of the most influential global business organisations — yet many people outside the trade world don’t know about it. Quietly and effectively, the ICC helps shape the rules and standards that keep international trade flowing across borders.
Founded in 1919 after World War 1, the ICC emerged from a global need to rebuild economies through co-operation rather than conflict. A group of business leaders, who called themselves “merchants of peace”, created a body to promote cross-border trade based on trust, standardisation and fairness.
Since then, the ICC has become a pillar of international business, guiding companies, governments and institutions on how to trade effectively, ethically and with minimal friction.
Today the ICC operates in more than 170 countries and represents millions of companies — from family-owned businesses to multinationals. Headquartered in Paris, its work is carried out through a global network of national committees that provide local insight into global policymaking.
This widespread presence ensures that businesses from every region can participate in setting the rules that govern global commerce.
Since its early days, South Africa has subscribed to ICC rules and practices. This alignment has strengthened our position as a credible trading partner globally
A cornerstone of the ICC is its International Court of Arbitration, established in 1923. When international contracts go wrong, legal disputes can be costly and complex. ICC arbitration offers a neutral, efficient way to resolve such disputes, avoiding lengthy court battles in foreign jurisdictions.
The ICC court handles thousands of cases across industries, helping businesses trade with greater confidence and legal protection.
Since its early days, South Africa has subscribed to ICC rules and practices. This alignment has strengthened our position as a credible trading partner globally. South African companies benefit from ICC standards, training and arbitration, giving them a competitive edge and access to trusted international systems.
The ICC’s greatest impact lies in its ability to create and maintain the world’s most trusted trade rules. These include:
- Incoterms: These standard trade terms define responsibilities between buyers and sellers, such as who pays for shipping, handles customs and bears the risk during transport.
- UCP 600: The uniform customs & practice for documentary credits governs how letters of credit work. Used globally, it ensures secure payments in trade finance.
- URC 522: The uniform rules for collections cover documentary collection processes — where banks handle documents and collect payment without guaranteeing it, typically used in trusted trade relationships.
- URDG 758: The uniform rules for demand guarantees provide clear procedures when a bank guarantees payment to a third party in case the buyer fails to meet obligations. These are widely used in construction, infrastructure and export contracts.
These rulebooks simplify global trade, lower risk and reduce costly misunderstandings — especially between businesses from different legal systems or cultures.
Beyond setting rules, the ICC offers training, certification and tools that help companies understand and manage the complexities of global trade. This is particularly valuable to small and medium businesses (SMEs) looking to expand internationally.
The ICC also offers guidance on customs procedures, documentation, digital trade and anti-corruption measures — giving companies the practical knowledge they need to succeed globally.
The ICC is often called “the voice of business” in global policy circles. It advocates for trade-friendly policies at major institutions such as the World Trade Organisation and the UN.
During Covid-19, the ICC played a critical role in helping countries maintain trade flows, keep supply chains open and support economic recovery through collaboration.
The ICC is also evolving with global trends. It is deeply involved in shaping rules for digital trade, data privacy and sustainable business practices. As global priorities shift toward green growth and responsible capitalism, the ICC ensures trade rules adapt accordingly.
Trade is the engine of economic growth — and the ICC is the oil that keeps it running smoothly. By providing the rules, mechanisms and dispute resolution needed to trade with confidence, it empowers businesses of all sizes to connect across borders.
For South Africa, continued alignment with ICC principles enhances our global credibility, attracts investment and gives our exporters and importers access to trusted systems.
So the next time you ship goods abroad, receive an international order, or negotiate with a foreign partner, know this: the ICC is likely behind the scenes, making that transaction possible, secure, and fair. It’s the quiet engine of global commerce — and South Africa is proudly part of it.
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