Commissions

Securing Norwegian Business Interests. The commissions' work secures Norwegian business interests in the ICC and shares the ICC's views with the Norwegian authorities.

Policy commissions

ICC global policy commissions are specialized working bodies composed of business experts who address key issues relevant to the business world. They develop policy products, including statements for intergovernmental discussions, as well as rules and codes to facilitate international business transactions. These commissions bring together members' expertise to shape ICC’s policy and standard-setting activities while also informing members about global regulatory policymaking.

Engaging businesses worldwide, they build consensus on policy matters, share intelligence, and support high-quality policy outputs aligned with ICC’s strategic objectives. Commission leaders are appointed by the ICC Chair for a three-year term, with the possibility of renewal for a second term at the Chair’s discretion.

Active commissions

Arbitration and Dispute resolution

The commission handles international dispute cases assigned by the ICC headquarters in Paris, serving as a non-governmental body that supports international businesses and trade. As a unique think tank for ICC Dispute Resolution Services, it brings together expertise to enhance awareness and understanding of practical and legal aspects of arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

Banking

The commission is committed to advancing and modernizing the banking sector, with a strong focus on trade, supply chain, and export finance. A key objective is to strengthen the ICC Trade Register as the leading source of market intelligence for trade finance products, benefiting banks, investors, and regulators.

ICC commissions

Commercial Law and Practice

Anti-Corruption and Corporate Responsibility

The commission serves as a key platform for exchanging best practices and engaging with policymakers on crucial issues such as integrity, business ethics, transparent reporting, and human rights. A core initiative is the development of an "Integrity Advocacy Toolkit" to help companies and local business networks combat corruption more effectively.

Additionally, we are working to update the ICC Rules on Combating Corruption and the ICC Anti-Corruption Clause, strengthening our commitment to ethical business practices. The commission is also leading efforts to establish the first industry framework for responsible operations in "sensitive" markets, representing a major step toward promoting ethical business conduct worldwide.

Digital Economy

The commission strives to drive innovation in the digital economy, with a strong focus on cybersecurity. It is dedicated to providing essential business insights to influence ongoing UN cybersecurity discussions.

Additionally, it advocates for global alignment with OECD principles on trusted government access to personal data held by the private sector. Furthermore, the commission works to shape international policy frameworks that ensure the secure and seamless flow of data, leveraging practical industry approaches.

Marketing and Advertising

The Commission on Marketing and Advertising is dedicated to updating and strengthening standards and best practices in the advertising industry. A key priority is revising the ICC Marketing and Advertising Code to keep it relevant and responsive to evolving challenges. The commission underscores the vital role of self-regulation in marketing and advertising, particularly in emerging areas such as diversity and the integration of new technologies.

Additionally, it promotes the broad adoption of ICC frameworks and guidelines, including the ICC Framework for Responsible Environmental Marketing Communications, to foster trust in corporate sustainability claims.

Taxation

The Commission on Taxation is focused on developing consistent and effective global tax policies that address the needs of modern businesses and societies. Its primary goals include providing key business insights to influence international tax reforms, especially within the OECD's inclusive framework and the upcoming UN convention, with an emphasis on tax certainty and global coordination. The commission actively supports the establishment and implementation of comprehensive systems to prevent and resolve tax disputes.

Additionally, in response to the changing dynamics of work post-pandemic, it leads discussions on appropriate tax frameworks for cross-border teleworkers. Another important priority is helping businesses navigate the intersection of tax policies with environmental goals and the broader reporting landscape.

Competition

The commission is dedicated to advancing competition policies to meet modern challenges and business demands. Its key objectives include reforming antitrust regulations to enable essential industry collaboration in tackling global climate and sustainability goals, particularly in Europe, North America, and Latin America.

Additionally, the commission works to standardize national merger control procedures, providing businesses with greater clarity and consistency in international operations. It also aims to support companies in navigating the complex policy frameworks related to foreign subsidies.

Customs and Trade Facilitation

The commission is dedicated to improving customs and trade facilitation worldwide. Its primary objectives include providing valuable insights into key World Customs Organization (WCO) initiatives, particularly in areas such as valuation and product classification. It also aims to lead discussions on modern challenges faced by national customs agencies, with a strong emphasis on digital transformation and the circular economy.

Additionally, the commission advocates for strengthening ‘trusted trader’ programs by proposing updates to relevant WCO standards. By leveraging ICC’s extensive national committee network, it serves as a platform to identify and address critical trade facilitation challenges at the country level.

Environment and Energy

The Commission on Environment and Energy is dedicated to bringing business expertise into key global discussions on environmental and energy issues. In preparation for COP29, it aims to provide valuable business insights to support the UNFCCC negotiations. The commission also focuses on guiding policymakers in improving the effectiveness of carbon pricing mechanisms, addressing key concerns such as linkage, pricing, and the allocation of proceeds.
To tackle the urgent challenge of plastic pollution, it offers business perspectives to help shape a meaningful international treaty.

Additionally, the commission is actively piloting and refining the ICC Sustainable Trade Framework, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability in global trade.

Intellectual property

The Commission on Intellectual Property focuses on shaping and refining IP policy frameworks to tackle modern challenges and opportunities. It provides insights into potential policy measures to address growing concerns over abusive third-party funding of IP litigation.

Additionally, the commission contributes to UN discussions aimed at improving legal frameworks governing the intersection of scientific research, innovation, and biodiversity conservation. It is also dedicated to developing resources that help small businesses leverage their IP assets effectively. Ultimately, the commission emphasizes the importance of fostering policy environments that support and drive innovation.

Trade and Investment

The Commission on Trade and Investment is focused on enhancing and improving the global trade and investment environment. It plays an active role in influencing discussions around the reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO) system. One of its key advocacy efforts is to urge governments to permanently ban the imposition of customs duties on data transfers.
The commission offers crucial business insights to guide the WTO's e-commerce negotiations toward achieving a high-standard agreement.

Additionally, it takes a leading position in global discussions, advocating for trade policy changes that can accelerate the adoption and growth of circular economy principles.

Expert Participation in ICC Norway: Contribution to Global Rule Development

As a member of ICC Norway, you can be an expert in one or more of our commissions. Norwegian commission members contribute to developing new rules and provide statements from the ICC. As an expert, you become part of the global working group that shapes the guidelines for your field of expertise on a global basis.

Networking opportunities: Activity in Norwegian Expert Groups within ICC

In addition to participating in the global commission work, you are part of a network of Norwegian experts in the same field. This provides the opportunity to discuss current issues with colleagues and to agree on Norwegian positions on global issues in the commissions.

Global Connections: Valuable Networking through our Commissions

Participation in the commissions provides valuable networking with professionals around the world.