The International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) and the Global Shippers Forum (GSF) have introduced a signable version of their Data Governance Charter, a move that formalizes industry principles for responsible data management into a practical, enforceable framework for digital supply chains.
Originally published in 2023, the Charter outlined widely endorsed principles for protecting and managing trade data. The newly launched signable version now allows partner organisations and technology providers to formally commit to these principles, reinforcing transparency, accountability, and trust across the logistics ecosystem.
The Charter establishes five core pillars: ownership of data, permissions for storage and analysis, duty of care in data protection, obligations to report breaches, and fair market responsibilities for platform operators. These standards provide clear safeguards for shippers, freight forwarders, and other platform users against unauthorized or unfair commercial use of their data.
By requiring partners and software providers to sign the Charter, FIATA is embedding responsible data governance as a baseline condition for collaboration. The phased implementation ensures that organizations have the necessary time to align while clearly signaling that adherence to these principles is non-negotiable in international trade.
Dr Stéphane Graber, Director General of FIATA, stated: “Data is one of the most valuable assets in modern trade, and it must be protected accordingly. With this signable Charter, FIATA is sending a clear signal: responsible data governance is not optional — it is a fundamental expectation for anyone working with us. We are committed to ensuring that the freight forwarding community retains ownership and control of its data.”
James Hookham, Director of the Global Shippers Forum, added: “As the logistics sector moves to digital transactions, the Data Governance Charter provides shippers with a checklist of protections for how their data should be stored and handled by digital transport management systems. Shippers can use the charter to ensure these protections are reflected in End User Agreements and avoid platforms that cannot provide these assurances.”
The launch represents a key step in formalizing data governance practices across the logistics industry. By signing, organizations pledge to uphold transparency, fairness, and responsible data stewardship, ensuring that the digital transformation of global supply chains progresses with trust at its core.
