The Trade & Customs Standards Association (TCSA) exists to promote professional standards, ethical conduct, competence and trust throughout the customs, international trade, freight, logistics and associated sectors. This Code establishes the principles, behaviours and standards expected of all organisations and individuals associated with TCSA.

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Code is to:

  • Promote integrity and professionalism across the trade community.
  • Protect the reputation and credibility of TCSA and its members.
  • Support ethical decision-making.
  • Encourage responsible business practices.
  • Foster trust between businesses, clients, regulators, partners and stakeholders.
  • Establish clear expectations regarding conduct and professional behaviour.

Membership of, or association with, TCSA carries a responsibility to uphold these principles and to contribute positively to the wider trade and customs profession.

2. Scope

This Code applies to:

  • TCSA members.
  • Accredited Members.
  • Partner organisations.
  • Directors, officers and representatives of TCSA.
  • Employees and contractors acting on behalf of TCSA.
  • Consultants, advisers and assessors engaged by TCSA.
  • Any individual representing TCSA or participating in TCSA programmes, initiatives or events.

All persons and organisations covered by this Code are expected to comply with both its letter and spirit.

3. Core Ethical Principles

The standards contained within this Code are founded upon six core principles.

Individuals and organisations shall act honestly, ethically and in good faith at all times. Professional decisions must be based upon legitimate business considerations and not influenced by personal gain, improper advantage or unethical conduct.

Members shall undertake activities only where they possess, or can reasonably obtain, the necessary knowledge, expertise and resources. Organisations should seek to maintain and improve professional competence through continuous development, training and awareness of regulatory and industry developments.

Members shall communicate openly, honestly and accurately with customers, suppliers, regulators, partners and stakeholders. Information should not be deliberately concealed, distorted or misrepresented.

Members shall accept responsibility for their actions, decisions and professional conduct. Where errors occur, organisations should take reasonable steps to acknowledge mistakes, correct issues promptly, mitigate harm, learn from incidents, and improve procedures and controls.

All individuals should be treated fairly, professionally and with respect. Members should foster environments free from harassment, bullying, discrimination, intimidation and victimisation.

Members operate within sectors that play a critical role in international commerce and supply chains. The actions of individual organisations influence confidence in the wider industry.

4. Compliance with Laws and Regulations

Members shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations and professional obligations relevant to their activities. This includes, where applicable:

  • Customs legislation.
  • Import and export controls.
  • Trade sanctions.
  • Anti-money laundering requirements.
  • Anti-bribery legislation.
  • Competition law.
  • Data protection requirements.
  • Employment legislation.
  • Environmental obligations.

Where legal requirements differ across jurisdictions, members should seek to maintain standards consistent with ethical business conduct.

5. Fair Business Practices

Members shall compete fairly and ethically. Members must not engage in:

  • Fraudulent conduct.
  • Deceptive practices.
  • Misrepresentation.
  • Unfair commercial behaviour.
  • Abuse of confidential information.
  • Improper interference with competitors.
  • Collusive or anti-competitive arrangements.

Business should be won through competence, service quality, expertise and value rather than unethical practices.

6. Conflicts of Interest

Members should identify, disclose and appropriately manage conflicts of interest. A conflict may arise where personal, financial or organisational interests could influence professional judgement.

Members should:

  • Declare conflicts promptly.
  • Avoid situations that compromise objectivity.
  • Implement reasonable safeguards where conflicts exist.
  • Withdraw from decisions where impartiality cannot be maintained.

7. Confidentiality and Information Handling

Members shall respect confidential and commercially sensitive information obtained through professional relationships. Information should:

  • Be used only for legitimate purposes.
  • Be protected appropriately.
  • Not be disclosed without lawful authority or consent.
  • Be handled in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

The duty of confidentiality continues beyond the conclusion of a business relationship.

8. Anti-Bribery and Corruption

Members shall maintain a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption. Members must not:

  • Offer or accept bribes.
  • Make facilitation payments.
  • Seek improper influence.
  • Use intermediaries to conduct unethical activities.
  • Offer gifts or hospitality intended to influence decisions.

All business relationships should be conducted transparently and ethically. For full details refer to the TCSA Anti-Bribery & Corruption Policy.

9. Professional Communications

Members shall communicate accurately and responsibly. This applies to marketing materials, websites, social media, public statements, tender submissions, commercial proposals and client communications.

Members should avoid:

  • Misleading claims.
  • False representations.
  • Defamatory statements.
  • Unsubstantiated allegations.
  • Conduct likely to bring the profession into disrepute.

Professional communications should support confidence and trust.

10. Responsible Use of Membership and Verification Status

Membership and verification status must be represented accurately. Members shall not:

  • Suggest endorsement beyond that provided by TCSA.
  • Misrepresent their membership category.
  • Use TCSA branding in a misleading manner.
  • Imply regulatory approval where none exists.

Any use of TCSA marks, badges or verification references must comply with applicable TCSA guidance.

11. Environmental and Social Responsibility

TCSA encourages members to operate responsibly and consider the broader impact of their activities. Members should seek, where appropriate, to:

  • Reduce environmental impacts.
  • Promote sustainable business practices.
  • Respect human rights.
  • Support ethical supply chains.
  • Encourage responsible procurement.
  • Foster inclusive workplaces.

While recognising differences in organisational size and capability, TCSA encourages continuous improvement in these areas.

12. Reporting Concerns

Members are encouraged to report conduct that may breach this Code. Reports may relate to:

  • Ethical misconduct.
  • Misrepresentation.
  • Fraud.
  • Corruption.
  • Professional misconduct.
  • Abuse of TCSA membership or verification status.

Concerns should be raised in good faith and supported by relevant information where possible.

13. Investigation and Enforcement

TCSA may investigate alleged breaches of this Code where appropriate. Investigations will seek to be fair, proportionate, objective and evidence-based.

Depending on the circumstances, outcomes may include:

  • Informal guidance.
  • Corrective actions.
  • Formal warnings.
  • Suspension of membership.
  • Withdrawal of verification status.
  • Termination of membership.
  • Referral to relevant authorities where necessary.

14. Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Ethical conduct is not a static obligation but an ongoing commitment. Members should regularly review their practices, policies and controls to ensure they remain aligned with:

  • Applicable laws.
  • Industry expectations.
  • Professional standards.
  • Emerging risks.
  • Best practice guidance.

TCSA encourages all members to contribute to the continual improvement of standards across the trade and customs profession.

15. Commitment from TCSA

TCSA is committed to promoting a professional environment founded upon trust, integrity, competence and accountability.

Through this Code, we seek to encourage behaviours that strengthen confidence in customs, logistics, freight, trade compliance and international commerce.

All organisations associated with TCSA are expected to uphold these standards and contribute positively to the reputation, credibility and professionalism of the sectors we collectively serve.