Member Standards & Professional Conduct

The binding terms, principles, obligations and category-specific standards applicable to all TCSA members, accredited organisations and associated service providers.

Introduction

The Trade & Customs Standards Association (TCSA) is an independent, non-governmental international standards body established in 1999, supporting professionalism, integrity, compliance and operational excellence across customs, international trade, freight, logistics, border services and trade technology.

This Member Standards & Professional Conduct Statement ("these Standards") sets out the binding terms, principles, obligations and expectations that apply to every organisation admitted to TCSA membership, to every organisation holding accredited status, and to every associated service provider operating under TCSA membership, certification or recognition.

These Standards form part of the contractual relationship between TCSA and each member. They are intended to be enforceable as membership conditions, and they work alongside the TCSA Code of Ethics, the Anti-Bribery Statement, the Anti-Slavery Statement, the Privacy Policy and the GDPR Policy. In the event of any conflict between documents, these Standards and the Code of Ethics prevail.

Membership of TCSA is intended to signify that an organisation actively upholds commercially responsible, legally compliant and ethically sound business practices. These Standards describe what that means in practice.

1. Introduction and Purpose

TCSA exists to promote professionalism, integrity, compliance and operational excellence across the customs, international trade, freight, logistics, border services and trade technology sectors. Membership of TCSA represents a public commitment to recognised professional standards that support trust, credibility and responsible commercial conduct in domestic and international markets.

These Standards are published by TCSA leadership and apply to all members regardless of tier, category or geography. They describe the conduct expected of members, the standards they must meet, the rights TCSA exercises to verify and monitor compliance, and the consequences of non-compliance.

These Standards are not legal advice and do not replace independent legal, regulatory or professional advice. Members remain solely responsible for ensuring their own compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to their business.

2. Definitions and Interpretation

In these Standards, unless the context requires otherwise:

"TCSA" means the Trade & Customs Standards Association, an independent non-governmental standards body established in 1999.
"Member" means any organisation admitted to TCSA membership, including accredited and partner members.
"Accredited Member" means a member that has successfully completed TCSA verification and holds current accredited status.
"Applicant" means an organisation that has submitted a membership application that is under review.
"Standards" means this Member Standards & Professional Conduct Statement, as amended from time to time.
"Category" means the primary business category assigned to a member (for example Customs Broker, Freight Forwarder, Software Supplier or Importer/Exporter).
"Verification" means the independent assessment conducted by TCSA of a member's operations, legitimacy, competence and compliance.
"Client" means any customer, buyer, consignee, principal or other party to whom a member provides services.
"Customs Authority" means any government or supranational authority responsible for customs, excise, trade, sanctions or border administration.
"Trade Data" means any data relating to the movement, classification, origin, valuation or clearance of goods.
"TCSA Marks" means the TCSA name, logos, badges, certificates, accreditation marks and any associated identifiers.
"Regulator" means any statutory regulator, supervisor or enforcement authority with jurisdiction over a member or its activities.

Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation. The words "including" and "include" mean "including without limitation". A reference to a law includes any subordinate legislation and any amendment or re-enactment of it.

3. Scope and Application

These Standards apply to every member of TCSA, whatever its tier, category, size or location, and to each of its directors, officers, employees, contractors and agents acting on its behalf in connection with its membership or with services represented as falling within TCSA's scope.

Members are responsible for ensuring that their personnel, sub-contractors and agents are made aware of, and comply with, these Standards. A breach by a member's personnel, sub-contractor or agent is treated as a breach by the member.

Obligations that by their nature should continue after membership ends (including those relating to confidentiality, records, fees owed, indemnities and use of TCSA Marks) continue to apply notwithstanding the end of membership.

Where a member operates across multiple jurisdictions, it must comply with these Standards in addition to all local laws applicable to it. Where local law prohibits compliance with any part of these Standards, the member must notify TCSA promptly and comply with these Standards to the maximum extent permitted.

4. Membership Tiers and Categories

TCSA membership is offered in tiers and is classified by business category. The tier determines the level of recognition and the scope of participation; the category determines the specific standards applicable to the member's activities.

Membership tiers

Member — the standard tier, open to organisations that meet TCSA's baseline legitimacy and professional standards.
Accredited Member — for members that have successfully completed TCSA verification and maintain accredited status, subject to annual revalidation.
Partner Member — for members that contribute strategically to TCSA's standards, governance or sector development.
Associate — for organisations in a formative stage or adjacent to the trade sector that are not yet eligible for full membership.
Corporate — for larger organisations seeking organisation-wide engagement with TCSA standards.

Business categories

Each member is assigned a primary business category. Members offering several services may be classified as Multi-service, in which case the standards of each applicable category apply concurrently. The categories are:

Customs Broker
Freight Forwarder
Logistics Provider
Warehousing
Trade Consultant
Software Supplier
Importer/Exporter
Carrier
3PL Provider
Advisory
Multi-service
Other

TCSA may revise the list of categories from time to time. Where a member's activities change such that a different category is more appropriate, the member must notify TCSA.

5. Acceptance of These Standards

By applying for, holding, renewing or continuing membership, and by using the TCSA Marks, a member accepts these Standards and agrees to be bound by them. Acceptance is evidenced by the signed declaration in the membership application, by payment of the applicable fee, and by continued use of TCSA membership benefits.

Acceptance is also deemed where a member permits these Standards to be relied upon by a Client, Regulator or other third party in the expectation that the member meets them.

Failure to meet these Standards is a breach of membership conditions and may result in the corrective, disciplinary or termination measures described in Section 18.

6. General Member Obligations

Every member shall, at all times while a member and in respect of activities represented as falling within TCSA's scope:

operate lawfully and maintain all licences, authorisations and registrations required for its activities;
comply with these Standards, the Code of Ethics and the other TCSA governance documents;
cooperate fully and promptly with TCSA, including with verification, monitoring, audits and investigations;
notify TCSA promptly of any material change to its ownership, control, business category, key personnel or contact details;
notify TCSA promptly of any investigation, prosecution, sanction, insolvency event or adverse regulatory action affecting it;
maintain accurate records sufficient to demonstrate compliance with these Standards;
pay all fees and sums due to TCSA on time;
ensure that all representations made under TCSA affiliation are accurate and not misleading;
maintain appropriate insurance for the services it provides; and
conduct business with honesty, integrity and transparency.

7. Business Legitimacy and Good Standing

Every member must be a legitimate, operational business in good standing. In particular, a member shall:

be a legally established commercial entity (or, where applicable, a recognised sole trader or partnership);
maintain accurate business registration records and provide them to TCSA on request;
hold all relevant licences, authorisations and regulatory approvals required for the services it offers;
maintain appropriate professional indemnity, public liability and employer liability insurance;
demonstrate genuine, ongoing operational activity in its declared category;
not be subject to any unresolved insolvency, disqualification or comparable restriction that would prevent it meeting these Standards; and
promptly inform TCSA of any event that would materially affect its legitimacy or good standing.

8. Customs and Trade Compliance

Where a member is involved in customs, trade or border activity, it must conduct that activity in compliance with all applicable customs and trade laws. In particular, a member shall:

ensure that all customs declarations and related filings are accurate, complete and lawful;
maintain suitable audit trails and supporting documentation for declarations and transactions;
follow the correct customs procedures, regimes and reliefs applicable to the goods and the journey;
comply with rules of origin, customs valuation and tariff classification obligations;
comply with all applicable sanctions, export controls and dual-use controls;
support only the lawful movement of goods and not facilitate evasion, misdeclaration or circumvention of customs or trade laws;
maintain internal compliance controls, including documented procedures and responsible personnel; and
where acting as a direct or indirect representative, clearly define and discharge the scope of that representation.

9. Service Delivery and Commercial Conduct

Members are expected to provide services that are competent, commercially fair, operationally reliable, appropriately documented and transparent. In particular, a member shall:

communicate clearly with Clients, including about scope, responsibilities, timelines and price;
define responsibilities and deliverables in writing where appropriate;
deliver services consistently and to a professional standard;
resolve issues promptly and in good faith;
provide reasonable Client support during and after service delivery;
avoid conflicts of interest, or disclose and manage them where they arise;
avoid misleading, aggressive or high-pressure commercial practices; and
handle Client complaints through a documented, accessible complaints process.

10. Financial Integrity and Charging

Members must maintain financial integrity in their dealings with Clients, TCSA and third parties. In particular, a member shall:

operate responsibly and within its means;
avoid fraudulent or dishonest conduct;
maintain lawful, transparent invoicing and billing practices;
meet its payment obligations when due;
avoid misleading financial claims or representations;
not charge for services not provided or inflate fees through undisclosed additions; and
act responsibly and in good faith in all contractual dealings.

11. Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption

Members must prohibit bribery and corruption in all forms. In particular, a member shall:

not offer, promise, give, solicit or accept a bribe or other improper inducement;
not make facilitation payments;
maintain an anti-bribery policy appropriate to the size and nature of its business;
provide anti-bribery training to relevant personnel;
maintain procedures to prevent bribery by associated persons; and
comply with the TCSA Anti-Bribery Statement and all applicable anti-bribery laws.

12. Modern Slavery and Ethical Sourcing

Members must maintain a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and unethical labour practices. In particular, a member shall:

not use forced, bonded or trafficked labour and not permit its use in its supply chain;
not use child labour in any manner that is unlawful or harmful;
pay at least the applicable legal minimum wage and respect working-time rules;
maintain an appropriate modern-slavery statement or policy where required;
carry out proportionate due diligence on suppliers and sub-contractors; and
comply with the TCSA Anti-Slavery Statement and all applicable modern-slavery laws.

13. Equality, Diversity and Fair Treatment

Members must treat employees, Clients and counterparties fairly. In particular, a member shall:

promote equal opportunity and non-discrimination in recruitment and employment;
maintain fair and transparent recruitment practices;
provide a respectful and safe workplace free from harassment;
make reasonable adjustments for accessibility where required; and
not discriminate on grounds protected by applicable law.

14. Data Protection and Confidentiality

Members handling Client, trade or customs data must protect it. In particular, a member shall:

protect confidential information belonging to Clients, TCSA and third parties;
comply with all applicable data protection laws, including the UK GDPR and EU GDPR;
maintain technically and organisationally secure systems appropriate to the sensitivity of the data;
prevent unauthorised access, disclosure, loss or alteration of data;
retain personal data only for as long as necessary and dispose of it securely; and
notify affected parties and TCSA promptly of any significant data breach.

15. Category-Specific Standards

In addition to the general standards above, members must meet the category-specific standards applicable to their assigned business category. Where a member is classified Multi-service, the standards of each applicable category apply concurrently. The category-specific standards are set out below.

15.1 Customs Brokers

Customs brokers act as the representative of importers, exporters or other parties in dealings with customs authorities. Members in this category must:

hold and maintain all customs authorisations required in the jurisdictions in which they operate, including any direct or indirect representation status;
ensure declarations are accurate, complete and supported by correct classification, origin and valuation;
maintain documented procedures for declaration review, data validation and error correction;
operate robust controls over client data, declarations and supporting documents, including retention for the period required by law;
clearly define the scope and limit of representation with each client and avoid acting beyond that scope;
maintain up-to-date knowledge of customs procedures, reliefs, regimes and applicable tariff changes;
ensure personnel preparing or reviewing declarations are appropriately trained and supervised; and
cooperate with customs authorities and respond to queries, audits and post-clearance checks promptly.

15.2 Freight Forwarders

Freight forwarders arrange the movement of goods on behalf of clients across modes and borders. Members in this category must:

hold and maintain the licences, bonds and authorisations required for the modes and trade lanes they operate;
clearly document the scope of services, including transport, documentation, customs and ancillary services;
select carriers and sub-contractors with appropriate due diligence and on terms consistent with these Standards;
provide accurate, transparent quotations and invoices, including clear treatment of duties, taxes and disbursements;
maintain appropriate cargo insurance and advise clients clearly where insurance is or is not included;
handle dangerous goods only where competent and properly authorised, in accordance with applicable transport regulations;
maintain accurate consignment records and audit trails; and
comply with sanctions and export controls when accepting or routing consignments.

15.3 Logistics Providers

Logistics providers coordinate the storage, movement and management of goods across the supply chain. Members in this category must:

operate appropriate systems for the planning, tracking and reconciliation of goods in their control;
maintain accurate inventory and movement records and provide reasonable visibility to clients;
select partners and sub-contractors with due diligence and clear contractual terms;
maintain insurance appropriate to the services and goods handled;
operate sites that meet applicable health, safety, security and environmental standards;
handle goods in accordance with any client instructions and applicable regulatory requirements; and
implement reasonable measures to prevent loss, damage, theft and mis-direction of goods.

15.4 Warehousing and Storage

Warehousing members store goods on behalf of clients, including under customs or fiscal regimes. Members in this category must:

hold and maintain any warehouse authorisations required, including customs warehouse, bonded or free-zone approvals where applicable;
operate sites that are secure, suitably constructed and fit for the goods stored;
maintain accurate stock records and reconcile inventory on a regular basis;
segregate and clearly identify goods held under different regimes, owners or statuses;
comply with all requirements of the relevant customs authority, including reporting, access and audit;
maintain appropriate insurance for the goods and activities; and
operate health, safety, environmental and fire-safety controls appropriate to the goods stored.

15.5 Trade Consultants and Advisory

Trade consultants and advisory members provide advice on customs, trade, compliance and related matters. Members in this category must:

provide advice that is accurate, current and within their competence;
clearly define the scope, basis and limitations of any advice given;
maintain up-to-date knowledge of the laws, regulations and procedures on which they advise;
avoid conflicts of interest, or disclose and manage them where they arise;
maintain professional indemnity insurance appropriate to advisory work;
keep clear records of advice given and the information on which it was based; and
not provide legal advice or represent clients before authorities except where properly qualified and authorised.

15.6 Customs Software Suppliers

Software suppliers provide systems used for customs, trade, freight or logistics activity. Members in this category must:

ensure their software supports the accurate preparation and submission of customs and trade data;
maintain the software to reflect regulatory, tariff and procedural changes on a timely basis;
implement appropriate security controls for the protection of client and trade data;
provide clear documentation of functionality, limitations and update obligations;
make reasonable provision for business continuity, support and maintenance;
not represent the software as endorsed or approved by a customs authority unless it is;
clearly define the division of responsibility between the supplier and the user for declaration accuracy; and
comply with applicable data protection laws in the processing of personal and trade data.

15.7 Importers and Exporters

Importers and exporters are the parties ultimately responsible for the lawful movement and declaration of their goods. Members in this category must:

ensure that their goods are correctly classified, valued and described and that origin is properly determined;
maintain accurate commercial and transport documentation supporting each movement;
comply with all applicable import, export, sanctions and dual-use controls;
appoint and instruct brokers, forwarders and agents on clear, lawful terms;
maintain internal controls to ensure declarations made on their behalf are accurate;
respond to customs queries, audits and post-clearance checks promptly; and
maintain records for the period required by applicable law.

15.8 Carriers

Carriers transport goods by road, rail, sea, air or inland waterway. Members in this category must:

hold and maintain the operating licences, permits and authorisations required for the modes and geographies they serve;
comply with applicable transport, safety, hours-of-service and environmental regulations;
ensure vehicles, vessels and equipment are operated and maintained to the required standards;
maintain accurate consignment and movement documentation;
cooperate with customs and border authorities, including for manifests and pre-arrival data; and
implement reasonable measures to prevent the carriage of prohibited, smuggled or mis-described goods.

15.9 Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Providers

3PL providers combine transport, warehousing, customs and related services for clients. Members in this category must:

clearly define and document the services included in any 3PL arrangement;
maintain the authorisations required for each component service (transport, warehousing, customs);
operate integrated systems that give clients reasonable visibility of goods and status;
select and manage sub-contractors with due diligence and clear contractual terms;
maintain insurance appropriate to the combined service offering; and
ensure that responsibility for declaration accuracy and regulatory compliance is clearly allocated between the 3PL provider and the client.

15.10 Multi-Service Providers

Members offering several of the above services are classified as Multi-service and must meet the standards of each applicable category concurrently. In addition, multi-service members must:

clearly identify the services they offer and the categories to which they belong;
ensure that controls and personnel are appropriate to each service offered;
avoid and manage conflicts of interest between the different services they provide; and
ensure that clients understand which entity is responsible for each component of the service.

16. Verification, Monitoring and Audit

TCSA maintains the integrity of membership through verification and monitoring. In particular:

TCSA may review membership applications, compliance declarations, operational evidence and accreditation submissions;
TCSA may conduct verification and accreditation assessments before, during and after membership;
TCSA may carry out periodic audits or reviews of a member's operations and records;
TCSA may investigate complaints, concerns and reports of non-compliance;
members must provide TCSA with reasonable access to premises, personnel, systems and records on reasonable notice; and
membership and accreditation status may be reviewed where concerns arise, and may be suspended, withdrawn or terminated in accordance with Section 18.

Verification and accreditation are independent assessments. They are not a guarantee of a member's performance, a regulator's approval, or a warranty of any kind to any third party.

17. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

TCSA expects members to resolve complaints fairly and promptly. In particular:

members must maintain a documented, accessible process for receiving and handling Client complaints;
complaints must be acknowledged promptly and investigated in good faith;
members must cooperate with TCSA in the investigation of any complaint referred to it;
TCSA may mediate or facilitate resolution of disputes between members and Clients where appropriate; and
unresolved or serious matters may be treated as a breach under Section 18.

18. Breach, Suspension and Termination

A breach of these Standards may result in corrective or disciplinary action. TCSA reserves the right to investigate and, where appropriate, to impose any of the following measures:

a request for corrective action within a specified period;
a formal written warning;
additional monitoring or audit conditions;
suspension of membership or accreditation, pending or otherwise;
withdrawal of accreditation status;
removal of the right to use TCSA Marks; and
termination of membership.

In deciding the appropriate measure, TCSA will consider the nature and seriousness of the breach, the member's conduct and history, any harm caused, and the member's responsiveness. TCSA's decisions are made independently and are not subject to a right of appeal to a regulator, save that a member may request that TCSA leadership review a termination decision on procedural grounds within 21 days of notification.

19. Use of TCSA Marks and Claims

Members are granted a limited, non-exclusive, revocable licence to use the TCSA Marks strictly in accordance with these Standards and any branding guidance issued by TCSA. In particular:

members may use only the marks corresponding to their current tier and accreditation status;
members must not misrepresent their tier, category or accreditation status;
members must not use TCSA Marks in a misleading, defamatory or unlawful manner;
members must not imply that TCSA endorses a particular product, transaction or outcome unless expressly agreed in writing;
members must stop using all TCSA Marks immediately on termination or expiry of membership or accreditation; and
false, misleading or unauthorised use of TCSA Marks may result in disciplinary action and legal proceedings.

20. Fees, Renewal and Cancellation

Membership is subject to the payment of the applicable fee and periodic renewal. In particular:

members must pay all fees due to TCSA by the due date;
membership is renewable on the anniversary of admission or as otherwise notified by TCSA;
non-payment of fees may result in suspension or termination;
a member may cancel its membership by written notice to TCSA, subject to any fees already accrued;
fees are generally non-refundable save where required by law or where TCSA agrees in writing; and
TCSA may amend its fee schedule from time to time with reasonable notice.

21. Records and Reporting

Members must maintain records sufficient to demonstrate compliance with these Standards. In particular:

maintain accurate records of licences, insurance, declarations, transactions and complaints;
retain records for the period required by applicable law and, in any event, for at least the duration of membership plus six years where relevant;
provide records and reports to TCSA on reasonable request; and
notify TCSA of material compliance incidents or regulatory action promptly and in any event within 30 days.

22. Intellectual Property

Members retain ownership of their own intellectual property. TCSA retains all rights in the TCSA Marks, these Standards and all TCSA materials. In particular:

members must not use, copy or adapt TCSA intellectual property other than as permitted under these Standards;
members grant TCSA a limited licence to use their name and logo for the purpose of listing, recognising and promoting their membership; and
members must not register or use any name, mark or domain that conflicts with TCSA's rights.

23. Confidentiality of TCSA Information

Members must keep confidential all non-public information they receive from or through TCSA, including standards drafts, verification materials, assessment results and proprietary guidance. This obligation survives the end of membership. A member may disclose such information only where required by law, with TCSA's prior written consent, or where the information is already lawfully in the public domain.

24. Liability and Indemnity

TCSA provides membership, verification and related services on a standards-setting basis. To the maximum extent permitted by law:

TCSA is not liable for the acts or omissions of its members;
membership and accreditation are not guarantees of performance, legality or fitness for purpose;
TCSA's aggregate liability to a member in connection with these Standards is limited to the fees paid by that member in the relevant membership year; and
members indemnify TCSA against claims by third parties arising from the member's acts, omissions or breach of these Standards.

25. Amendments to These Standards

TCSA may amend these Standards from time to time. Material amendments will be published and, where appropriate, notified to members. A member's continued membership after an amendment takes effect constitutes acceptance of the amended Standards. Where an amendment is unacceptable to a member, the member may cancel its membership in accordance with Section 20.

26. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Standards and any non-contractual obligations arising from them are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Standards is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales, save that TCSA may take proceedings to protect its rights in any jurisdiction in which a member operates or has assets.

27. Member Declaration

By obtaining or maintaining TCSA membership, the member acknowledges that it has read, understood and accepts these Standards and agrees to operate in a manner consistent with them and with TCSA's principles. The member accepts that failure to meet these Standards may affect its membership and accreditation status, including through suspension, withdrawal or termination.

28. Approval and Review

This Member Standards & Professional Conduct Statement has been formally approved by TCSA leadership and forms part of the organisation's governance framework. It is reviewed at least annually. The effective date and version are shown above.

Member Declaration

By obtaining or maintaining TCSA membership, the member acknowledges its responsibility to uphold these Standards and to operate in a manner consistent with TCSA's principles. Failure to do so may affect membership and accreditation status, including through suspension, withdrawal or termination.

Approval and Review

This Member Standards & Professional Conduct Statement has been formally approved by TCSA leadership and forms part of the organisation's governance framework. It is reviewed at least annually.

Approved by: TCSA Leadership

Trade & Customs Standards Association (TCSA)

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