Our beginnings

The express industry first emerged during the 1970s. Since then, operations have developed from the delivery of documents and parcels to specialist items such as high-tech products, semiconductors and general air-freight commodities. Typically, the types of goods transported by express services are high-value items such as electronic components, automotive spares, product samples and pharmaceutical products.

With e-commerce becoming a major driver for the UK economy, the express industry will play an increasingly important role in the supply chain ensuring business efficiency and consumer satisfaction.

Aims and objectives

The mission of the Association is to represent and inform its Members on matters related to the business of providing international express services; to improve and maintain professional standards within the industry; and to provide for the benefit of Members a representative forum for external discussions particularly with Government departments and agencies.

International Trade and Customs including Northern Ireland

​Express carriers organise the collection of shipments, usually at the end of the business day, allow the sender to track progress of shipments from pick-up to delivery and provide proof of delivery.

Where shipments cross international borders, the express industry handles customs clearance as well as the payment of duties and taxes as required. From 1 January 2021, the Northern Ireland Protocol will mean that there are customs processes between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and AICES members can assist traders to deal with these new obligations.

Members ensure the efficient trade of goods around the world by handling for customers developments in the regulatory framework to facilitate the growth of international trade. We work closely with the authorities on making procedures as smooth as possible, while complying fully with the law. We regularly meet with Customs officials at a policy and operational level to discuss issues of mutual interest. AICES is a member of the Joint Customs Consultative Committee (JCCC). The JCCC is the main forum for the HMRC to consult industry on imports and exports. We are also party to a number of JCCC working groups for subject matters that are important to members operations, including EU Transition and the Northern Ireland Protocol and Review of Guidance

The UK leaving the EU has changed the way members operate from 1 January 2021. We are engaged in discussions with Government departments involved in Brexit with the end of transition, in particular HMRC, the Treasury, the Home Office, the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), and the Department for Transport.

Transport & Environment

​AICES members are fully supportive of measures to improve the environment and actively promote their own initiatives, such as the introduction of quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft engines and environmentally friendly vehicles.

Joining AICES

If you would like to learn more about becoming an AICES member please email info@aices.org