Frequently Asked Questions

What is the protocol for responding to e-mail questions posed by the ICPA members?

The preferred method is to reply directly back to the email address posing the question.

What is the difference between a “Regular Individual” and “Associate” (Business) membership?

ICPA was created to serve the needs of the Individual Compliance Professional. Generally, a “Regular Individual” membership is for someone working an importer or exporter. Conversely, the “Associate” (Business) membership is for companies providing services to importers and exporters such as brokers attorneys, consultants, carriers, freight forwarders, etc. Anyone working for a service provider is not eligible for a “Regular Individual” membership.

If companies can join as Business members, isn’t there a chance that ICPA will become run by corporations and not individuals?

The ICPA founders went to great lengths to prevent this from taking place.  Under our bylaws, ICPA Board positions require that Individual members comprise the majority of the Board. Also, only ICPA individual members may serve as ICPA officers.

May non-U.S. based individual compliance professionals and non-U.S. based companies join ICPA?

Yes.  ICPA reserves the right to approve all membership applications under the bylaws, we encourage compliance professionals and businesses worldwide to join ICPA.

Why can’t Associate Members vote on ICPA matters?

As indicated above, ICPA was created to serve the needs of individual compliance professionals. ICPA welcomes and encourages service providers to join ICPA as Associate Members, but in view of ICPA’s primary constituency, Associate Members may not vote on ICPA matters.

Does ICPA have annual meetings?

Absolutely. Annual meetings are held during our annual Spring conferences. Agendas for upcoming Annual Conferences are available on the website.