[5] The International Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1919 to serve world business by promoting trade and investment, open markets for goods and services, and the free flow of capital.

[6] ICC's supreme governing body is the World Council, consisting of representatives of national committees.

The World Council elects ICC's highest officers, including the chair and the vice-chairs, each of whom serves a three-year term.

Strategic direction for ICC is provided by its executive board, consisting of up to 30 business leaders and ex-officio members.

Meeting three times a year, the executive board oversees the establishment of ICC's strategic priorities and the implementation of its policies.

In countries where there is no national committee, companies and organizations such as chambers of commerce and professional associations can become direct members.

ICC Dispute Resolution Services exist in many forms: Expedited or 'fast-track' arbitration procedures automatically apply where disputes are worth US$2 million or less, if the arbitration agreement was made after 1 March 2017, unless the parties have specifically opted out of the expedited procedure in their agreement.

Normal procedure requires policy statements first to be adopted by a commission, in consultation with national committees, and then approved by the executive board, before they can be regarded as official and public ICC positions.

This Code sets ethical standards and guidelines for businesses using today's rapidly changing technology, tools and techniques to market products and services.

Developed by experts from all sectors of industry and all regions of the world, the code's purpose is to protect consumers by setting out guidelines for responsible marketing.

WCF is the unique global forum uniting the worldwide network of chambers of commerce and industry.

At its inaugural committee meeting held in Paris in December 1950, WCF was to be first known as the International Information Bureau of Chambers of Commerce.

Staged all over the world, ICC events range from large topical conferences to training sessions for small groups.

The specialized divisions of CCS are:[16] ICC set up BASIS (Business Action to Support the Information Society) in mid-2006 to speak out on a wide range of critical issues, including:[19] The ICC's Rules of Conduct aim to "place an efficient and well-run integrity programme" to deal with corruption, extortion and bribery.

[20] The rules take account of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption signed in Mérida, Mexico on 9 December 2003.

[23] Since 1946, ICC has held top-level consultative status with the United Nations and a close working relationship with its specialized agencies.