It is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, and administers all aspects of canoe sport worldwide.

[1] In light of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the ICF suspended athletes from Russia and Belarus from competing at any International Canoe Federation events, and suspended all officials from Russia and Belarus from officiating at any event sanctioned by ICF, and from attending or taking part in any ICF meetings, committees, and forums.

The RCF's statement included claims that the war was actually started by Ukraine and that "Russia defends peace".

[3] In May 2023, the International Canoe Federation reinstated Russian and Belarusian athletes, shortly after a Russian missile attack forced cancellation of a canoe event in Ukraine.

These associations are responsible for organizing continental championships, providing support for their member federations and communicating their interests at the ICF Board meetings.