The Duty Free World Council (DFWC) is the international organisation representing the global duty free and travel retail industry.
Established by the world’s regional duty free and travel retail associations, together with Tax Free World Association (TFWA), the DFWC provides a unified voice for an industry that plays a vital role in international travel, tourism, aviation, maritime transport and border economies.
Our purpose is simple: to represent, protect and promote the interests of the global duty free and travel retail sector while helping create an environment in which the industry can continue to grow responsibly and sustainably.
Why We Exist
Duty free and travel retail is an essential part of the global travel ecosystem. It supports airports, airlines, cruise operators, ferry companies and border retailers, while generating employment, investment and significant non-aeronautical revenues that help fund transport infrastructure around the world.
As international travel continues to evolve, the industry faces increasingly complex regulatory, economic and operational challenges. The DFWC exists to ensure these challenges are addressed through informed advocacy, international collaboration and evidence-based policy.
By bringing together regional expertise and speaking with one global voice, we help shape the future of our industry.
Our Mission
To represent, protect and promote the global duty free and travel retail industry through leadership, collaboration, advocacy and education.
What We Do
Represent the Industry
We engage with governments, international organisations, regulators and industry stakeholders to ensure the interests of duty free and travel retail are understood and considered in global policy discussions.
Support Regional Associations
Our members are the regional and brand associations that represent businesses across every major travel market. We work alongside them to coordinate industry positions, share knowledge and strengthen global cooperation.
Develop Industry Policy
The DFWC leads the development of common industry positions on issues affecting the global travel retail sector, ensuring a consistent and coordinated approach to international challenges.
Promote Best Practice
Through research, educational initiatives, professional standards and industry resources, we support continuous improvement and help raise standards across the global industry.
Build Awareness
We champion the economic and social contribution of duty free and travel retail, demonstrating its value to travellers, governments and the wider travel and tourism sector.
Our Priorities
Our work is focused on creating the optimal operating environment for the global duty free and travel retail industry by:
Advocating for proportionate, evidence-based regulation recognising the unique nature of our sale channel.
Promoting responsible retailing and industry best practice.
Encouraging collaboration across the global travel ecosystem.
Providing trusted research, resources and educational programmes.
Strengthening the industry’s collective voice on global issues.
Our Global Network
The Duty Free World Council is governed by the presidents of the world’s leading regional duty free and travel retail associations together with TFWA, ensuring that every major region contributes to the Council’s strategic direction.
This collaborative structure enables the DFWC to combine regional expertise with a global perspective, creating a single, authoritative voice for the industry.
Looking Ahead
The future of duty free and travel retail will be shaped by changing traveller expectations, sustainability, digital transformation, evolving international regulation and geopolitics.
The Duty Free World Council is committed to helping the industry navigate these changes by fostering collaboration, providing thought leadership and advocating for policies that support innovation, resilience and long-term growth.
Together with our members and partners, we are working to build a stronger future for the global duty free and travel retail industry.
The Duty Free World Council comprises the following members:
