The International Border Management and Technologies Association (IBMATA) is a not for profit international non-governmental organisation (NGO) committed to the safe and secure movement of people and goods across international borders.

The challenges facing border agencies across the globe – whether run by immigration, customs, police, or a combination of these – have never been greater.

In a world of globalisation, the volume of people and goods crossing borders continues to rise year on year. Managing these volumes whilst meeting public expectations of facilitation and security is becoming ever more complex.

The demands of both the international freight and travel industries for modern and innovative approaches to border control are increasing annually. Border agencies are relying increasingly upon technology – whether visible, in the form of automated border controls, or invisible such as data analytics and risk assessment – to manage these pressures.

At the same time threats posed by international organised crime, terrorism, smuggling, trafficking, and irregular migration must be met.

Border agencies cannot solve these pressures alone.

More than ever, they need help not just from other government departments and agencies, but also from other international partners and stakeholders.

Our Chair

IBMATA is chaired by leading border management expert Tony Smith CBE, a former head of the UK Border Force.

During his 40-year career, Tony served as Gold Commander for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic programme, which saw three million athletes, coaches, spectators and officials processed at the UK border for the competition on top of business as usual.

He also served as Regional Director for London and the South East in the UK Border agency,  Head of Border Control in the UK Immigration Service  and Head of Ports and Border Management in Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Tony was awarded the CBE in 2013 for services to the safety and security of London 2012. After retiring from public service, he became Managing Director of Fortinus Global Ltd.

IBMATA | Committed to the safe and secure movement of people and goods across international borders

How can we help?

Our mission is to bring together experts, practitioners, academics, policy makers and technology providers to develop and promote best practice in the application of modern border management principles; and the intelligent use of new and emerging technology.

This will be achieved by:

  • Building a platform for communication and collaboration between government and border agencies, intergovernmental organisations, non-government organisations, international transportation agencies, ports, airports and technology suppliers;
  • Developing and managing a series of international events and workshops for members and partners;
  • Building a library of relevant materials relating to the principles of modern day border management and latest advances in technology; and
  • Working with our members and partners to identify models of best practice.

Who can join?

Membership is open to members of the following groups or organisations:

  • All government departments and agencies charged with the responsibility of managing the international movement of people, goods and materials across national borders; including pre-entry, on-entry and after entry applications;
  • Intergovernmental organisations with a vested interest in the management of people and goods across international borders;
  • Non-governmental organisations with a vested interest in the management of people and goods across international borders;
  • Transportation companies (including airlines, shipping companies, rail operators, freight forwarders) with a legitimate interest in supporting our aim;
  • Port, airport, and other management entities with a legitimate interest in supporting our aim; and
  • Those technology suppliers, business integrators and other private sector entities who support the safe and secure movement of people and goods across international borders whilst facilitating flow, in accordance with the aims of the organisation.

Our values

The International Border Management and Technologies Association will not discriminate on grounds of race, gender, colour, ethnic or national origin, sexuality, disability, religious or political belief, marital status, or age.

We will treat all our members with respect in a spirit of co-operation, collaboration and support for our mission – to make the world a safer place for international trade and tourism.