The National Committees are the principal instruments of communication between the ICOM Secretariat and its members. Within its country, the National Committee ensures the management of ICOM's interests, represents the interests of its members within ICOM and helps to implement ICOM's programmes. The list of National Committees is published in ICOM News.

All persons or institutions wishing to apply for membership should contact the ICOM National Committee in their country of residence, if such a Committee has been established.