The purpose of the Council is to provide continuity and direction for the International Congresses of Entomology, and to serve as the Entomology Section of the International Union of Biological Sciences (IUBS). It may also encourage the holding of smaller inter-Congress meetings. For further details about the Council and how it functions, see its Constitution (in PDF format)

 The Council consists of not more than twenty-three (23) members, who shall represent as wide a field as possible both geographically and by entomological discipline. Membership of the Council shall be limited to distinguished entomologists who are interested in the welfare and future of the International Congresses of Entomology. Members are elected for one term of 8 years. Members can be re-elected for a second term but are not permitted to serve more than two consecutive terms.

 Council is able to appoint Honorary members as prescribed in the Constitution. Honorary Members are appointed from among entomologists who have made outstanding contributions to entomological knowledge, who have influenced entomology substantially both within and outside their own countries or regions, and who have made important contributions to the International Congresses of Entomology.