The highest IHF body is the IHF Congress, an assembly where representatives from each IHF Member Federation come together. Each federation has one vote, regardless of its size or handballing strength. 

The first IHF Ordinary Congress took place in 1946 in Copenhagen, Denmark, and then was held every two years (even years) before changing in 2007 in Madrid, Spain, at the XXXI IHF Congress, to every two years (odd years) after each IHF Men’s World Championship.

Extraordinary Congresses are convened by the IHF Council upon the written request of a simple majority of Member Federations or Council members.