BIFA to Update Standard Trading Conditions
The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is in the process of revising its Standard Trading Conditions (STC), with the updated version expected to be officially released later this year. This update comes as part of BIFA’s ongoing commitment to keep industry standards aligned with current legal requirements and operational realities.
Why is BIFA Updating the STC?
The existing STC, last updated in 2021, contains language and clauses that are now considered outdated, particularly following the UK’s exit from the European Union. The revised conditions aim to:
- Clarify customs responsibilities: The update will provide clearer guidance on customs-related liabilities, which is increasingly important as post-Brexit regulations continue to evolve.
- Simplify language: The new STC will use modern, straightforward language to improve transparency and make the terms easier for all parties to understand.
- Strengthen legal compliance: The revisions will ensure that the terms comply with current laws, including The Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977, offering balanced protection for freight forwarders and their clients alike.
Timeline and Transition
BIFA is currently finalizing the revisions with input from industry members, legal experts, and insurance professionals. Once the new STC is officially published, there will be a six-month transition period during which freight forwarders and their clients can adapt contracts and operational procedures to the updated terms.
What This Means for You
As a client, you can expect:
- Improved clarity on who is responsible for various customs-related activities during shipment.
- More understandable contract language, reducing ambiguity and potential disputes.
- Continued protection under legally compliant terms designed to reflect today’s freight forwarding environment.
We will monitor BIFA’s progress closely and keep you informed as the revised STC becomes available. Our team will also provide support to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption to your logistics operations.
If you have any questions email us at info@ukffcl.com