With the updated standard trading conditions (STC) set to come into force on January 1, 2026, the British International Freight Association (BIFA) is pressing its members to ensure they are fully prepared to implement the measures.
Revealed in September, the revised STC replace the previous version, which was last updated in 2021. Critical changes in the UK’s trading environment – such as a marked increase in Customs-related activities – paired with ever-present turbulence in global trade, have shaped the updated STC. BIFA fears that these factors are increasing the risk level that its members face in day-to-day business.
“The importance of BIFA members ensuring that their incorporation of the BIFA STC into their contracts with their customers is effective cannot be stressed enough,” said Steve Parker, director general of BIFA. “Failing to implement an effective incorporation process will leave BIFA members unprotected against potential claims.
“Effective incorporation means advising clients and liability insurers of the changes, training staff on the updated clauses, and considering any procedural changes required within their operations,” Parker added. “There is a huge amount of information about the new STC and how to incorporate them on the BIFA website, and I urge members to visit that section.”
HLPFI reported last month that Robert Keen had officially retired from BIFA after 26 years of service.
