UK forwarders urged to implement updated contractual framework by 1 January or face exposure to claims in volatile trade environment.
UK freight forwarder association BIFA has warned its members that there are just two weeks to go until updated Standard Trading Conditions (STC) come into force.
The updated 2025 edition replaces the 2021 version in light of the increased volume of customs-related activities and will be implemented from 1 January.
The new STC aims to address heightened commercial risks faced by freight forwarders in a more volatile global trade environment, BIFA said.
Steve Parker, director general of BIFA, said: "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.
“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.
“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.”
According to the forwarder association, a key objective of the review was to ensure the STC continues to provide a fair and balanced contractual framework between its members and their customers.
The revised text was assessed against the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 to ensure it remains legally robust.
The new edition also includes modernised language intended to improve clarity and reduce the potential for contractual disputes.
The association added that the changes are designed to reflect evolving legal and operational practices within the freight forwarding sector.
