The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has released a revised edition of its Standard Trading Conditions (STC), designed to reflect the realities of modern freight forwarding.
The update comes at a time of global trade volatility, evolving supply chains, and increased legal and insurance scrutiny. The new conditions aim to bring greater clarity, modernised language, and stronger protection for both forwarders and their customers.
BIFA’s Standard Trading Conditions outline the key responsibilities, liabilities, and legal rights between service providers and their customers. Adopted by around 1,500 UK freight forwarders, including Beckchoice, these conditions form the cornerstone of contractual practice across the industry.
“Over time, in the same ways laws must change, so do contractual rights and obligations that flow from these changes. Therefore, it is essential to review any set of industry terms against changes in legislation and industry practice,” said Steve Parker, Director General of BIFA.
“The review proved a rather bigger project than expected and has led to a significant revision and expansion of the STC, which has now been completed.”
Although the revisions may seem procedural, they carry important implications for liability, insurance, and dispute resolution. Forwarders continuing to operate under outdated conditions could face increased legal exposure or gaps in insurance protection.
Updating to the 2025 BIFA Standard Trading Conditions ensures that forwarders remain aligned with best practice, maintain full compliance, and operate under terms that reflect today’s complex logistics landscape.
Accurate as of October 2025. For full details, the updated Standard Trading Conditions can be downloaded directly from the BIFA website.