With just weeks remaining before new Standard Trading Conditions (STC) take effect, freight forwarders across the UK are being reminded of the importance of ensuring their contractual frameworks are fully aligned with the latest industry standards.
The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has issued a renewed call to action for its members ahead of the 1 January 2026 implementation date, warning that failure to properly incorporate the updated STC could leave businesses exposed to significant commercial and legal risk.
Responding to a changing trading environment
The revised STC, first unveiled in September, replace the previous version last updated in 2021. They have been developed to reflect substantial changes in the UK’s trading landscape, most notably a sharp rise in customs-related activities following regulatory shifts and evolving border requirements.
At the same time, ongoing volatility in global trade – driven by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruption and fluctuating market conditions – has increased the level of risk faced by freight forwarders in the day-to-day conduct of their operations. Against this backdrop, BIFA says the updated STC are designed to provide clearer protections and greater contractual certainty for its corporate members.
Incorporation is critical
BIFA director general Steve Parker has stressed that simply being aware of the new conditions is not enough. What matters is how effectively they are incorporated into contracts with customers.
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,
According to BIFA, ineffective incorporation could leave freight forwarders unprotected against potential claims, undermining one of the core purposes of the STC. This is particularly relevant as freight forwarders take on more complex roles across customs clearance, compliance and multimodal transport coordination.
More than a contractual update
Effective implementation of the new STC goes beyond updating terms and conditions on paper. BIFA is advising members to take a holistic approach that includes:
- Advising clients of the updated conditions and ensuring they are clearly referenced in all relevant contracts and communications
- Informing liability insurers of the changes, so cover accurately reflects the revised risk profile
- Training staff on the updated clauses, particularly those involved in sales, customer service and operations
- Reviewing internal procedures to ensure operational practices are aligned with the new contractual framework
Parker emphasised that preparation now will help avoid disputes later, particularly as customers increasingly scrutinise contractual terms in a challenging economic environment.
Support available for members
To support freight forwarders through the transition, BIFA has made extensive guidance available to its members, including detailed explanations of the revised clauses and practical advice on incorporation best practice.
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,
Countdown to January 2026
As the January deadline approaches, BIFA continues to encourage all members to review the updated Standard Trading Conditions and ensure they are fully embedded within both contractual documentation and operational processes.
For freight forwarders operating in an increasingly complex and risk-laden trading environment, the message is clear: proactive preparation now is essential to safeguard the business in 2026 and beyond.
