We wish to advise customers of the publication of the British International Freight Association (BIFA) Standard Trading Conditions (STC) – 2025 edition, which will replace the 2021 version previously in use across the UK freight forwarding industry.
The 2025 edition represents one of the most substantial revisions to the BIFA STC in recent years. The updated terms have been developed to reflect changes in the commercial and regulatory environment, particularly following the UK’s exit from the EU, as well as the increased involvement of freight forwarders in customs and border compliance activities.
The revised conditions have also been updated to enhance legal clarity and robustness, ensuring alignment with current UK contract law and compliance with the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977. Terminology has been modernised throughout to reflect contemporary trading practices and reduce the risk of contractual ambiguity.
Key Areas of Change
The principal updates introduced in the 2025 Standard Trading Conditions include:
- Modernised language: Simplified and standardised terminology has been adopted throughout the document to improve consistency and interpretation.
- Liability provisions: Greater clarity has been introduced around the definitions of loss, damage, delay, and consequential loss, together with refinements to liability limits applicable to multimodal transport and ancillary services.
- Customs and border compliance: Expanded clauses address customs declarations, representation, and the accuracy of data supplied, reflecting the critical role freight forwarders play in UK border processes.
- Digital documentation and communication: The updated terms formally recognise electronic records, digital communications, and automated systems as valid and legally binding.
- Lien and payment rights: The wording relating to a forwarder’s right to retain goods or documentation pending payment has been modernised and aligned with established case law.
- Force majeure and sanctions: Enhanced provisions address trade sanctions, embargoes, and exceptional events, including pandemics, cyber incidents, and other major operational disruptions.
Collectively, these changes ensure that the 2025 STC better reflect the realities of today’s international trading environment, providing a transparent and balanced contractual framework for both forwarders and their customers.
Implementation Date
The BIFA 2025 Standard Trading Conditions have taken effect from 1st January 2026, at which point they fully replace the previous 2021 edition.
Copies of both the new 2025 and previous 2021 editions of the BIFA Standard Trading Conditions are available for reference on our website by clicking below:
Customers are encouraged to:
- Familiarise themselves with the revised conditions, particularly where responsibilities relating to customs information and documentation accuracy may be affected.
- Review existing contractual arrangements to ensure alignment with the updated terms.
- Contact their local XPand representative should they require clarification on how the new conditions may apply to specific services.
Should you wish to discuss the changes, their potential implications, or how XPand can support compliance and protect your commercial arrangements, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
