With just two weeks remaining before the updated Standard Trading Conditions come into force, the British International Freight Association  is urging its members to ensure they are fully prepared to implement them from 1 January 2026.

The revised STC, unveiled in September, replace the previous version last updated in 2021. They have been developed in response to significant changes in the UK’s trading environment, including a marked increase in customs-related activities.

In addition, ongoing turbulence in global trade has heightened the level of risk faced by BIFA’s corporate members in the conduct of their business.

Steve Parker, director general of BIFA, emphasised the importance of effective implementation.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

BIFA continues to encourage all members to review the updated Standard Trading Conditions and take the necessary steps to ensure they are fully embedded within their contractual and operational processes ahead of the January deadline.