A Guide to Telex Release

'Telex Release' is a historic term that remains in use today. The term originates from when bill of lading releases were sent using a teleprinter machine on a network called Telex. Although the 'telex' fell out of use in the 1980s and was superseded firstly by fax and then by email the term is still used to release a bill of lading in lieu of an original copy.

A Guide to Exercising a Lien using the BIFA Standard Trading Conditions

Due to the necessity to be precise when dealing with a lien, this document has been prepared with formal legal language and terminology.

A Guide to Setting up as a Freight Forwarder

A freight forwarder provides a service to people and companies wishing to send goods from one country to another. The goods that are shipped can vary from a small parcel up to huge items. The mode of transport can be road, rail, sea or air.

Guidance on the difference between a declarant's liabilities under customs and excise law

A Guide on the Appointment and Responsibilities of a Customs Agent

BIFA is issuing the following guidance to assist Members in understanding their legal responsibilities and liabilities as a Customs agent.

A Guide to the use of BIFA Standard Trading Conditions 2021

Incorporation and key aspects.

An Introduction to Shipping Medicines and Vaccines

With the development of COVID-19 vaccines globally, it is imperative that the distribution of the same is managed efficiently and within already established guidelines.

A Guide to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code

Courtesy of the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA). This is not a substitute for the IMDG Code, but a useful reference document.

A Guide to the CTU Code

The improvement of safety and security throughout the logistics supply chain is a subject many national and global organisations embrace. BIFA has in the past promoted the United Nations sponsored Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (the CTU Code), and we urge BIFA Members to read, disseminate to all staff and implement the guidance in the CTU Code.

A Guide to Minimising Supplier Risk

BIFA has written three Good Practice Guides aiming to reduce the risk Members face relative to opening up credit accounts and undertaking new business, risk assessing individual consignments and cargo release against documents. However, from reviewing Member comments it has become clear that one of the biggest risks posed to them actually stems from their own suppliers. The two main inter-relating complaints concerned provider service failures and regulatory non-compliance.