Current News

Extension of the UCC transitional period

This week was an important week for the implementation of the UCC. The European Court of Auditors published a report and recommendations concerning delays in the customs IT systems and several meetings were held in the European Parliament on the same topic. The IMCO Committee organised a workshop on 9 October during which CLECAT presented its views.

Port of Southampton container operations update

Further to recent communications about very high stack levels at Southampton, DP World advise that the situation has improved. There is no congestion and truck turnaround times are back to their expected operational levels.

New EU legislation relating to wood packaging material assocated with certain goods from China and Belarus

The Forestry Commission notice of new wood packaging material controls which commenced on 1st October relating to imports of various commodity codes from China and Belarus.

Liner balance postponed

A gloomier world economic outlook and rising trade tensions have forced Drewry to downgrade its forecast for container demand over the next five years, according to the global shipping consultancy’s latest edition of the Container Forecaster.

UK freight forwarders association expresses surprise at the recent news on the UK Government's plans for Customs

The trade association for UK freight forwarders has expressed its surprise at the recent report in the Times newspaper that the UK Government is planning to invest £8 million in customs training and automation to support the extra demand for customs brokerage services in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal in March 2019.

Boiler room scam in the name of HMRC

A Solicitor, who is also BIFA Associate Members, has contacted BIFA to warn about a boiler room scam targeting freight forwarders by fraudsters claiming to be from HMRC.

Drewry survey: IMO 2020 low-sulphur rule exposes widespread concern about lack of fuel cost transparency

London, UK, 2 October 2018 – There is considerable unease among global shippers/BCOs (Beneficial Cargo Owners) and freight forwarders ahead of the IMO’s 2020 global emissions regulations, due to come into force on 1 January 2020, according to a survey conducted by global shipping consultancy Drewry.

UK forwarder triumphs on international stage

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is delighted to report that the winner of its 2017 Young Freight Forwarder Award has now been named Young International Freight Forwarder of the year by FIATA, the international federation for freight forwarder associations.

Young Freight Forwarder Award finalists spend a day at Virgin Atlantic

Three of the UK’s most talented young freight forwarders have been treated to a Familiarisation Day at Virgin Atlantic in recognition of their success in the latest British International Freight Association’s (BIFA) ‘Young Freight Forwarder of the Year’ award, which has been sponsored by Virgin Atlantic Cargo since 2011.

Freight Volumes Continue to Trend Upward in August, Up 2.3%

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing that demand, measured in freight tonne kilometers (FTKs), rose 2.3% in August 2018, compared to the same period the year before. This pace of growth was unchanged from the previous month but was less than half the five-year average growth rate of 5.1%.