BIFA’s 2025 Standard Trading Conditions: A Strategic Update for UK Freight Forwarding

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has unveiled its 2025 edition of the Standard Trading Conditions (STC), replacing the 2021 version under which Metro and the wider UK forwarding industry currently operate. 

The 2025 revision represents one of the most comprehensive updates in recent years.
BIFA has sought to future-proof the framework against a more volatile trading environment, incorporating lessons learned since Brexit and adapting to the increasing frequency of customs-related responsibilities handled by forwarders.

The new STC also strengthens legal robustness, ensuring compliance with the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977, and updates terminology to align with modern commercial practice and current UK contract law.

Key Changes in the 2025 STC

• Updated liability framework – Clarified definitions of loss, damage, delay, and consequential loss, with adjustments to how liability limits apply to multimodal transport and ancillary services.
• Enhanced customs provisions – Expanded clauses covering declarations, indirect representation, and data accuracy, reflecting the critical role forwarders play in UK border compliance.
• Digital documentation and e-commerce – Introduction of language recognising electronic records, digital communication, and automation tools as valid and binding forms of documentation.
• Improved clarity on lien and payment rights – Modernised wording on forwarders’ entitlement to retain goods or documentation until payment is received, ensuring consistency with case law.
• Force majeure and sanctions – Strengthened references to trade sanctions, embargoes, and extraordinary disruptions such as pandemics or cyber incidents.
• Modernised terminology – Simplified and standardised language throughout to reduce ambiguity and prevent misinterpretation in contractual disputes.

Collectively, these revisions make the 2025 STC more aligned with the realities of today’s international trade, providing forwarders and their clients with a transparent and fair contractual framework.

What Shippers Should Do

• Familiarise themselves with the new conditions and note how these may affect contractual responsibilities, especially regarding customs declarations and documentation accuracy.
• Review existing contracts to ensure consistency with the updated terms ahead of implementation.
• Engage with account managers for clarification on any specific service implications under the new framework.

Transition and Implementation

The 2025 Standard Trading Conditions take effect on 31 December 2025, replacing the 2021 edition.

BIFA has published the revised terms well in advance to give members and their customers time to prepare, review contractual documentation, and ensure a seamless transition.

The full text for the 2025 edition can be found here, and the 2021 edition here.

The 2025 BIFA Standard Trading Conditions introduce important legal and operational changes that affect all freight forwarding contracts. EMAIL Laurence Burford, Chief Financial Officer, to discuss the details, potential implications, and how Metro can help ensure your trading agreements remain fully compliant and commercially protected.