Steve Parker’s Column
The more things change, the more they stay the same The Middle East con fl ict and the STC H aving reviewed the topics covered in my DG columns this year, it is clear that many are recurring. This edition is no different and many of the same issues persist. It is important that both BIFA and our Members keep them in mind. The Middle East conflict continues and the stories we hear at BIFA of ocean containers ending up in some unexpected parts of the world are ongoing. Whilst we cannot influence the events, we can remind Members of how the BIFA Standard Trading Conditions can help. However, to have the most benefit they must be used correctly and incorporating them into contracts with your customer is crucial. I would recommend you revisit some of the previous episodes of BIFA TV that have covered the STC, or re-read the many articles written in past issues of BIFAlink . Fighting freight fraud On the subject of freight fraud, it would be nice to offer some good news, but on this topic, it appears that this is rarely the case. Enquiries about this are constant and we hear many tales of how some BIFA Members get caught out by a criminal act that leaves them out of pocket. Again, there have been several episodes of BIFA TV and articles in BIFAlink on this. However, one recent email to Members and an episode of BIFA TV have produced some good news. Both featured advice about trademark scams and some Members have advised that they managed to avoid this fraudulent activity as a result of the advice we gave. Working with the Westminster Africa Business Association You may have seen the BIFA TV feature a couple of weeks ago filmed at an event we were privileged to attend at the Ethiopian embassy. We were able to highlight the work we are doing with freight forwarders, but also took the opportunity to promote our industry to the businesses that attended. Training is crucial I have written about the importance of training and education so many times, but there is always something new to learn. The latest modules released on the BIFA Bitesize training platform cover Dangerous Goods Awareness and Export Licensing, and I would encourage all Members to take full advantage of these and the many other modules that are all available as part of your membership fee. Take the road to Warwick I will close this column with a little promotion for BIFA’s next National Conference, which will take place at Warwick University on 23 and 24 September. Delegate spaces are filling up nicely, but there are still spaces available and I would encourage you to come and join us. The conference programme is full of very topical issues. More details can be seen in full at the following link https://conference.bifa.org/
BIFAlink is the official magazine of the British International Freight Association Redfern House, Browells Lane, Feltham TW13 7EP Tel: 020 8844 2266 (A company limited by guarantee. Registered in England: 00391973. VAT Registration: 216476363) Director General Steve Parker s.parker@bifa.org Member Policy, Compliance & External Affairs Director Pawel Jarza p.jarza@bifa.org Member Support Director Spencer Stevenson s.stevenson@bifa.org Member Services Director Carl Hobbis c.hobbis@bifa.org Member Engagement Director Denise Hill d.hill@bifa.org Events & Communications Director Dawn White d.white@bifa.org Senior Policy Advisor – Ocean & Legal matters Robert Windsor r.windsor@bifa.org Policy & Compliance Advisor – Customs Igor Popovics i.popovics@bifa.org Policy & Compliance Advisor – Sustainable Logistics Jamie McKean j.mckean@bifa.org Communications Manager Natalie Pitts n.pitts@bifa.org Editorial Co-ordinator Sharon Hammond s.hammond@bifa.org PR Manager Web site: www.bifa.org E-mail: bifa@bifa.org Amanda Francis a.francis@bifa.org Membership Supervisor Sarah Milton s.milton@bifa.org Published by Park Lane Publishing peter@parklanepublishingltd.com Contributors Steve Parker, Robert Windsor, Spencer Stevenson, Carl Hobbis, Sharon Hammond, Igor Popovics, Denise Hill, Pawel Jarza, Natalie Pitts, Jamie McKean Note to media: If you wish to use items in this magazine that are older than one month, please contact the editorial co- ordinator to ensure that the item in question still reflects the current circumstances. Please be advised that BIFA DOES NOT OFFER LEGAL ADVICE. BIFA is not a law firm and the authors of this publication are not legally qualified and do not have any legal training. The guidance and assistance set out herein are based on BIFA’s own experience with the issues concerned and should not be in any circumstances regarded or relied upon as legal advice. It is strongly recommended that anyone considering further action based on the information contained in this publication should seek the advice of a qualified professional.
Director General
August 2026 | 3
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