Policy & Compliance
national enforcement agencies, and gathering and sharing intelligence on suspected counterfeiting activities, will also help to mitigate the risk of being engaged in the fake goods trade. Conclusion Counterfeiting is one of the world’s most lucrative and insidious forms of transnational crime, closely linked to modern slavery, human trafficking and the illicit trade of weapons and drugs. Transport and logistics professionals need to take great care not to become involved in handling, storing or transporting counterfeited goods as this could expose them to intellectual property actions, product liability claims and abandonment costs – potentially leading to uninsured fines and imprisonment. Vigilance, due diligence, trusted supplier networks and collaboration are all steps that can be taken to reduce the risk, together with appropriate transport liability insurance cover. BIFA would like to thank the TT Club and Phil Lewis, director general, The Anti-Counterfeiting Group, for allowing the reproduction of this article.
“ Requests for switch bills of lading should always be seen by carriers as a possible ‘red flag’ for someone wishing to transport fake goods
have opened in recent years, also need careful monitoring. Vigilance and due diligence are vital to avoid handling, storing and transporting fake goods. It comes back to the old adage ‘Know your customer’. TT Club published a StopLoss guide on due diligence practices in 2024. It focuses on the processes that can be considered by all supply chain stakeholders to evaluate and manage counter- party relationships in ways that
protect their business interests and mitigate the associated risk exposures. Equally important is to develop a trusted supplier network and audit suppliers as part of all contractual arrangements to ensure supply chain security. The introduction of ‘Know your customer’ or ‘Know your supplier’ schemes can help with cargo fraud prevention and encourage customers and suppliers to observe stricter standards. Collaboration with local and
BIFA Standard Trading Conditions (STC) Review
Following a comprehensive review, a revised set of BIFA Standard Trading Conditions (STC) will come into effect from 1 January 2026 BIFA Members are invited to join a webinar to learn about the reasons for the review and what the changes mean. The review was led by BIFA’s Legal and Insurance Policy Group in consultation with solicitors, insurers and the wider BIFA membership. The review resulted in the biggest re-write of the BIFA STC since they were originally published in 1988. In this webinar, Robert Windsor will present the 2025 conditions to Members, pointing out the most significant changes to the wording of clauses and the potential impacts on Members’ business. The new conditions will be the only valid BIFA STC after 31 December 2025. Members will be reminded that the STC must be properly incorporated into all customer contracts in order that the member benefits from the protections
Webinars will take place on: Tuesday 14 October 11:00-12:30 Thursday 23 October 15:00-16:30 Register your attendance now.
offered and that the new terms must be brought to the attention of all existing customers. Insurers and any overseas agents must also be advised of the switch to the new set of conditions.
October 2025 | 15
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