UK Freight Association Holds to Hold Conference on Major Customs Changes

UK – The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is to hold a one day conference in London to discuss the impending changes in customs legislation emerging from the introduction of the Union Customs Code (UCC) in May 2016, together with an assessment of the current situation concerning the EU’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme. The event will see BIFA members, HMRC and other appropriate stakeholders gather to frankly discuss what BIFA calls two of the most pressing issues facing its members and international trade in general.

A second session on the same day will then address the issues surrounding new IMO regulations requiring verification of a container’s gross mass, which will become mandatory from July 1st, 2016, and which we have highlighted previously and is something which many shipping associated businesses and even national authorities are now making preparations for as it will mean a significant change to global container operations. Robert Keen, BIFA Director General said:

“Many of our members have expressed their uncertainty on how to properly implement the new procedures and regulations, and how changes to European Customs procedures and container weight verification, may affect their business activities.

“BIFA is already delivering regional briefings on the expected outcomes of the UCC, but in November our members, and others in the international supply chain will have the opportunity to hear from HMRC and BIFA on the changes planned and be brought up-to-date on the new procedures that become law in May and July next year.

"With participation and discussions from freight forwarders, shippers, regulators, insurance and legal specialists, this should be a truly cross-party occasion, which is only right as these are major legislative developments that will affect many players in international trade."

The BIFA conference will take place on November 26, 2015 at 1 Great George Street, London between 09:30 and 15:30 and full details can be seen here.