Identity-based cargo theft is becoming a growing concern for freight forwarders across Europe, with criminals increasingly using deception and impersonation to gain access to goods. BIFA and CLECAT, the European Association for Forwarding, Transport, Logistics and Customs Services, have been working on guidance designed to help freight forwarders strengthen their due diligence and reduce the risk of becoming victims of identity fraud and cargo theft. Unlike traditional cargo

New EU customs rules for low-value imports came into effect on 1 July 2026, changing how consignments worth up to €150 entering the EU from outside the bloc are treated. The previous customs duty exemption for many low-value goods has been removed. Under the transitional arrangements, a temporary customs duty of €3 per item now applies to qualifying low-value consignments. The measure is expected to remain in place until 1 July 2028, when goods will move to the normal customs

A succession of typhoons along China’s east coast has caused significant disruption at two of the country’s major container gateways, Shanghai and Ningbo-Zhoushan, with delays continuing to affect ocean freight schedules. The disruption began in mid-July, when Typhoon Bavi forced major closures around Shanghai from 11 to 13 July. This created substantial backlogs, with ports and carriers still working to recover when further severe weather arrived in August. Typhoon Bavi forc

China has overhauled its Maritime Code for the first time in over 30 years. The revised Code took effect on 1 May 2026, and it brings real changes for shipowners, charterers and anyone with cargo moving through Chinese ports. Here's a plain-English look at the parts that matter most. Stronger protections for cargo claims Several changes make it easier to protect a claim and recover losses: A claim's limitation period can now be paused by a simple written demand, such as a let

From 1 July 2026, the EU is changing the way it treats low-value parcels arriving from outside the bloc. If you ship into Europe, here's what you need to know. The headline change is the end of a long-standing exemption. Until now, goods sent into the EU in consignments worth €150 or less have been free from customs duty. From July, that exemption disappears and a flat €3 customs duty takes its place. A few practical points: It's charged per item, not per parcel. The duty app

The Chancellor has set out a clear plan to back the technologies shaping the next era of growth, and to speed up how quickly they're adopted across the economy. The goal is ambitious: to make the UK the fastest adopter of AI in the G7. Here are the headline measures: Growth Labs: New cross-economy "sandboxing" powers will let innovations be tested in live markets, with targeted, time-limited regulatory changes and close supervision. In practice, that could mean faster access

The recent conflict in the Middle East has led to widespread airspace closures across the Gulf region. As a result, thousands of passenger and cargo flights have been cancelled or suspended, disrupting key global air freight routes. Major Middle Eastern carriers play a critical role in connecting Asia, Europe and beyond. With services grounded or rerouted, global air cargo capacity has dropped sharply in a short space of time. What this means for shipments The impact is alrea

The 2025 edition of BIFA’s Standard Trading Conditions came into effect on 1 January 2026, replacing the previous version from 2021. As a BIFA member, AWL operates under these updated conditions, which reflect the realities of today’s trading environment. A new framework for a changing market The new edition has been introduced in response to major shifts in the UK’s trading landscape. There’s been a significant increase in customs-related activity, along with ongoing turbule

The UK government has confirmed that from 25 February 2026, enforcement of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will be stepped up. This means visitors to the UK, including HGV drivers, who aren’t compliant with the scheme may be denied access to the UK. The government has stated that those without a valid ETA won’t be able to board their transport and won’t be permitted to travel. If you have drivers or colleagues travelling into the UK, now’s the time to make sure ever

Exciting developments are on the horizon. The Heathrow Airport expansion is gaining speed, and for logistics customers this means greater opportunities, improved capacity and stronger global connections ahead. Lifting Off: A Faster Path to Expansion The Department for Transport has launched a fast-track review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), paving the way for the long-awaited third runway at Heathrow. The updated framework is expected to be completed thre

Big news for British trade... The UK and India have finalised a major trade agreement that promises to open up new opportunities for exporters and importers on both sides. After three years of negotiation, the deal is being described by the UK government as a “landmark agreement” that will strengthen economic ties and boost growth. What the deal means The agreement will make it easier for UK firms to export products such as whisky, cars and luxury goods to India, while al

Change is in the air for UK freight. The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has released a new version of its Standard Trading Conditions (STC), replacing the 2021 edition. Designed to reflect today’s fast-changing trading landscape, the update comes as customs activities grow and global trade continues to face new challenges. Adapting to modern trade BIFA says the latest review was driven by the need to keep contracts fair, balanced and compliant. The 2025 ed

Royal Mail has begun rolling out 3,500 solar-powered postboxes across the UK, marking the largest redesign of the red postbox in 175...

The U.S. government has added 407 more products to its list of goods now facing a 50% tariff if they contain steel or aluminium. Until...

The United States–United Kingdom Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD) is a new agreement announced by Starmer and Trump on 8 May 2025. It’s not...

Lufthansa Cargo temporarily halted all cargo services to and from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport after a missile attack on 4 May injured...

A landmark trade agreement between the UK and United States has been finalised, delivering major tariff reductions and opening new...

Recent developments between India and Pakistan have led to new maritime restrictions affecting cargo movement between the two countries....

Emirates SkyCargo is expanding. With global demand for its cargo services soaring, the airline is stepping up by adding two more Boeing...

It’s potentially big news for UK trade and logistics. Supply chain leaders are backing the government’s renewed commitment to...