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Big challenges loom in British forwarding in 2016, BIFA chief warns
FREIGHT forwarders in the United Kingdom face "big challenges" this year, warns British International Freight Association (BIFA) director general Robert Keen.
"From a legislative perspective, two major impacts on the freight forwarding landscape in 2016 will result from the implementation of the Union Customs Code and the amendment to SOLAS [UN's Safety of Life at Sea convention] requiring the verification of gross mass of containers prior to loading," he said.
"There is still significant confusion about the implications of both legislative changes and BIFA will continue to hold events to brief members and others to help them manage the change in processes," he said.
With the more refugees fleeing war zones expected to attempt to cross the Channel Tunnel on the French side to enter Britain this year, "BIFA has repeatedly called for government action to address the problems being caused by the would-be illegal immigrants attempting to stowaway on trucks," said Mr Keen.
"We will continue to press the authorities in France and the UK to step up their protection of the routes across the Channel and fulfil their obligations to let trade move unhindered."
Turning to the ongoing delay in a decision to expand airport capacity by building another runway in the southeast of England, Mr Keen said he hoped "the government will not let party political issues continue to stop progress on this crucial issue in 2016".
"From a legislative perspective, two major impacts on the freight forwarding landscape in 2016 will result from the implementation of the Union Customs Code and the amendment to SOLAS [UN's Safety of Life at Sea convention] requiring the verification of gross mass of containers prior to loading," he said.
"There is still significant confusion about the implications of both legislative changes and BIFA will continue to hold events to brief members and others to help them manage the change in processes," he said.
With the more refugees fleeing war zones expected to attempt to cross the Channel Tunnel on the French side to enter Britain this year, "BIFA has repeatedly called for government action to address the problems being caused by the would-be illegal immigrants attempting to stowaway on trucks," said Mr Keen.
"We will continue to press the authorities in France and the UK to step up their protection of the routes across the Channel and fulfil their obligations to let trade move unhindered."
Turning to the ongoing delay in a decision to expand airport capacity by building another runway in the southeast of England, Mr Keen said he hoped "the government will not let party political issues continue to stop progress on this crucial issue in 2016".
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