Logistics: Bite-Size Insights – November 2025

In this edition of Logistics: Bite-Size Insights, we analyse the new BIFA standard trading terms and conditions, consider the latest developments on the proposed Net Zero Framework, and provide an update on the latest logistics related developments in Parliament.

The new BIFA Standard Trading Terms and Conditions 2025 – key changes

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has published a 2025 edition of their standard trading terms which will become effective on the 31 December 2025. The new edition contains significant changes to time bars, dangerous goods, limitation of liability and liens.

The times for notifying and bringing claims remain the same. However, when calculating the 9 month time bar, there are some substantial amendments to the calculations of the date on which time begins to run. Previous versions started the 9 month period from the date on which the event or occurrence took place. The 2025 edition causes time to start running from delivery.

Forwarders, cargo owners and their respective insurers will need to consider whether they will incorporate the new terms into their agreements. If so, given the significant differences in the provisions, it is important that a clear transition date is identified to avoid the need for disputes about the version which applies to any particular transaction. Inadequate incorporation may leave the BIFA member vulnerable and without protection of both the 2021 and 2025 BIFA terms.

Related item: The new BIFA Standard Trading Terms and Conditions 2025 – key changes

Contacts: Florrie Southgate, Shaan Burton, Chris Chatfield

Progression of Net Zero Framework delayed by 12 months

In October, in a surprise change of course, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) pushed back the vote on the proposed Net Zero Framework by a year.

In April, a majority of IMO member countries agreed to the plan, so it was expected that the Net Zero Framework would be made legally binding at the October meeting of the Marine Environment Protection Committee. Instead, negotiations broke down between member states, and a motion was passed to adjourn discussions on the Net Zero framework for 12 months. If adopted the Framework would provide for binding emissions reductions targets for the global shipping industry.

Pushing the vote back will greatly increase uncertainty in the market and will likely lead to delays in decarbonizing the shipping industry. Significant investment is needed for the shipping industry to transition to low and no carbon fuels. Without a clear indication that these fuels will be in demand, investors will not want to commit to funding the research, development and major infrastructure changes needed to make their use a reality.

The next year will bring further uncertainty to the shipping industry. If the IMO Net-Zero Framework is adopted, significant changes will need to be made by the entire maritime industry, but if the framework is rejected, it leaves a question mark hanging over the widespread adoption of low carbon fuels.

It is clear that there will be a significant knock on effect on the logistics industry, particularly for those offering multi-modal services. The ‘one-stop’ forwarding arrangements will come under greater cost pressures and the impact of the decisions of the IMO will need to be factored into future agreements.

Contact: Verity Thomson

Inside Parliament – What’s on the agenda?

Written questions allow MPs and Members of the House of Lords to ask particular Government departments as to the work, policy and activities that are currently ongoing. We have considered questions submitted to the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Secretary of State for Transport, and His Majesty’s Government where there is a focus on the logistics sector.

It is interesting to note that there is real focus on freight crime and the impact this has on the economy. We considered the cost of freight crime to the industry in our February edition. Clearly the cost is considerable - not only in financial terms but also to the integrity and reliability of the supply chain that so many sector rely upon.

Questions & answers

29 August - "To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to tackle road freight crime."

Answered on 8 September 2025

"This Government understands the significant and damaging impact freight crime has on businesses and drivers and we are aware of worrying increases in its frequency.

There are strong links between freight crime and serious, organised crime, which is a major threat to the national security and prosperity of the UK and estimated to cost the economy at least £47 billion annually.

This Government is committed to tackling serious and organised crime in all its forms, and we are continuing to work closely with Opal, the police’s national intelligence unit focused on serious organised acquisitive crime, which has multiple thematic desks, including a vehicle crime intelligence desk which covers freight crime.
We will continue to work with law enforcement agencies and invested stakeholders to change the unacceptable perception that freight crime is low risk and high reward and find solutions which will tackle it. I also recently met with Rachel Taylor MP, and Lilian Greenwood, Minister for the Future of Roads at the Department for Transport (DfT) to discuss this very matter.

The DfT also hosts the Freight Council; this group regularly discusses crime against freight companies, and the Home Office works closely with DfT to engage with the sector on this issue through the Freight Council."

29 August - "To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of freight crime on the economy since 2020."

Answered on 8 September 2025

"The Government is aware of the rising frequency of freight crime and the damaging impact it can have on businesses and the economy. The Government is working closely with the police, wider automotive industry, and the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) to ensure the response to vehicle crime is strong as it can be.

The National Vehicle Crime Working Group has established a network of vehicle crime specialists, involving every police force in England and Wales, to share information about emerging trends in vehicle crime. The Government is also continuing to work closely with Opal, the police’s national intelligence unit focused on serious organised crime, which has a vehicle crime intelligence desk covering freight crime."

The freight crime data from the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service is:

Year	Number of offences	Total loss value
2020	4,481	£94.9 million
2021	4,434	£71.4 million
2022	5,086	£66 million
2023	5,373	£68 million

4 September - "To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, CP 1337, published on 23 June 2025, by what date she plans to publish the new plan for freight and logistics."

Answered on 9 September 2025

"The Government intends to publish a new plan for freight and logistics before the end of the year. The development of this plan is underway in partnership with industry and sector stakeholders. This includes workshops in early summer and discussions with the Freight Council to ensure the plan addresses sector needs and supports the ambitions of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.

The forthcoming plan will build on actions already taken to raise the status of freight within government and provide tangible support the sector in areas including innovation and planning. The plan will reaffirm our commitment to collaborating with the freight and logistics sector to drive transformation and recognise freight as a strategic enabler in delivering economic growth and the transition to Net Zero. Further commitments and actions will be detailed when the plan is published."

16 September - "To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to introduce a national freight crime strategy, including proposals for criminal law measures, and on what timeframe."

Answered on 3 October 2025

"This Government understands the significant and damaging impact freight crime has on businesses and drivers and we are aware of worrying increases in its frequency.

Whilst there are no plans to introduce a national freight crime strategy, we will continue to work with law enforcement agencies and invested stakeholders to change the unacceptable perception that freight crime is low risk and high reward and find solutions which will tackle it.

There are strong links between freight crime and serious, organised crime, which is a major threat to the national security and prosperity of the UK and estimated to cost the economy at least £47 billion annually.

This Government is committed to tackling serious and organised crime in all its forms, and we are continuing to work closely with Opal, the police’s national intelligence unit focused on serious organised acquisitive crime, which has multiple thematic desks, including a vehicle crime intelligence desk which covers freight crime.

The DfT also hosts the Freight Council; this group regularly discusses crime against freight companies, and the Home Office works closely with DfT to engage with the sector on this issue through the Freight Council."

We continue to monitor the questions being submitted to gain insight as to what is on the agenda for the government and what is, consequently, in store for the industry.

Contacts: Shaan Burton, Joanna Manthorpe