BIFA adds further Customs Modules to E-learning Library

by Mediateam | Apr 17, 2025 | Freight Industry News

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has added new modules to the Bitesize eLearning programme that it launched earlier this year as part of the corporate membership fee.

The new modules supplement the existing CDS Compliance course and encompass a variety of Customs regimes including Returns Goods Relief, Temporary Admission, and Inward Processing for imports; as well as Outward Processing, Export from a Customs Warehouse and Standard Export.

Whilst the initial CDS Compliance is a mandatory module, centred around an import home-use declaration, and outlining potential consequences of compliance errors, the new modules can each be undertaken separately.

BIFA Bitesize is a suite of eLearning that has been developed as part of BIFA’s ongoing commitment to provide a variety of training options, aimed at enhancing knowledge in areas critical to freight forwarding, customs compliance, and international trade.

In addition to CDS Compliance, the first rendition of BIFA Bitesize content featured extracts from the existing BIFA Freight Forwarding and Customs Essentials courses.

Some of the key topics include: Preparing to Trade; Incoterms 2020; Inward and Outward Processing; Customs Warehousing; Classification; Returned Goods Relief; Paying HMRC, and Procedure Codes. Read more from BIFA >

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Trump’s tariffs may be reduced but their impact will be felt in the UK and beyond

by Mediateam | Apr 14, 2025 | Global News

The Guardian examines potential consequences of US president’s market chaos, which could reach every corner of global finance and economy.

Donald Trump may have stepped back from his huge tariff rises on every country, except China, which now faces at least 145%, but the impact of the market chaos is likely to continue in the UK and beyond. The rest of the world still faces a blanket 10% tariff on all US exports.

While much of the focus has been the direct impact of the tariffs on physical goods, Trump’s actions threaten to reach every corner of global finance and the economy.

The potential consequences of the tariffs and the fallout are examined, from derailing deals and further undermining London’s stock exchange, to risking a rise in corruption and pushing up prices for consumers.

The leading economic forecasters have yet to give their verdict, but the International Monetary Fund has already said the trade war will damage trade and business investment in most countries.

China could fail to meet its 5% growth target for 2025, while Germany could be pushed into recession. The UK is likely to escape relatively unscathed in terms of trade. UK goods exports to the US are significant, but businesses are expected to minimise the impact of tariffs, leading to a modest 0.1 percentage point reduction in UK GDP this year. However, with borrowing costs still high and consumer confidence at risk, the tariffs present a significant headache for Keir Starmer.

Read more from the Guardian >

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bredent U.

Had the best service provided by Jamie, excellent communication, went above & beyond thank you

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for taking the the time to leave a great review. Jamie will be delighted he got a mention!

Clare O.

As always IFS have provided an excellent service with plenty of support. Jamie couldn't have been more helpful and his communication is always timely and spot on. Can't recommend them highly enough.

Response from the owner:Many thanks for the glowing review Clare, it really is appreciated. Jamie will be especially pleased seeing as you have given him a mention! We look forward to assisting you again

Barry S.

Adam handled everything we needed for a quick delivery to Australia, the box was with us in less than a week, highly recommended.

Response from the owner:Many thanks Barry for taking the time to leave a great review for us - it is appreciated. Hope we can assist you again in the future

Jeff B.

Working with Catherine and IFS has been a breath of fresh air. Communication has been excellent, she keeps you informed throughout the entire process and makes something that others could easily make difficult feel… well, easy.

If you want someone who treats your shipment like it actually matters (because it does), Catherine is the one. Highly recommend, my stress level definitely approves 😄.

Response from the owner:Glad you are happy with our service Jeff. Cath's communication is great - she does like to talk!😆We appreciate your business and look forward to assisting you again.

Rachel J.

Great service. We needed a parcel collecting from Italy - all arranged very smoothly, efficiently and a very quick delivery.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the great feedback Rachel. Glad everything went well for you and that you were happy with our service.

Alan G.

when a friend whose first langauge is not English needed a parcel shipping to Canada at short notice the team especially Paul came up trumps and pulled out all the stops i highly recommend this company

Response from the owner:Many thanks for the great review Alan, always happy to assist.

Emily S.

Lots of help and advice when shipping a ceramic sculpture to Dubai. Very smooth service and speedy delivery. Will definitely recommend.

Response from the owner:Really glad you were happy with our service Emily - hope to assist you again soon.

Declan B.

Great customer experience all the staff are great

Response from the owner:Appreciate the kind words Declan

Tony P.

Had 3 pallets to bring in from Greece. Sender was struggling with UK regulations. Spoke to one freight forwarder who just said 'can't help sorry' as their agent in Greece couldn't help. Was starting to worry until I found IFS. Google reviews looked good and when I spoke to Paul he couldn't have made things any easier. Pallets here safely within a couple of weeks, price cheaper than I was expecting and great communication throughout. Top top company.

Response from the owner:Hi Tony, thanks so much for the great review, we would be more than happy to help you with any further shipping requirements you have in the future!

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US Tariff impact on UK revealed by British Chambers of Commerce

by Mediateam | Apr 8, 2025 | Exports, Global News

A snap poll, by the British Chambers of Commerce award-winning Insights Unit, of more than 600 business has revealed the extent to which UK firms expect to be hit by US tariffs.

62% of UK firms with trade exposure to the USA say they will be negatively impacted by US tariffs, compared to 41% with no exposure
32% of firms with trade exposure to the USA say they will increase prices in response to the tariff
44% of firms with exposure to the USA say the UK should seek to negotiate a closer trade relationship with the USA, and 43% want closer trade with other markets

US-UK TRADE AND INVESTMENT WORKING GROUP Flags Just under a quarter (21%) think the UK should impose retaliatory tariffs

Using its unique access to companies in the Chamber Network, the research was rapidly carried out between 10am on Friday and 4pm on Saturday as news emerged of retaliatory action by China.

It showed that 62% of UK firms with trade exposure to the USA are taking a hit from the tariffs. Looking at the breakdown, 20% report a significant negative impact, 42% report some negative impact, 16% report no impact, 5% report some positive impact, and 2% significant positive impact.

The survey also showed that 40% of firms considered the 10% tariff to be better than they had been expecting.

Alongside increasing prices, 15% said they would seek alternative suppliers, while 13% said they expected to absorb the costs. Around a third (36%) said they would take no action at this time. This is in contrast to firms without exposure to the USA, 72% of whom said they would not take action. Find out more from British Chamber of Commerce article >

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bredent U.

Had the best service provided by Jamie, excellent communication, went above & beyond thank you

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for taking the the time to leave a great review. Jamie will be delighted he got a mention!

Clare O.

As always IFS have provided an excellent service with plenty of support. Jamie couldn't have been more helpful and his communication is always timely and spot on. Can't recommend them highly enough.

Barry S.

Adam handled everything we needed for a quick delivery to Australia, the box was with us in less than a week, highly recommended.

Response from the owner:Many thanks Barry for taking the time to leave a great review for us - it is appreciated. Hope we can assist you again in the future

Jeff B.

Response from the owner:Glad you are happy with our service Jeff. Cath's communication is great - she does like to talk!😆We appreciate your business and look forward to assisting you again.

Rachel J.

Great service. We needed a parcel collecting from Italy - all arranged very smoothly, efficiently and a very quick delivery.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the great feedback Rachel. Glad everything went well for you and that you were happy with our service.

Alan G.

Response from the owner:Many thanks for the great review Alan, always happy to assist.

Emily S.

Lots of help and advice when shipping a ceramic sculpture to Dubai. Very smooth service and speedy delivery. Will definitely recommend.

Response from the owner:Really glad you were happy with our service Emily - hope to assist you again soon.

Declan B.

Great customer experience all the staff are great

Response from the owner:Appreciate the kind words Declan

Tony P.

Response from the owner:Hi Tony, thanks so much for the great review, we would be more than happy to help you with any further shipping requirements you have in the future!