British International Freight Association
The British International Freight Association, also known as BIFA, is the prime United Kingdom trade association representing UK freight forwarders. These are companies that forward goods internationally on behalf of importers and exporters. It is a not-for-profit organisation owned by its members and managed by a small Secretariat. The board has seven non-executive directors and three executive directors.
The Association acts as an authoritative voice for the industry at official and government levels. The Association is responsible for setting industry standards and providing both educational courses and required mandatory training programs which enhance the professional levels of freight forwarders and logistics service providers in the United Kingdom.
BIFA is the UK National Association member of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations FIATA. It is one of a number of freight trade associations and is listed by the UK government on their Business Link website. It is also consulted by H.M. Revenue and Customs as a member of the Joint Customs Consultative Committee.
The role of BIFA is to represent freight forwarders in discussions with the UK government and various international NGOs, and to provide advice and information on legislative issues that affect the industry sector. It is consulted by UK media organisations concerning air cargo security.
Every year BIFA awards "best in industry" awards in a number of categories including Air Cargo Services Award and Young Freight Forwarder Award.
