UK freight association welcomes publication of new standard for customs intermediary relationships

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has welcomed the publication by the British Standards Institute (BSI) of the new Publicly Available Specification (PAS 41201:2026) designed to support effective and transparent relationships between traders and customs intermediaries.

BIFA was actively involved in the development and preparation of the PAS 41201:2026 for customs intermediaries, which was sponsored by HMRC, working alongside industry stakeholders to help create a practical framework that reflects the realities of customs operations and the responsibilities of all parties involved in the customs declaration process.

Commenting on the publication, BIFA director general, Steve Parker said: “This marks an important step forward for our industry. As customs requirements continue to evolve, it is essential that traders and customs intermediaries have a clear understanding of their respective roles, responsibilities and obligations.

“BIFA was pleased to contribute to the design and development of PAS 41201:2026, helping to ensure that it is both practical and relevant for organizations that act as customs intermediaries and are responsible for preparing and submitting customs declarations or providing related customs services on behalf of traders.

“PAS41201:2026 provides a sound basis for building sustainable, transparent and effective relationships between traders and their customs agents, which is critical to maintaining compliance and supporting efficient supply chains."

It establishes a framework of good practice that promotes clarity, accountability and cooperation between parties involved in customs activities. By setting out clear expectations, it aims to reduce misunderstandings, improve data quality and strengthen compliance across the supply chain.

PAS 41201:2026 sets out the core principles and behavours that customs intermediaries should follow when fulfilling customs declarations and carrying out closely related services (such as paying tariffs or duties, or arranging the movement of goods).

It defines what good practice looks like across the end‑to‑end process of acting on a client’s behalf within the customs system.

It sits alongside the well-established Authorized Economic Operator program, which is an internationally recognized quality mark indicating that a business’s role in the international supply chain is secure, and its customs controls and procedures are highly compliant.

Parker adds: "While the AEO program offers a recognized framework for organizations involved in international trade, PAS 41201:2026 establishes a specification specifically for customs intermediaries, defining what good practice looks like for the industry.”

BIFA believes that adoption of the PAS 41201:2026 will benefit both customs intermediaries and their customers by fostering greater confidence and consistency in customs processes.

Parker added: "We encourage all BIFA members to review and adopt the specification as a basis for good practice within their businesses. Wider adoption will help to raise standards across the sector and support the delivery of high-quality customs services to the trading community."