The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has said that this year will present tough challenges for its members due to changes in legislation and government policy.

However, the trade association for freight forwarders has also said that its members aren't likely to have as many economic problems this year, reports Warehouse News.

BIFA director general Robert Keen said that there will be two major impacts, which will "result from the implementation of the Union Customs Code and the amendment to SOLAS requiring the verification of gross mass of containers prior to loading".

He added that there is still a lot of confusion surrounding the changes that will affect freight forwarders and that "BIFA will continue to hold events to brief members and others to help them manage the change in processes".

It also looks like freight forwarders will continue to have their haulage operations impacted at the Channel Tunnel due to ongoing problems in that area.