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Understand the legal entity (sole trader/limited company) and in which country it is domiciled. It may also be possible to check and verify items such as its VAT number, which may provide an indication as to the legitimacy of its business.


b. Integrity Commercial checks can also be considered. Have annual accounts been filed, are they accessible and what do they say? Consider the use of a credit rating agency to undertake independent verification of the business’s financial standing. Trade references may be requested as well as evidence to support any associations with trade bodies and accreditations. Details of their relevant insurance cover may also be requested. What jurisdiction does the service provider nominate within its terms and conditions?


decided that reduced checks are appropriate. It is often the case that the greatest risk is in connection with one-off, time-sensitive transactions or where you engage with a new service provider. Nevertheless, always be alert to unexpected changes in named contacts, unusual requests and the like. It is always more prudent to check verbally or through trusted third parties than to trust an email exchange, regardless of the apparent delay and disruption that is incurred.


Whilst not exhaustive, the below suggested diligence checklist should be considered:


a. Identity


Identify the service provider, including full registered address, details of the directors, contact details (question service providers who do not have a website or appear to trade only from free mail accounts and mobile phone numbers). Establish the nature of the ownership of its business – is it part of a larger group?


c. Competence The ability to provide the services you require is an obvious practical check, but one which can be overlooked. As far as practicable, ensure that the service provider is capable of meeting your expectations. Does it operate trucks, can it evidence having sufficiently trained staff to handle dangerous goods, does it have expertise in the packing of CTUs? Where larger volumes of shipments are concerned, does it have sufficient resources to satisfy your expectations? Is the service provider willing to agree to a service level agreement?


Simple – two ‘I’s and a ‘C’ or ‘use two eyes


and you see’; look very carefully and do not rely on first impressions. Implementation of a robust due diligence procedure will assist in managing the associated risks and ultimately will serve to increase security through the global supply chain.


BIFA would like to thank the TT Club for supplying this article


Support your local Member group


BIFA holds Regional Member meetings around the UK and listed right are those due to occur soon. If you would like to attend and find out more about BIFA and what we do, then contact the appropriate Regional Consultant to BIFA. All BIFA Members are entitled and


encouraged to attend their regional meetings however pre-booking with the named contact is essential. Full contact details are shown on page 3 of


this issue. December 2018


Region Anglia


Regional Members’ meeting Stansted


Regional Members’ meeting London East


Regional Members’ meeting Gatwick


Regional Members’ meeting Solent


Regional Members’ meeting Date Time Venue Tue 4 Dec 1000 Holiday Inn, Ipswich – Orwell Wed 5 Dec 1130 Stansted Airport Limited


Thu 6 Dec 1100 Orsett Hall Hotel, Orsett


Thu 6 Dec 1230 Air & Cargo Services, Crawley


Tue 11 Dec 0800 Duke of Wellington, Southampton


Colin Young Paul Newman


Colin Young Colin Young


BIFA Contact Paul Newman


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