Some freight forwarding companies provide services for private individuals who are not trading companies.  The forwarder is allowed to offer goods in transit insurance to these customers on the forwarder’s marine Open Cover Policy, but certain safeguards have to be in place.  The Government has decided that members of the public who are shipping goods, but do not have the commercial experience expected of a trading company, must be protected by a code of practice.

 The wording of this code has been drawn up by the British International Freight Association in conjunction with HM Treasury, and it places obligations on the freight forwarder to inform its customer about the conditions under which insurance is offered, and the rights they have in the event of a claim.

This will be required from 6 April 2009, when the insurance legislation has been amended by Parliament.

Some freight forwarding companies provide services for private individuals who are not trading companies.  The forwarder is allowed to offer goods in transit insurance to these customers on the forwarder’s marine Open Cover Policy, but certain safeguards have to be in place.  The Government has decided that members of the public who are shipping goods, but do not have the commercial experience expected of a trading company, must be protected by a code of practice.

 The wording of this code has been drawn up by the British International Freight Association in conjunction with HM Treasury, and it places obligations on the freight forwarder to inform its customer about the conditions under which insurance is offered, and the rights they have in the event of a claim.

This will be required from 6 April 2009, when the insurance legislation has been amended by Parliament.