The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has expressed its support for the Competition & Markets Authority’s (CMA) public consultation on the proposed recommendation to the UK government regarding the retained Liner Shipping Consortia Block Exemption Regulation.

However, BIFA Director General Steve Parker has said that the trade association is surprised by the CMA’s provisional position, which only gives one option – the extension of a potentially modified CBER into UK legislation.

The purpose of the consultation is to seek views on whether the UK government should keep a similar block exemption regime for the liner shipping industry as the retained CBER originating from EU law will expire on April 24, 2024.

BIFA has previously expressed concerns that practices and exemptions provided to container shipping lines under competition law have been distorting the operations of the free market to the detriment of international trade. Parker stated that BIFA is pleased to see the CMA consultation taking place as it will give all parties the opportunity to make comments about the current state of the container shipping industry.