BRITISH FORWARDERS WARNED ABOUT DANGEROUS GOODS COMPLIANCE

   The British International Freight Association of freight forwarders has warned its members not to ignore new hazardous goods legislation that becomes effective on Jan. 1.
   The legislation, EU directive 96/93/EC, requires all companies that consign, transport, load and un-load dangerous goods to appoint a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser.
   The British International Freight Association said that the new regulation will increase costs, but forwarders will risk serious prosecutions if they do not comply.
   A spokesman for the British forwarders’ organization said that exporters and importers must understand that the regulation is costly and "expect to pay for it."
   Despite the Jan. 1 deadline, only about 1,100 people have qualified as Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser in Britain, whereas 20,000 qualified advisers are expected to be required for U.K. businesses, according to F.S. Mackenzie Ltd., the British freight forwarder.
   In a related development, F.S. Mackenzie has established a dangerous goods consultancy division designed to help British companies meet the requirements of new legislation.