How the Windsor Framework Impacts Your Shipments to Northern Ireland
by EasyPost
Last Updated: February 19, 2025
Great Britain (GB) shippers huddle up! On March 31, 2025, the new Windsor Framework will take effect and potentially impact the way you ship your goods to customers in Northern Ireland (NI). The Windsor Framework only impacts shipments from GB to NI; there are no restrictions on return shipments.
What is the Windsor Framework and how does it impact shipments?
Under this framework qualifying B2C or direct-to-consumer shipments will move with limited controls, and your carrier will supply the required data to HMRC. However, B2B shipments will be split into two lanes, a “green lane” or “red lane” depending on their intended use.
Green lane shipments are those destined for final use or consumption in NI. They get a few benefits such as zero duty and reduced customs controls, as long as they are shipped with the required information.
Red lane shipments are those destined for or at risk of moving to the Republic of Ireland or the rest of the EU. These shipments will have the full list of EU customs rules applied to them.
If you are concerned that some of your shipments may be at risk, please contact your carrier by March 31, 2025.
How do I ensure my packages enter the green lane?
If you ship to businesses or consumers in NI, you’ll need to provide an accurate description of the shipment contents with the weight and value of each item within the shipment. While you’re likely already doing this with the current import process, it’s critical to be very precise. For example:
Invalid | Valid | |
|---|---|---|
Shipment A | Nuts | 26 Hexagonal aluminum bicycle nuts |
Shipment B | T-shirts | 15 Men’s t-shirts, size L, 100% cotton |
Additionally, if you’re shipping to a business, you’ll need to be declared as the importer on NI records. To do this you’ll need to register under a new UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS). Shipments to consumers do not require this step as the receiver will be listed as the importer on record. You can apply by visiting this GOV.UK page.
Applying for authorization
Under the UK Internal Market Scheme for moving goods into Northern Ireland, you will need to follow these steps:
- Apply for authorization. You must apply online to get authorized under the UK Internal Market Scheme. This authorization allows them to declare goods as ”not at risk” of moving to the EU.
- Submit Internal Market Movement Information. Once authorized, you only need to submit a simplified dataset called Internal Market Movement Information, based on commercial information. This removes the need for a full customs declaration.
- Ensure compliance. You must meet compliance requirements, maintain records, systems, and controls, and provide evidence as needed.
- Sign up for the Trader Support Service. You can sign up for the Trader Support Service for guidance and support through the application process and any changes due to the Windsor Framework.
- Check duty and tariffs. ”Not at risk” goods will not be charged duty if entering Northern Ireland from free circulation in Great Britain. However, goods from outside the UK and EU will be charged UK duty.
- Obtain an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number. You will need an EORI number if they plan to move goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
For more information about this change, see the documentation provided by common carriers below, or the UK government website.