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In 2025, several important updates to the Windsor Framework were implemented. These updates directly impact businesses that trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, particularly in areas like parcel movements, green lane arrivals, and customs processes. Here's a breakdown of what these changes mean and how businesses must comply.
What is the Windsor Framework?
The Windsor Framework was introduced to facilitate smoother trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland post-Brexit. By creating a new UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS), introducing 'Green Lane' arrangements, and ensuring easier supply of medicines, the Windsor Framework aims to resolve the trade barriers created by the Northern Ireland Protocol.
One of the major goals of the Windsor Framework is to maintain the balance required by the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, ensuring peace and stability. The Framework introduces a new legal and constitutional framework, scrapping many of the EU rules that were previously in place.
Updates for 2025: Key Changes You Need to Know
Update on Delays
Originally slated for implementation in Q4 2024, several updates to the Windsor Framework were postponed until 1 May 2025. These updates primarily affect parcel movements and green lane arrivals. Businesses should be aware that the new processes and regulations came into effect from this date.
UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS)
Businesses wishing to continue using simplified declarations when moving goods into Northern Ireland will need to register for the UKIMS. This scheme replaces the former UK Trader Scheme and allows businesses to declare goods as ‘not at risk’ of entering the EU. UKIMS simplifies the process and offers several benefits for businesses that move goods into Northern Ireland.
Requirements for UKIMS Registration
To qualify for UKIMS, businesses must meet certain criteria:
1. Goods in Free Circulation
The goods must be in free circulation in Great Britain and must be moving into free circulation in Northern Ireland.
2. Category 1 or Category 2 Goods
Traders must be aware of the category their goods fall under to ensure eligibility for the simplified process.
- Category 1 Goods: These goods are excluded from the simplified process and must follow the standard procedures.
- Category 2 Goods: These goods, such as excise products and goods subject to special health, licensing, or environmental controls, require additional documentation and checks.
Standard Goods
These goods must meet all the following conditions:
- Be moving directly from GB to NI
- Be intended for sale or use by end consumers in the UK (and not at risk of entering the EU)
- Be free of import or licensing requirements
- Be in free circulation in the UK
- Not be entering a customs duty suspense procedure
Simplified Processes for Internal Market Movements (SPIMM)
SPIMM simplifies customs procedures for goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland via direct transport, provided the goods are not at risk of entering the EU. Traders using the simplified process must declare their goods using IMMI (Internal Market Movement Information), which includes ordinary commercial information.
Other Key Terms to Know:
- TGP (Trader Goods Profile): This is a unique ‘goods profile’ that allows traders to move goods with a simple description, without needing to provide a commodity code for each movement.
- NIRMS (Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme): NIRMS allows businesses to move prepacked retail goods into Northern Ireland on the basis of a single General Certificate, supported by a packing list, without the need for additional health or plant health checks.
- NIPHL (Northern Ireland Plant Health Label Scheme): This scheme simplifies the movement of plant products and agricultural machinery from Great Britain to Northern Ireland by allowing goods to move with a plant health label, rather than a Phytosanitary Certificate, provided they meet the conditions of the scheme.
What Does This Mean for My Business?
For businesses trading goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, these updates will significantly impact your logistics processes. If you wish to continue using simplified declarations and the Green Lane approach, you must register for the UKIMS.
Here’s what businesses should do to comply:
- Register for UKIMS: Ensure that you are registered under the new UK Internal Market Scheme to benefit from simplified processes.
- Categorise Goods: Determine whether your goods fall under the standard, Category 1, or Category 2 classifications, and ensure you meet the relevant criteria for moving them under the simplified process.
- Ensure Eligibility for SPIMM: Ensure that the goods you’re moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland meet the conditions for SPIMM, which allows for simplified customs processes.
Get In Touch for Support
The updates to the Windsor Framework which came into effect in 2025 are designed to streamline and simplify trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, making it easier for businesses to move goods across the border. With the introduction of the UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS) and new customs procedures, businesses must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements and register accordingly.
Since the changes took effect from 1 May 2025, businesses that trade with Northern Ireland must stay informed and follow the new rules. Understanding the SPIMM, NIRMS, and TGP processes will be key to ensuring compliance with the updated framework.
If your business needs assistance navigating the changes or ensuring compliance with the Windsor Framework updates, reach out to Speedy Freight today. Let us help you manage your logistics needs smoothly and efficiently in this new regulatory landscape.
