Are You Business-Ready for the Windsor Framework Changes?

From the 31st March 2025, new rules under the Windsor Framework will change the way parcels are sent from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

These changes impact both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) shipments, introducing new customs procedures for businesses while keeping consumer shipments largely unchanged.

If your business ships parcels to Northern Ireland, you must prepare now for a smooth transition. Failing to comply could result in shipment delays, additional costs, or even rejected parcels.

1. What Is The Windsor Framework and Why Does It Matter?
2. What Do These Changes Mean For Your Business?
3. Understanding 'At Risk' vs 'Not At Risk' Goods
4. What Is UKIMS and Why Does It Matter?
5. Steps To Prepare Your Business For The Windsor Framework
6. How I-Fulfilment Can Help

What Is the Windsor Framework and Why Does It Matter?

The Windsor Framework is a UK-EU agreement designed to ease the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland while maintaining NI's access to the EU Single Market. It replaces the more complex Northern Ireland Protocol introducing simpler, more predictable rules for businesses.

For parcel shipments, the key changes include:

• B2C Shipments. No significant changes, though carriers will require extra shipment data.
  
  
• B2B Shipments. New customs declarations and requirements for goods deemed 'at risk' of entering the EU.

The biggest impact will be on B2B shipments, so if you send parcels to NI businesses, you'll need to review your processes, update your documentation, and make sure you are compliant before the deadline.

What Do These Changes Mean For Your Business?

Business-to-Consumer (B2C) Shipments

There's minimal impact here. If you send parcels to individuals in Northern Ireland for personal use, you don't need to change anything. The only difference is that carriers will now require more detailed shipment information, which I-Fulfilment can handle for you.

Carriers will require:

• A clear, plain-English description of the goods inside the parcel.
• The weight of the parcel.
• The total value of the goods.

At I-Fulfilment, we'll manage these extra requirements on your behalf, making sure we meet compliance without the extra effort on your part.

Business-to-Business (B2B) Shipments

If you send parcels to businesses in Northern Ireland, new customs procedures will apply. You'll need to provide:

• Confirmation that the parcel is going to a business.
• A declaration stating whether the goods are 'at risk' or 'not at risk' of moving into the EU.

If you don't comply with these new requirements your shipments could face delays, extra charges, or even rejection at the border.

Understanding 'At Risk' vs 'Not At Risk' Goods

What Are 'At Risk' Goods? 

• Might be sold or used in the EU after arriving in Northern Ireland. For example, being resold in the Republic of Ireland.
• Are sent to Northern Ireland for commercial processing, unless for an approved purpose.
• Are not covered by UK Internal Market Schemes (UKIMS) authorisation.

If your goods are classified as 'at risk', they may be subject to EU duties and additional customs checks.

What Are 'Not At Risk' Goods?

• Are covered by UK Internal Market Schemes (UKIMS) authorisation.
• Are sent for an approved commercial processing purpose.
• Will be sold to or used by someone in the UK, including Northern Ireland.

If your goods qualify as 'not at risk', you can avoid EU duties and benefit from a smoother customs process.

What Is UKIMS and Why Does It Matter?

The UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS) is a government scheme that allows businesses to declare their goods as 'not at risk' when moving them into Northern Ireland.

There are plenty of good reasons to apply for UKIMS.

• You'll avoid extra costs. Goods moved under UKIMS are not subject to EU duties.
• The paperwork is simplified. There's fewer customs declaration and reduced admin.
• It's better for smoother deliveries as it reduces the risk of parcels being delayed or rejected.

Should you register? If you regularly ship to Northern Ireland businesses, UKIMS authorisation is highly recommended. You can apply to UKIMS via the UK Government UKIMS Portal.

Steps To Prepare Your Business For The Windsor Framework

1. Identify your parcel movements

Review your shipments to Northern Ireland and ask yourself these questions. 

Are they B2C or B2B? Different rules apply.

Do your goods qualify as 'at risk' or 'not at risk'? This affects customs procedures.

Knowing this will help you plan and make sure compliance before the March 2025 deadline.

2. Talk to your Northern Ireland customers

If you send parcels to businesses in Northern Ireland, confirm if they have UKIMS authorisation. This will determine whether your goods are 'not at risk'. It's also helpful to make sure they understand the new requirements to avoid confusion and delays. Our advice is to start this conversation sooner than later to avoid shipping disruptions.

3. Apply for UKIMS authorisation

If your business regularly ships B2B to Northern Ireland, UKIMS registration can save you time and money. Registering for UKIMS means fewer customs headaches and potential cost savings.

4. Update your IT and logistics systems

It's important to make sure your order and shipping systems can capture and transmit the required data. If your business isn't digitally ready, the new rules could slow down your shipments.

Work with your fulfilment partner (like I-Fulfilment), who can make sure you're ready and compliant.

5. Learn about the Northern Ireland Trade Tariff

If you send B2B parcels, use the UK Trade Tariff Tool so they you're using the correct commodity codes for your goods. Using the right tariff codes will help you calculate accurate duties and avoid compliance issues.

6. Stay informed

Government regulations can change, so stay updated by following these steps.

• Check the UK Government Guidance.
  
  
• Speak to your fulfilment partner. At I-Fulfilment, our Account Managers are more than happy to help you understand the implications and keep you updated on any new changes that may impact your business.
  
  
• Follow industry updates for any last-minute rule changes. 

How I-Fulfilment Can Help

The Windsor Framework doesn't have to be a disruption, as long as you prepare now. If you're ready for the changes, your Northern Ireland shipments will remain smooth, cost-effective, and compliant.

We know that compliance can be challenging and complicated. That's why we have experts in our ranks to handle it for you. Our team is on hand to help you every step of the way, with real-time updates and advice.

We also manage B2C shipment data and make sure B2B shipments meet customs requirements, so you don't have to worry, knowing that it's all taken care of with our automated compliance solutions. 

If you have UKIMS, we'll process shipments accordingly with our UKIMS integration.

And lastly, if you have any questions or want help taking your business to the next level, get a free quote online or call us on 01425 200 222 today!