Windsor Framework: Post & Parcel Updates
- Freya Jane
- Director of Customer's Success
“The HMRC has announced that the new arrangements for parcels and freight under the Windsor Framework will be implemented by 31 March 2025.”
Understanding the Windsor Framework
The Windsor Framework is a legal agreement between the UK and EU on the protocols governing the movement of goods from Great Britain (GB) to Northern Ireland (NI). It was established on 27 February 2023 and intended to provide a new set of arrangements in 3 key areas:
- Protecting the place of Northern Ireland in the Union
- Addressing the democratic deficit
- Restoring the smooth flow of goods in the UK internal market
The goal of these new agreements is to ensure regulatory compliance for the businesses engaged in importing or exporting goods with Northern Ireland while streamlining customs procedures.
Understanding the nuances of the Windsor Framework is crucial for all businesses to ensure smooth operations and steer clear of potential delays.
Learn more about the Windsor Framework: Read Out!
Types of movement
The type of movement will determine the arrangements for parcels travelling directly from Great Britain to Northern Ireland:
- B2C & C2B Parcels
- C2C Parcels
- B2B Parcels
Let’s discuss how the Windsor Framework affects each movement:
Updates for B2C and C2B parcels
The new update of the Windsor Framework simplifies the transfer of B2C and C2B parcels from GB to NI.
No customs declaration is required:
Customs declarations are not necessary for businesses in GB that send parcels to private persons in NI (B2C) for personal use or for private individuals in GB that send items to businesses in NI (C2B).
Data required:
Carriers will gather common parcel data, including
- The name and address of the recipient.
- Contents of the parcel.
- Any more information needed to comply.
Qualifications standards:
The following requirements must be fulfilled by parcels:
- Authorised carrier: The package must be moved by a carrier authorised to transmit data to HMRC.
- Weight Limits: The parcel should not exceed:
- 31.5 kg if it contains multiple items.
- 100 kg for a single item.
- Restrictions: Goods subject to specific laws (e.g., Russia sanctions) are not permitted under this arrangement.
Updates for C2C parcels
The Windsor Framework introduces Simplified Movement for private individuals in GB sending non-commercial packages to private individuals in NI.
No customs declaration is required:
Customs declarations are not required for C2C movements.
Data required:
The carrier will collect:
- The recipient’s name, address, and other details.
- Description of parcel contents.
Qualifications standards:
The following requirements must be fulfilled by parcels:
- Authorised carrier: The package must be moved by a carrier authorised to transmit data to HMRC.
- Weight Limits: The parcel should not exceed:
- 31.5 kg if it contains multiple items.
- Restrictions: Goods subject to specific laws (e.g., Russia sanctions) are not permitted under this arrangement.
Updates for B2B parcels
By 31 March 2025, businesses sending parcels B2B from GB to NI will face new customs declaration requirements:
Customs declaration: A mandatory requirement:
- For every package, carriers must provide the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) with comprehensive customs declarations.
- Companies and carriers must work closely together to supply essential information, including product descriptions, value, and destination.
How does iCustoms support carriers?
iCustoms offers solutions to guarantee smooth compliance and effective data submission to HMRC as carriers adapt to the new rules:
- Easy data submission: By automating the submission of parcel data to HMRC, iCustoms streamlines the procedure for carriers. Our software ensures Windsor Framework compliance by gathering and verifying crucial shipment information.
- Real-time API integration: Carriers can easily integrate their systems with iCustoms via our API solutions, allowing data to be transferred to HMRC in real-time. This lowers manual errors and guarantees timely compliance.
- Secure Data Exchange Service (SDES): Our HMRC SDES integrated platform ensures that sensitive shipping and recipient data is submitted to the HMRC inline with their policies.
The role of the UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS)
The new arrangements of the Windsor Framework introduce the simplified processes for the movement of parcels from GB to NI.
The UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS) allows carriers to declare goods as “not at risk” if they are carried to NI for sale and final use by consumers in NI. This scheme is named as “Green Lane.”
The whole “Green Lane” regulations for parcel transportation between GB and NI will take effect on March 31, 2025.
The green lane includes:
- A simplified dataset containing commercial information, eliminating the need for a full customs declaration.
- The option to use the Entry in Declarant’s Records (EIDR).
- A trader goods profile for completing the simplified dataset.
This lessens the administrative burden and helps with the quicker movement of goods.
To benefit from these simplifications, carriers of goods must apply for UKIMS authorisation.
The role of the UK Carrier Scheme (UKC)
The UK Carrier Scheme (UKC), in addition to UKIMS, is necessary for parcel carriers that handle goods within the Green Lane framework. Carriers can move goods between GB and NI with fewer formalities, thanks to the UKC’s permission.
Key features of the UKC include:
- Authorisation for carriers to handle the “not at risk” goods.
- Simplified reporting guidelines for parcel movements in Green Lane.
Both dealers and carriers must apply for authorisation under their respective schemes in order to take advantage of these simplifications. Businesses may reduce delays and guarantee effective parcel transit by utilising UKIMS and UKC.
The role of Entry in Declarant’s Record (EIDR)
The Entry in Declarant’s Record (EIDR) procedure under the Windsor Framework adds a new degree of efficiency in the movement of parcels from GB to NI.
Simplified Declaration Procedure:
Carriers with UKIMS-EIDR authorisation can keep movement information in their records, instead of providing comprehensive data up front.
Applicability:
This procedure is applicable for standard items that are deemed “not at risk” and are being transported straight from GB to NI.
How to prepare for March 31, 2025?
- Get familiar with the new arrangement: Understand the new requirements of the Windsor Framework for “not at risk” goods, customs declaration of B2B parcels, and data collection of B2C shipments.
- TSS registration: Use the Trader Support Service (TSS) to receive training and guidance on new arrangements and simplify customs processes.
- Update your systems: Make sure your data management systems can accommodate new requirements, such as additional recipient data for packages, including product names and 6-10 digit codes for low-value products.
Carriers must get ready to fulfil these obligations and take advantage of the framework’s streamlined paths to enable smooth trade between GB and NI as the 31 March 2025 implementation date draws near.
See how iCustoms helps carriers in meeting the new requirements.
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Tired of compliance issues, delays, and fines? Streamline your operations with iCustoms.
Reduce costs, minimise risks, and improve efficiency