New Procedures for goods movement from Great Britain to Northern Ireland
Nick Crouch · Posted on: November 6th 2024 · read
The new procedures for transferring goods from businesses in Great Britain (comprising England, Scotland, and Wales) to those in Northern Ireland will be introduced under the Windsor Framework, with implementation set to begin no earlier than 31 March 2025. These updated arrangements aim to simplify and streamline the movement of goods across these regions, ensuring compliance while reducing administrative burdens for businesses.
Key Components of the New Procedures
- Internal Market Movement Information
This is a simplified dataset designed for the movement of goods. It collects less information than a full customs declaration, which can significantly ease the logistics process for businesses. If you are authorised under the UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS), you can utilise this dataset instead of submitting a complete customs declaration. This simplification can save time and resources, making it easier for businesses to operate smoothly across borders.
- Trader Goods Profile
The Trader Goods Profile plays a crucial role in facilitating the completion of the Internal Market Movement Information. This profile pre-fills certain details, allowing businesses to avoid the need to repeatedly provide commodity codes to the Trader Support Service (TSS) or an agent for every movement. Instead, you only need to provide a product reference or a concise description along with standard commercial information, thereby simplifying the documentation process.
Eligibility Requirements
To make use of these simplified processes, it is essential that at least one of the parties involved has UKIMS authorisation and that the goods in question are categorised as 'not at risk' of entering the European Union (EU) under the scheme. This designation is crucial for businesses that want to ensure compliance with regulations while minimising delays in the movement of goods.
Agri-Food Goods and Standard Goods Classification
In addition to the simplified dataset, businesses can declare certain agri-food products as Standard goods under the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme. This classification eliminates the need for additional information and licenses, further streamlining the process for businesses involved in agri-food trade. By classifying these goods appropriately, businesses can enhance efficiency and reduce administrative hurdles.
In addition to the simplified dataset, businesses can declare certain agri-food products as Standard goods under the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme.
Submission of Internal Market Movement Information
Businesses have two primary options for submitting Internal Market Movement Information:
- Pre-movement Submission: In this case, all relevant information about the movement of goods is submitted before the goods enter Northern Ireland. This method allows for a smoother transition across the border, as there is no requirement for a supplementary declaration once the goods arrive as is currently required.
- Post-movement Submission: Alternatively, businesses can use the Enhanced Import Declarations process for submitting information after the goods have been transported. This provides flexibility for businesses in how they manage their logistics and compliance.
Role of Parcel Carriers
For businesses that utilise parcel carriers, there is the added benefit that these carriers may be able to complete the Internal Market Movement Information on behalf of their clients as part of their service offerings. This means that businesses will generally only need to provide their carrier with a clear description of the goods and the necessary standard commercial information.
Conclusion
While more details on the Trader Goods Profile are anticipated, the new arrangements under the Windsor Framework represent a significant step toward simplifying the movement of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. By implementing the Internal Market Movement Information and the Trader Goods Profile, businesses can expect a more efficient and streamlined process. These changes not only facilitate trade but also help businesses navigate the complexities of cross-border logistics while ensuring compliance with necessary regulations. As the implementation date approaches, it will be essential for businesses to familiarise themselves with these new processes to maximise their benefits and ensure a smooth transition.
Contact us today to ensure your business is fully prepared to benefit from these streamlined processes.
