The Windsor Framework delay: What it means for your business

The agreement made between the previous UK Government and EU Commission back in February 2023 was designed to simplify the documentary requirements for the movement of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland whilst satisfying the EU’s requirements for sufficient risk-based controls.

On the 20^th September 2024, it was announced that the measures being implemented for parcel movements to Northern Ireland will be delayed from their original 1^st October 2024 implementation to the 31^st March 2025. 

Moving parcels from mainland UK to Northern Ireland

For movements of parcels, the main issue has been the ability to ensure all carriers have the required UK Carrier authorisation and supporting records to help facilitate the targeted risk required under the Framework.

Discussions between the UK, EU and business stakeholders raised serious concerns over the trade being able to meet the 30^th September deadline. This has been accepted by both the UK and EU and, to minimise any disruption, the implementation has been postponed until 31^st March 2025.

Due to the new rules under the Framework, MHA has seen a rise in requests for assistance with last-minute UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS) authorisations.

This is specifically due to the changes to the customs processes on Business to Business (B2B) parcel movements and impacts supplies of goods to small businesses in Northern Ireland. To help facilitate ongoing trade with Northern Ireland customers, Great Britain based businesses are having to obtain a UKIMS authorisation to simplify the customs requirements and enable the use of the ‘Green Channel’.

The recent announcement provides impacted GB businesses with more time to understand their exposure to these changes and, if necessary, ensure a UKIMS authorisation is obtained before the 31^st March 2025.

If your business may be affected by the B2B changes under the Framework, MHA can assist by reviewing the impact and, if required, assist in the application for a UKIMS authorisation.

‘Not for EU’ food labelling on all milk and dairy products

An unpublicised development suggests the Labour Government may indefinitely delay the introduction of the "Not for EU" labelling on milk and dairy products sent from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. This requirement, originally set for October 1st, 2024, could be postponed, with an official announcement expected soon. There has been growing concern over the additional supply chain costs incurred by the new labelling and how this would ultimately impact shelf prices for consumers, especially during the cost of living crisis. If the delay proceeds, it may open the door to further negotiations between the UK and EU on mutually recognised food standards, potentially reducing certification and control requirements for UK-EU goods.