Parcelforce Worldwide and The Windsor Framework

 
The Windsor Framework, the agreement between the UK and the EU amending the Northern Ireland Protocol and the legal instruments which sit beneath it, including but not limited to statutory guidance, comes into force from 30 September 2024. We would encourage customers to familiarise themselves with the requirements. The Windsor Framework does not affect goods movements from NI to GB or from NI to NI.

Guidance

  • The Windsor Framework will come into effect from 30th September 2024. The regulations for sending goods from Great Britain (GB) to Northern Ireland (NI) will change. Customers sending goods must provide additional data depending on whether the parcel is a Business to Consumer (B2C), Consumer to Consumer (C2C), Consumer to Business (C2B) or Business to Business (B2B).

Latest updates

  • We continue to work with the Government and others and continue with our development work to ensure that goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland will continue to flow smoothly when the changes come into effect.

    We are aware we have not communicated our technical specifications with our customers and will share these as soon as we can. We will work with you to ensure we are well placed to manage the impact of any required changes.

    We will share further information with you as soon as we can.

UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS) for B2B Movements

  • For business to business (B2B) movements, business customers are encouraged to apply for authorisation to the UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS). This authorisation can, alongside other criteria, enable you to declare goods ‘not at risk’ of onward transport to the EU.

    UKIMS authorisation page

Frequently asked questions

Does the Windsor Framework affect all customers?

The Windsor Framework only affects customers sending goods from Great Britain (GB) to Northern Ireland (NI) from 30th September 2024. The new regulations do not affect goods sent from NI to GB or from NI to NI, or items of correspondence.

Are all carriers subject to the Windsor Framework?

Yes. The regulations take effect from 30 September 2024.

Are all parcels subject to the Windsor Framework?

Only parcels containing goods are covered by the Windsor Framework.

What are the different types of movement of parcels?

  • Business to consumer (B2C): Parcels sent by a business in Great Britain to a private individual residing in Northern Ireland for personal use.
  • Consumer to business (C2B): Parcels sent by a private individual in Great Britain to a business in Northern Ireland (for example, a customer returning an item to a shop).
  • Consumer to consumer (C2C): Parcels sent by a private individual in Great Britain to a private individual residing in Northern Ireland for personal use.
  • Business to business (B2B): Parcels sent by a business in Great Britain to a business in Northern Ireland.

What is the UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS)?

The new UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS) allows registered businesses to provide a reduced dataset when sending B2B parcels from GB to NI. UKIMS registration indicates the parcels being sent are categorised as ‘not at risk’ of entry into the EU.

Do all customers have to register with the UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS)?

UKIMS only applies to B2B movements. UKIMS-registered businesses will be required to provide a reduced dataset compared to businesses not UKIMS-registered. B2B goods movements categorised as ‘not at risk’ must be accompanied by a valid UKIMS registration.

What are the advantages of registering with the UKIMS scheme?

Together with the reduced dataset requirements (compared to non-UKIMS B2B movements), a UKIMS registration will reduce the likelihood of goods movements being delayed or held for inspection, with potential custom charges applied.

What is ‘not at risk’ goods movement?

Goods ‘not at risk’ relates to B2B movements only. Goods categorised as ‘not at risk’ of entry to the EU, will require a reduced dataset compared to those goods categorised as ‘at risk’. Government guidance can be found here.

 

What is ‘at risk’ goods movement?

Goods ‘at risk’ relates to B2B movements only. Goods categorised as ‘at risk’ of entry to the EU, will need to meet greater data requirements.

What is a Commodity Code?

This is a 6- or 8-digit code associated with the goods description. Commodity codes can be found here.

What is defined as ‘Correspondence’?

Items containing only correspondence (including, but not limited to, personal and non-personal correspondence e.g. postcards, letters, braille letters, invoices and statements) and such other items, goods or articles which are classed as correspondence.

What are defined as ‘Goods’?

Items which are not categorised as correspondence, and which have an intrinsic or resale value, such as an item sent to fulfil a customer order, replacement parts, collectibles. This can include (but is not limited to) items sent without charge as gifts or samples.

How do I find the value of my ‘Goods’?

Guidance can be found at the following link, which also covers items which are sent ‘free of charge’.

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