The UKIMS Windsor Framework: Moving Goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland
As of 1st May 2025, new guidance known as the UKIMS Windsor Framework Agreement will begin to be enforced by the UK government. This guidance covers the process and requirement for moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
At Allegro Logistics, we provide quality logistics support to clients in the UK and around the world. In this article, we will discuss the UKIMS Windsor Framework Agreement and what it could mean for you and your business.
If you’re looking for logistics support, please contact our team today.
What is the UKIMS Windsor Framework Agreement?
The UKIMS Windsor Framework introduces simplified procedures for moving goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, removing potential roadblocks and speeding up the logistics process. The procedures only apply to goods deemed ‘not at risk’ of entering the EU, meaning they won’t be forwarded on to EU countries.
Some of the key components of the Framework include:
Internal Market Movement Information (IMMI)
This information consists of a simplified data submission that can be used to replace full customs declarations forms, saving on a lot of paperwork. It saves you a lot of time and admin work, utilising a reduced data set which includes:
- Trader details (consignor and consignee)
- Description of goods
- Commodity code (6-digit for Standard goods, 8-digit for Category 2 goods)
- Value of the goods
- Quantity and weight
- Details of origin
- UKIMS authorisation reference
- EORI numbers
- Movement date
Trader Goods Profile
This is a tool used to streamline the process and support the IMMI dataset. It assists you to populate your IMMI application with a lot of crucial information, helping you to further simplify and automate the process of moving ‘not at risk’ goods.
Entry in Declarant’s Record (EIDR)
The EIDR enables authorised traders to record import details in their own records when goods are being transported. This allows you to self-declare a delivery, then submit the necessary data via a simplified process at a later stage.
These components and the associated processes are available to businesses authorised under the UK’s Internal Market Scheme, UKIMS, so long as the goods meet the ‘not at risk’ criteria.
How to Prepare Your Goods for Transportation
Before you can send your goods off to Northern Ireland, there are a few key checks you should carry out to ensure the process goes smoothly. This can prevent any unnecessary hassle down the line, and keep your goods in the clear of all the relevant regulations.
- Determine your declaration requirements: check if declarations are needed for any goods entering or leaving the UK. Goods without Northern Ireland as the final destination are not applicable to the simplified customs under the UKIMS Windsor Framework.
- Contact the Trader Support Service: this is a free service that can assist you with customs procedures. If you’re trying to handle your logistics yourself, this can be a useful resource.
- Consult your courier: some carriers handle declarations on behalf of businesses, and good communication is always essential to ensure a smooth process.
- Obtain an EORI number: an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is necessary for moving goods in and out of the UK.
- Apply for UKIMS authorisation: actually applying for the framework is essential for accessing simplified processes, so make sure you do this before sending off your goods.
Many of the items in this list can be easily resolved by working with a trusted logistics partner like Allegro. We handle the complex supply chain processes, helping you get the best deal for the least effort.
Get in touch today to find out more.
How to Categorise Your Goods
Under the UKIMS Windsor Framework, there are several categorisations that your goods may fall under. These can help you easily determine whether or not your goods can utilise the simplified customs declarations under the new regulations.
These include:
- Category 1: this code applies to all goods ‘at risk’ of entering the EU, and must follow full customs procedures.
- Category 2: these goods are eligible for the Framework, and include excise products and goods under specific controls. Category 2 goods require an 8-digit commodity code, alongside additional documentation.
- Standard Goods: this categorisation is the most basic under the Framework, and allows for simplified transport procedures, requiring a 6-digit commodity code.
- Agri-Food Goods: under the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme (NIRMS), food and agricultural products can be declared as Standard Goods.
Submitting Internal Market Movement Information
Authorised traders and logistics partners can fill in and submit the IMMI either before or after transportation. You can submit the details pre-movement, before any goods enter Northern Ireland, to ensure everything is in the clear before delivery begins.
On the other hand, you can also submit the IMMI post-movement using EIDR. This allows you to record details in your own systems, and submit them later when it’s more convenient for you.
In either case, the IMMI requires less information than a full declaration, streamlining the process for ‘not at risk’ goods that aren’t entering the EU.
Alternative Procedures for Certain Goods
Goods not qualifying for simplified processes, such as those destined for the EU and not meeting the ‘not at risk’ criteria, must follow standard customs procedures. This may involve full declarations and payment of applicable EU duties.
Comply with UK Import and Export Regulations with Allegro Logistics
The best way to make sure your goods are following the right regulations, and to carry out the complex and variable logistics process, is to work with a partner. This way, you can be sure that all the right details under the UKIMS Windsor Framework can be processed and submitted at the right time.
At Allegro Logistics, we provide a clear and consistent service for supply chain management, saving you on admin headaches and getting your goods to their destination. If you’re interested in finding out more, please get in touch.
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