Effective from 1st May 2025, the new Windsor Framework arrangements for the movement of parcels from Great Britain to Northern Ireland will come into force – bringing an end to the temporary parcels waiver. 

This change follows the guidance issued by HMRC in September 2024 and months of collaborative preparation across the industry to ensure a smooth transition to the new regulatory requirements. 

What you need to know:

The parcels waiver currently in place for shipments from Great Britain to Northern Ireland ends on 30th April 2025.

From 1st May 2025, all parcels must comply with the new processes under the Windsor Framework.

These changes apply to both business-to-business and business-to-consumer shipments.

HMRC Announcement: 

“Following the guidance issued in September 2024, there has been extensive preparatory work undertaken for the new arrangements for the movement of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland by parcels or freight set out in the Windsor Framework. As a result, and subject to relevant procedures, the new arrangements as set out in the Windsor Framework are planned to take effect from 1st May 2025.” – HMRC, 19th March 2025

To read the full updated government guidance, visit:

👉 Sending parcels between Great Britain and Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework – GOV.UK

What happens next:

We expect further technical details from HMRC closer to the deployment date and we will continue to keep our customers informed as soon as new updates are available. 

At UKP Worldwide, we’re fully prepared for the implementation of the Windsor Framework and are here to support your business throughout this transition. If you have any questions about what this means for your parcels or would like help understanding the changes, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at ukpclientservices@ukpworldwide.com.

Many thanks,

Guy Cliffe & Client Services
UKP Worldwide

Communication – 19th March 2025

Northern Ireland Windsor Framework Implementation

Dear Valued Customers,

We would like to update you on the latest developments regarding the Windsor Framework arrangements for the movement of parcels between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

HMRC has confirmed that the new arrangements will come into effect on 1st May 2025, marking the end of the parcel waiver. This follows extensive preparatory work since the guidance was first issued in September 2024.

As a result, from 1st May, all parcels moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland will need to comply with the new Windsor Framework procedures. The final sign-off process by the joint committee is expected in April, and we anticipate further technical details in due course.

For the latest government guidance, please refer to:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sending-parcels-between-great-britain-and-northern-ireland-under-the-windsor-framework

We will continue to monitor updates and provide further guidance as soon as more details become available. In the meantime, if you have any questions about how this may affect your shipments, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Many thanks,

Guy Cliffe & Client Services
UKP Worldwide

Original Communication – 19th September 2024

Windsor Framework & Northern Ireland Launch Update

Dear Valued Customers,

We are sharing a critical announcement from AICES regarding the recent delay in the implementation of the Windsor Framework. The UK Government has confirmed that the new arrangements will now take effect by 31 March 2025, providing businesses with essential time to prepare for the upcoming changes in parcel movements to Northern Ireland.

While it’s unfortunate that this information comes so close to the previous deadline, this extension is a valuable opportunity for all stakeholders to ensure readiness. It is crucial that businesses utilise this time effectively to understand the new requirements, particularly in distinguishing between C2C, B2C, and B2B shipments.

Key points from the AICES statement include:

• Registration for the UKIMS scheme is necessary for GB shippers or their Northern Ireland recipients to access the green lane for B2B parcels.
• Clear government guidance is needed to navigate the new data requirements for declarations and submissions.

As we approach the busy peak season, now is the time to reach out to us for assistance in understanding these changes and how they may impact your operations. Our team at UKP Worldwide (UKPW) is here to support you through this transition and ensure a smooth implementation of the new customs processes.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any queries or for help with service implementations. Together, we can navigate these changes effectively and maintain the flow of parcels to Northern Ireland.

Many thanks,

Guy Cliffe & Client Services

UKP Worldwide

AICES International Express Official Statement

AICES welcomes the Government’s announcement delaying implementation of the Windsor Framework from 30 September and the confirmation that businesses should be fully prepared for the new arrangements by 31 March 2025.

Although it is disappointing that the border industry and traders have been informed so close to the deadline, this decision to delay gives traders vital time to prepare for the significant changes in movement of parcels to Northern Ireland from Great Britain, the EU and Rest of World as required by the Windsor Framework. Confirming a timeline which allows at least six months to prepare takes into account the approaching peak period and the urgent work that needs to be undertaken to ensure readiness.

In order to maintain flow, now is the time for very clear Government communications and guidance to explain that shippers need to prepare to distinguish between C2C, B2C and B2B parcels to Northern Ireland and will need to meet data requirements to fulfil the obligation for declarations for B2B shipments and data submission for B2C shipments.  In order to use the green lane for B2B parcels, GB shippers or their Northern Ireland recipient businesses will need to register for the Government’s UKIMS scheme.   This delay also gives express operators the opportunity to test the new procedures, data sharing and declaration processes with Government systems and avoid a ‘big bang’ approach.

The express sector moves over 40 million parcels a year to Northern Ireland and a pragmatic approach to implementation is vital if we are to maintain flow and ensure consumers can expect the same speed of delivery and choice of supplies. We will continue to work alongside Government and our customers to ensure that the move to the new Windsor Framework arrangements is as smooth a transition as possible for traders and their customers.

The European Union’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is a major upgrade in customs security procedures, designed to improve risk assessment and streamline the movement of goods across EU borders. All businesses transporting goods to or through the EU must now submit detailed cargo information in advance via the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS). This enables customs authorities to assess potential risks before shipments even arrive, ensuring the smooth flow of legitimate trade while strengthening border security.

What is ICS2 and Why Does It Matter?

ICS2 replaces and enhances the original Import Control System (ICS) by expanding the scope and accuracy of customs risk assessments. Covering all modes of transport—including air, sea, road, and rail—ICS2 introduces stricter data requirements for shipments entering or transiting through the EU. This means businesses must adapt their logistics and IT processes to comply with the new filing and risk assessment procedures.

By requiring more detailed and earlier cargo data submissions, ICS2 allows customs authorities to:

• Identify high-risk consignments before they reach EU borders.
• Streamline customs clearance for compliant shipments.
• Ensure consistent enforcement of security procedures across all EU Member States.

How ICS2 Affects Your Shipments

If your business is involved in EU-bound trade, ICS2 changes how you submit customs data and interact with customs authorities. Here’s what you need to know:

• Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) Filing
  Every shipment must have an ENS filed before arriving at the first EU port of entry. Air shipments require a two-step process: a partial ENS before loading and a full ENS before arrival. For sea, road, and rail, a complete ENS must be submitted before reaching EU territory.
• Customs Risk Assessments and Potential Delays
  Customs authorities analyse ENS data to assess security risks. If additional screening is required, they may request further details or even issue a “Do Not Load” order for high-risk shipments. Delays can occur if data is incomplete or if security concerns are raised, so accuracy and timeliness are essential.
• Arrival Notification and Goods Presentation
  Upon arrival, the carrier must notify customs and ensure goods are presented for possible inspection. Failure to comply with ICS2 requirements can lead to administrative penalties and disruptions in supply chains.

Who is Responsible for Filing the ENS?

The carrier transporting the goods into the EU is usually responsible for submitting the ENS. However, if they lack the necessary shipment details, the responsibility may fall on the trader or logistics provider. Filing deadlines vary by transport mode:

• Air Transport: Partial ENS required before loading; full ENS required at departure (flights under four hours) or at least four hours before arrival (flights over four hours).
• Sea Transport: ENS is required before loading for container cargo and at least two to four hours before arrival for other shipments.
• Road Transport: ENS must be submitted at least one hour before arrival in the EU.

Preparing for ICS2 Compliance

To avoid disruptions, businesses must take the following steps:

• Obtain an EORI Number
  All Economic Operators must register for an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number with an EU Member State’s customs authority to submit ENS filings.
• Upgrade IT Systems
  Businesses need systems capable of handling ICS2 data filing. This can be managed through in-house IT solutions or external IT service providers.
• Complete Mandatory Self-Conformance Testing
  Before going live with ICS2, businesses must successfully complete conformance testing to ensure their systems meet the new requirements and can connect to the ICS2 network.
• Submit ENS Filings Correctly
  ENS filings can be submitted via the Shared Trader Portal (STP) or through a custom connection via the Shared Trader Interface (STI), which requires additional compliance steps.
• Ensure Readiness for Customs Risk Management
  Businesses must be prepared to handle customs referrals, respond to requests for additional information, and complete security screening when required.

How UKP Worldwide Can Help

Navigating new customs regulations can be complex, but UKP Worldwide is here to support your business through the transition. With written instruction, our team may be able to assist in submitting ENS filings, ensuring compliance, and mitigating customs risks. If you can provide the necessary data, we may be able to act as the Sender on your behalf.

Our services include:

• IT Integration Support – Helping businesses implement the necessary IT systems and submit ICS2/ENS declarations.
• ENS Filing Services – Acting as the Sender to ensure accurate and timely ENS submissions, preventing shipment delays.
• Customs Compliance & Risk Mitigation – Assisting with customs referrals and security requirements to keep shipments moving smoothly.

As a GB Authorised Economic Operator (AEO), we provide trusted expertise in customs clearance. Contact our team today to find out how we can help your business adapt to ICS2.

We’re delighted to share that UKP Worldwide has been featured in the latest issue of Boutique magazine! Our expert insights on eCommerce exports, customs clearance, and returns solutions are helping fashion retailers successfully navigate the complexities of selling to European shoppers.

In the article, we explore the challenges UK retailers face when exporting to the EU—such as customs declarations, compliance, and returns management—and highlight how strategic planning and the right logistics partners can turn these obstacles into opportunities.

Key takeaways from the feature include:
✅ How bulk customs clearance can save time and costs.
✅ The importance of seamless returns management for customer satisfaction.
✅ Why proactive delivery tracking and communication reduce delays.
✅ The impact of potential EU regulatory changes on eCommerce.

As specialists in customs clearance and returns solutions, UKP Worldwide is committed to supporting retailers in expanding their global reach. With the right strategies, businesses can enhance customer experiences, grow their brand internationally, and maintain compliance with evolving regulations.

Read full article below or visit Boutique magazine to learn more about how we can help your business thrive in cross-border eCommerce.