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.

UKP Worldwide (UKPW) is proud to announce that we have successfully retained our Silver Investors in People (IIP) accreditation for another three years, extending until February 2028. This achievement reinforces our ongoing commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture, investing in our team’s development, and ensuring UKPW remains a great place to work. 

The Investors in People accreditation is a globally recognised standard for people management, assessing how well an organisation supports, and empowers its workforce. Retaining our Silver accreditation highlights our dedication to continuous improvement and excellence in leadership, employee engagement, and workplace wellbeing. 

Lee Bucktrout, CEO, commented: 

“Our people are at the heart of what we do. Retaining silver accreditation is a fantastic reflection of our commitment to investing in our team, creating opportunities for growth, and ensuring UKPW remains a supportive and engaging workplace. We’re incredibly proud of this achievement and grateful to our employees for making UKPW the company it is today.”

At UKPW, we believe that a motivated and well supported team is key to delivering outstanding service to our customers. As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain committed to enhancing our workplace culture and striving for even greater success. 

The UKP Worldwide team recently returned from WMX Miami 2025, one of the leading events in the global mail and express industry. Over the course of the event, our team connected with industry leaders, discussed the latest developments in eCommerce logistics, customs, and returns, and shared expert insights on key regulatory changes affecting cross-border trade.

WMX Miami provided an invaluable platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities in global eCommerce logistics, and we were at the forefront of these conversations. Our participation included delivering expert presentations, engaging with key decision-makers, and showcasing our innovative solutions for customs clearance, returns management, and duty reclaim.

Before the main WMX event, Guy Cliffe, presented at the International Mailers Advisory Group (IMAG) meeting alongside Bradley Fisher from Emo-Log. The presentation, titled: 📢 “Navigating Cross-Border Trade: Insights from the UK and the EU”, focused on the evolving customs landscape and regulatory updates including:

✅ EU Union Code of Customs changes, including the potential removal of the €150 duty threshold.
✅ The introduction of the EU General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR) and their impact on eCommerce
✅ Upcoming changes to the Windsor Framework and their effect on UK-to-NI trade
✅ New ENS Safety & Security Declarations, coming into force at the end of January 2025
✅ Returns and duty reclaim strategies, helping businesses recover up to £50-100k per week

This session sparked engaging discussions, providing attendees with valuable insights on adapting to the shifting customs environment.

At the main WMX Miami 2025 conference, Guy Cliffe delivered a second presentation: 📢 “Marketplaces and Customs Clearance in and out of the UK and EU”. This session focused on the rapidly evolving world of digital marketplaces and eCommerce logistics, covering:

🔹 The rise of digital marketplaces and their role in shaping modern supply chains
🔹 VAT and duty reclaim solutions for online retailers and cross-border sellers
🔹 The impact of new customs regulations on eCommerce shipping and returns
🔹 The Windsor Framework’s impact on parcel movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland
🔹 How UKP Worldwide’s ‘Unwind’ returns solution is helping businesses manage seamless and cost-effective returns

As online marketplaces continue to reshape global logistics, our presentation highlighted the need for efficient customs clearance, regulatory compliance, and robust returns management strategies.

Beyond our presentations, WMX Miami provided an excellent opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with key industry players. Our team had productive conversations with postal operators, logistics providers, retailers, and marketplace leaders, discussing how UKP Worldwide can support businesses in navigating the complexities of customs and cross-border trade.

We also had the chance to discuss upcoming regulatory changes with global partners, helping them stay ahead of evolving customs requirements and compliance obligations.

With WMX Miami 2025 behind us, UKP Worldwide is now gearing up for the 21st Annual Reverse Logistics Association (RLA) Conference & Expo in Las Vegas on 10th March 2025.

We are thrilled to announce that UKP Worldwide has been nominated for the RLA Excellence Awards for our Unwind returns solution, highlighting our commitment to seamless and cost-effective returns management. Guy, Dillon, and Jarek will be attending the event, ready to connect with industry leaders and share insights into the future of eCommerce logistics and reverse supply chain management.

Thank you to everyone who connected with us at WMX Miami! If you’re attending the RLA Conference in Las Vegas, we look forward to seeing you there.

📩 If you’d like to discuss how UKP Worldwide can support your business with customs clearance, duty reclaim, and returns management, get in touch today!