UK Government announces updates to Windsor Framework and launch of UK Internal Market Scheme

As part of the Windsor Framework implementation process, the Government has published detailed guidance highlighting important information regarding the movement of goods between Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom.

The shared guidance covers:

  • general aspects of the movements
  • specific information on SPS products and medicines
  • clarification on the subsidy control, the application of Article 10 of the Windsor Framework

Please see the below link for the guidance on GOV.UK

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/the-windsor-framework-further-detail-and-publications?&utm_source=jccc_update&utm_medium=stk_email&utm_campaign=northern_ireland&utm_content=09_06_2023#subsidy-control

In addition, HMRC has announced the replacement of the existing UK Trader Scheme (UKTS) with the new UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS) which will be mandatory from 30th September 2024.

The registration for the new scheme is now open and all traders are invited to commence the registration process. Authorised businesses will be able to move goods into Northern Ireland under the expanded scheme criteria from 30th September 2023.

The detailed guidance explaining the UK Internal Market Scheme and a link to the UKIM registration form available via the below link.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-authorisation-for-the-uk-internal-market-scheme-if-you-bring-goods-into-northern-ireland?&utm_source=jccc_update&utm_medium=stk_email&utm_campaign=northern_ireland&utm_content=09_06_2023

If traders require more information, they can contact the HMRC Customs & International Trade Helpline on 0300 322 8434.

The GOV.UK update also announced additional information the following schemes:

  • Duty Reimbursement Scheme – this will allow traders to reclaim EU duty paid on goods that can be shown not to have entered the EU. The scheme will launch on 30th June and applies to goods moved since 2021.
  • Customs Duty Waiver Schemefrom January 2024, the maximum value of duties able to be waived over the course of three tax years for ‘at risk’ goods moved into Northern Ireland will rise to €275,000 (~£235,000) from the current level of €200,000 (~£170,000).
  • Parcels – from 30th September 2024, a new set of arrangements for the movement of parcels will apply, which will enable consumers to send and receive parcels as they do today, alongside parcel operators sharing standard commercial data with HMRC.