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 effect no sooner than 31 March 2025. 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.
We continue to work with the Government, and we will update this guidance as we move towards 31 March 2025.
Latest updates
HMRC guidance
UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS)
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). 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 apply to all carriers and will take effect no sooner than 31 March 2025.
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.
Does Parcelforce Worldwide offer both ‘not at risk’ and ‘at risk’ options?
Yes, Parcelforce Worldwide offers both options. Customers are encouraged to register for UKIMS to support the movement of goods categorised as ‘not at risk’.
Does Parcelforce Worldwide offer a Next Day service?
Yes, we offer both a Next Day and a 2-day service.
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.
Click here for further details.
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’.