Windsor Framework: streamline shipments from Great Britain to Northern Ireland

Following Brexit, trade between Great Britain Mainland and Northern Ireland faced numerous regulatory challenges, greatly complicating the process of shipping goods.

Windsor Framework latest update: March 20th, 2025.

In this article, we will explore the implications of this new regulatory framework and how ShippyPro can facilitate companies in this new environment.

What is Windsor Framework?

The Windsor Framework is legislation designed to ease customs procedures between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, created by the need to handle goods in transit to the European Union through Northern Ireland. The new rules aim at creating a balance between trade facilitation and the security of the European market.

B2C trades between Great Britain and Northern Ireland

In the B2C context, goods destined for end consumers in Northern Ireland are not subject to customs duties. However, merchants must send a detailed description of the goods (parcel weight, dimensions, HS code, value, product description...), similar to the CN22 form used for international shipments. This step is crucial to ensure that control procedures are followed without hindering the speed of delivery.

ShippyPro and Windsor Framework: tools for B2C regulatory compliance

1 in 4 shipments handled by ShippyPro is international. This is why we have developed over time a series of resources and tools for companies shipping abroad. In particular, for B2C shipments, it is possible to automate the communication of shipping information to facilitate customs clearance and reduce delivery times.  

Furthermore, we are constantly updating our library of integrations of +180 carriers to support companies in maintaining compliance and ensuring continuity of service.

B2B trades between Great Britain and Northern Ireland: the Green Lane

The Green Lane provides a fast track for those goods that are destined to remain in Northern Ireland (i.e. not have other EU countries as their final destination), although they depart from Great Britain. 

Shipments passing through the Green Lane do not require the same level of control as goods destined for the EU or that might risk moving to the EU. According to the UK government's Green Lane document, goods destined exclusively for Northern Ireland enjoy benefits that include exemption from customs duties and reduced customs procedures.

This paperwork simplification is intended to ease trade and reduce delays by promoting a more efficient handling of shipments and eliminating duty taxes. 

However, merchants operating in this stream must have a specific identification number (UKIMS number), which must be affixed to the shipping label together with a detailed description of the goods and the words ‘not for EU’.

There are some minor exceptions to the Green Lane. For example, when it comes to sanitary, pharmaceutical, phytosanitary and agri-food products, the customs clearance process requires additional checks due to the nature of the goods themselves. 

Red Lane: for goods destined for the EU

Unlike the Green Lane, the Red Lane applies to goods that may be transferred from Northern Ireland to the EU. These goods are subject to full customs duties and, unlike the Green Lane, do not require the acquisition of an identification number (besides EORI). This lane ensures that goods entering the EU are properly controlled and taxed according to current regulations.

All goods traded outside the UK Internal Market Scheme will continue to follow Red Lane rules. 

Follow the Green Lane with ShippyPro

In addition to the tools listed above, ShippyPro also offers APIs and functionality to manage the transmission of all data required for Green Lane clearance: 

• Automatic data transmission
• Transmission of ETDs before or after shipment
• Generation of commercial invoice or proforma
• PaperlessAPI for dematerialisation of shipping documentation
• Create customs invoices directly from our platform.

Windsor Framework: in conclusion

The Windsor Framework represents a significant step towards simplifying shipping between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and opening up trade between the UK and the EU - critical to keeping trade flowing in a post-Brexit era.

For businesses, adapting to these new rules is essential and the tools provided by ShippyPro can play a crucial role in this process. By facilitating regulatory compliance and streamlining shipping operations, ShippyPro proves an indispensable ally for businesses navigating the complex landscape of international trade.