12 things you need to know about the Windsor Framework UKIM Scheme

On Friday, details were released about the new green lane system set to replace the UK Trader Scheme in October 2024 for companies moving goods into Northern Ireland. We run down the key facts, how it's different from the current process and what you need to do to qualify for it. 

1. The new name is the UK Internal Movement Scheme

Or UKIMS for short. 

2. If you are already UK Trader Scheme authorised, then there's less to do

All businesses already registered will be contacted by HMRC in order to use the new process.

3. If you aren't registered with TSS, you can still use the new system

Previously if you didn't have a base in Northern Ireland, then you were excluded from registering and using the green lane system. UKIMS views things differently, which makes it better for more businesses. 

4. Registration for the new system opened on Friday 9 June

You can sign up here. If you've done it already, well done. But if you haven't and you want to take advantage of the Windsor Framework, then you better act fast, because...

5. Registration closes on 31 July 2023

Why the rush? Because some changes are going to be implemented from 30 September. 

6. That said the full role out of the green lane system won't happen until October 2024

But do expect to see some shifts in process relevant to the food industry before then, especially with the new sanitary and phytosanitary arrangements. These include new rules around plants, seed potatoes, and the introduction of the Retail Movement Scheme for agrifood goods, which businesses moving pre-packed retail goods from England, Scotland and Wales to Northern Ireland will need to register for to take advantage of a simpler green lane system than currently exists. 

7. Tell me more about ReMoS?

It will come into action on 1 October 2023, and will replace the Scheme for Temporary Agrifood Movements into Northern Ireland (STAMNI).

It will mean that products that are travelling only to Northern Ireland and which meet UK public health, organics and fisheries rules will be allowed to be moved.

And these items will move under a single General Certificate supported by a packing list.

This should mean lower costs, less paperwork, less checks and a simplified single SPS document per lorry. 

You need to register for the scheme. There's a fast-track scheme membership that opens between 31 July and 24 August 2023, then it opens for general registration. 

8. So there will be no more paperwork?

There will be no more paperwork once goods enter Northern Ireland, which isn't the same. More work will need to be done ahead of time between businesses, hauliers and importers.  

9. In other news if you previously paid duty on "at risk goods", then you may now be able to claim the fee back

That's right. Previously, if you couldn't prove your goods were stopping in Northern Ireland then you had to class them as "at risk" and pay EU customs duty. The Duty Reimbursement Scheme allows you to claim that back, as long as you can show evidence that the goods either stayed in Northern Irish shores, returned to the rest of the UK, or were shipped outside of the EU. 

10. The Duty Reimbursement Scheme applies to goods dating back to January 2021

And you can start claiming from 30 June. For goods brought into Northern Ireland before this claims can me made until 30 June 2026. After that there will be a 3-year claim window after the receipt of the duty notice. 

11. What else should we expect?

There will be new labelling legislation rolled out in October and wider range of products will be eligible for the green lane. These include: seasoned lamb joints and British sausages, which will both now be certified under the General Certificate; organic produce, which will now fall under UK public health and marketing rules; and wine, which will no longer need a VI-1 certificate

12. If you do need to use the red lane, is there any good news on the paperwork front?

The official line is that there are no plans to introduce export declarations, so that's something. 

You can read more about the new changes here.