Journey

Windsor Framework: quick compliance check for GB businesses

Quick check for GB businesses selling goods to Northern Ireland. Covers UKIMS authorisation, NIRMS for food, EORI numbers, customs requirements, and product labelling.

Running a Business Updated 15 September 2026

5 milestones references 2 guides

Does the Windsor Framework affect you?

If your GB business sends goods to Northern Ireland, you must comply with the Windsor Framework. This quick check helps you confirm whether you have the right registrations and processes in place.

Full guide to trading with Northern Ireland

Comprehensive guide covering the Windsor Framework, UKIMS, NIRMS, customs declarations, duty relief, and VAT.

Do you have an EORI number?

You need a GB EORI number to move goods to Northern Ireland. Check whether you already have one or need to apply.

EORI and customs

An EORI number is your customs identity. Without one, your goods cannot clear the border. Apply free through HMRC -- allow 5 working days for processing.

GB EORI number

Required for businesses moving goods from GB

XI EORI number

Required for businesses established in NI or trading with EU via NI

Internal Market Movement Information (IMMI)

Simplified declaration for UK Internal Market lane goods

Trader Goods Profile

Set up commodity codes and supplier details to simplify declarations

NIRMS

Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme for agri-food products

NIRMS checks

Reduced to 5% from 1 July 2025

Get an EORI number (opens in a new tab)

gov.uk
Get an EORI number (opens in a new tab)

Apply for or check your GB EORI number on GOV.UK.
Are you registered for UKIMS?

The UK Internal Market Scheme lets you use the simplified green lane for goods staying in the UK.

UKIMS authorisation

UKIMS replaces the old UK Trader Scheme. Once authorised, you submit simplified data instead of full customs declarations and pay no duty on qualifying goods.

Purpose

Allows goods to move GB to NI through UK Internal Market lane with reduced requirements

Revenue threshold

£2 million annual turnover - businesses below may be exempt from certain requirements

NI-based businesses

Generally qualify automatically if established in Northern Ireland

GB-based businesses

Must apply and demonstrate goods are for NI market only

Key benefit

No customs declarations for qualifying goods

Application

Apply via HMRC's UKIMS service

Apply for UKIMS authorisation (opens in a new tab)
Green lane or red lane?

Which lane applies

Goods staying in the UK go through the green lane with simplified checks. Goods that may enter the EU single market go through the red lane with full customs declarations and potential duties.

UK Internal Market lane (green)

For goods staying in NI - simplified requirements, no customs declarations

Red lane

For goods at risk of moving to EU - full customs declarations and checks

At risk goods

Goods intended for or likely to enter EU single market

Not at risk goods

Goods for NI consumption with UKIMS or NIRMS authorisation

Green lane checks

Reduced to 5% of consignments from 1 July 2025

Internal market movements from GB to NI (opens in a new tab)

Guv’s take

Key question: Will your goods stay in Northern Ireland or return to GB? If yes, you qualify for the green lane. If they might move on to the Republic of Ireland or the EU, use the red lane.
Do you send food or agri-food products?

NIRMS for food movements

The Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme covers food for sale to NI consumers. If you send food, drink, or agri-food products, you must register for NIRMS in addition to UKIMS.

Scheme purpose

Simplified movement of prepacked retail agrifood goods GB to NI

Replaces

Scheme for Temporary Agrifood Movements into Northern Ireland (STAMNI)

Effective from

1 October 2023

Registration requirement

Both sender (GB) and receiver (NI) must be registered

Registration method

Online via Export Health Certificate Online (EHC Online)

Documentation

Single General Certificate per consignment (replaces individual export health certificates)

Contact email

NIRetailMovementEnquiries@apha.gov.uk

Contact phone

03000 200 301 (Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm)
Product labelling and parcels

NI product marking

Northern Ireland follows EU product rules. Products requiring safety marking must carry CE marking -- UKCA marking alone is not accepted in NI.

UK customs territory

NI is part of UK customs territory - no customs duties on internal UK trade

EU single market access

NI follows EU rules for goods allowing access to EU market

CE marking

Required for goods sold in NI (EU rules apply)

UKCA marking

NOT accepted in NI - products need CE marking

Not for EU labelling

Required for UK-standard goods entering NI (3-phase implementation)

Phase 3 labelling

Full Not for EU requirements from 1 July 2025

Placing goods on the NI market (opens in a new tab)

NI product standards and CE marking

Which marking your products need for the Northern Ireland market.

Take note

Compliance summary: At minimum you need a GB EORI number and UKIMS authorisation. Add NIRMS if you move food products. Ensure CE marking on safety-marked goods.

tradersupportservice.co.uk
Register for Trader Support Service (opens in a new tab)

Free government-funded service that can help you with GB-NI customs processes.

Windsor Framework: quick compliance check for GB businesses

Does the Windsor Framework affect you?

Full guide to trading with Northern Ireland

Do you have an EORI number?

Get an EORI number (opens in a new tab)

Are you registered for UKIMS?

Green lane or red lane?

Do you send food or agri-food products?

Product labelling and parcels

NI product standards and CE marking

Register for Trader Support Service (opens in a new tab)

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