Windsor Framework
Sending Parcels from Great Britain to Northern Ireland (NI) After 31st March 2025
Effective March 31st, 2025, new regulations will apply to parcels shipped from Great Britain (GB) to Northern Ireland (NI) under the Windsor Framework.
What is UKIMS? UKIMS enables eligible ‘not at risk’ goods to move from a business in Great Britain to a business in Northern Ireland that are for sale to, or final use by, end consumers located in the UK, without the need for a full international customs declaration and without incurring duty. The definition for ‘not at risk’ goods can be found on the Government’s website here.
As a recap, for any destination which requires them, commodity codes are already requested
- The rules depend on whether you’re a business (B2B) or an individual (B2C) sending the parcel.
Business to Business (B2B):
- Green Lane Shipments: If your goods are staying in Northern Ireland and qualify for the UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS), you’ll need to register for a UKIMS number and provide it to your carrier.
- Red Lane Shipments: If your goods are considered “at risk” of leaving Northern Ireland, you’ll need to provide a full customs declaration and potentially pay EU duties.
Business to Consumer (B2C), Consumer to Consumer (C2C), Consumer to Business (C2B):
- No individual customs declarations are needed.
- However, you’ll need to provide your carrier with a detailed description of each item in your parcel, including:
- Number of items
- Product description
- Total value of the parcel
- Total weight of the parcel
Please note that these changes are mandated by the UK Government, and all carriers are implementing the necessary requirements.
To ensure a smooth transition, we suggest taking the following steps:
- Review the guidance provided by the UK Government regarding the Windsor Framework here.
- Register for a UKIMS number if applicable here.
We recommend familiarising yourself with these changes as soon as possible to ensure a smooth transition for your parcels moving to Northern Ireland after March 31st.
Shipping Updates
Due to the devastating Russian invasion of Ukraine:
- Ukraine – service suspended
- Belarus – service suspended
- Russia – service suspended
Other shipping updates:
- Iran – service suspended due to sanctions
- Israel – expect delays to certain areas
- Jerusalem, West Bank, and Gaza – service suspended
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In the face of the challenges posed by the unprecedented global COVID-19 crisis, ICR have to levy an Emergency Situation Surcharge (ESS) to all International Express shipments, from the 1st April 2020 until further notice.
ESS Charge: £1 per Kg, min. charge £2.50
Fuel Surcharge
The transport industry is subject to fluctuating fuel costs, which we have to allow for in our pricing scale. This will be updated on a monthly basis according to the following scale: Jet Fuel Index (USD per gallon)
March 2025
- Domestic: 18%
- Int’l Express: 30%
April 2025
- Domestic: 18%
- Int’l express: 30%
There will be a 1 month delay in the application of the index. ICR Worldwide Express Ltd reserves the right to change the fuel supplement index and table with or without notice. Both the amount and duration of the surcharge will be determined at the sole discretion of ICR Worldwide Express Ltd.
Shipping between GB/EU
Goods moving from GB/EU are now subject to full customs controls. UK importers can claim tariff preference if they have a statement on origin – this must be made out by the exporter to confirm that the product originates in the EU. Include the following information on your commercial invoice when exporting / importing:
- Include shipper & receiver VAT & EORI numbers
- Describe goods accurately
- Include correct Commodity / HS code(s) and correct value of goods
- Include country of origin details, reason for export, apply correct incoterms as agreed with your customer (DDP / DAP)
- Include your (& the recipient’s) shipping addresses & contact details.
USA Shipping Update
Effective April 5th, 2025, all shipments destined for the United States with a declared customs value exceeding USD 800 will now require formal entry processing, as per updated U.S. Customs regulations. This marks a reduction from the previous threshold of USD 2,500. This change may result in transit delays.
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