What is the Windsor Framework? A Simple Guide for UK Shippers

If you regularly ship parcels between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, you've likely heard about the Windsor Framework - but what exactly is it, and how might it affect your deliveries? In this blog, we'll clearly break down what the framework entails and what it means for individuals and businesses relying on smooth parcel deliveries across the UK. The final stage of implementation, particularly concerning parcel movements, takes effect on 1st May 2025

Sections in this guide:

- What is the Windsor Framework?
- Why was the Windsor Framework needed?
- When does the Windsor Framework take effect?
- What's changed under the Windsor Framework?
- What does this mean for Interparcel customers?
- Practical advice for Interparcel customers
- How to make your shipping simpler across the UK

What is the Windsor Framework?

The Windsor Framework (effective fully from 1 May 2025) is a UK-EU agreement replacing the Northern Ireland Protocol, simplifying trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland through streamlined customs lanes, reduced paperwork, UKIMS codes, and increased political input for Northern Ireland.

Why was the Windsor Framework needed?

Following Brexit, Northern Ireland found itself in a complicated position. To prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (which remains in the EU), the UK and EU initially implemented the Northern Ireland Protocol. However, this created new issues, requiring customs declarations and checks on goods— even those simply traveling within the UK from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

Businesses and consumers faced delays, paperwork headaches, and extra costs, prompting a push for improvements. As a solution, the UK and EU agreed to replace the protocol with the Windsor Framework in 2023, addressing many previous issues.

When does the Windsor Framework take effect?

The Windsor Framework was formally adopted on 24 March 2023, with implementation happening in stages:

1 OCTOBER 2023:
Key provisions, such as the Green Lane and Red Lane system, became operational, simplifying the movement of goods.

1 JANUARY 2025:
New UK-wide arrangements for medicines will take effect, ensuring consistent availability across the UK.

1 MAY 2025:
The remaining arrangements, particularly concerning parcel movements, will become fully effective.
Please note that originally this was meant to come into effect on 31st March, but was postponed to 1st May to give businesses more time to prepare

This phased approach gives businesses time to adapt to the new arrangements.

What's changed under the Windsor Framework?

The Windsor Framework introduces key improvements designed to simplify the trade process between Great Britain and Northern Ireland:

1. Green Lane and Red Lane system

• Green Lane: For trusted traders sending goods that will stay within Northern Ireland, parcels can now move through a dedicated 'Green Lane' with significantly reduced checks and streamlined paperwork.


• Red Lane: For parcels destined for the EU market via Northern Ireland, a 'Red Lane' is in place, maintaining rigorous checks to meet EU customs standards.

The two-lane system clearly separates goods intended only for Northern Ireland from those moving into the EU, dramatically reducing unnecessary delays for internal UK shipments.

2. Reduced Customs Paperwork

A significant change is that many goods shipped between Great Britain and Northern Ireland no longer require full customs declarations. This reduction in bureaucracy means quicker processing, lower shipping costs, and fewer hurdles for Interparcel users sending parcels within the UK.

3. UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS) Codes

The Windsor Framework introduces UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS) codes, which identify goods intended for use within Northern Ireland. These codes help streamline parcel movements by clearly marking products eligible for simplified checks, significantly speeding up processing times and further reducing administrative burdens.

4. Easier Access to Essential Products

Rules on delivering everyday items like food, medicines, plants, and online retail goods have been simplified. Products made to UK standards can now move freely into Northern Ireland, improving product availability, reducing costs, and benefiting consumers directly.

5. Stormont Brake – A Voice for Northern Ireland

The Windsor Framework also introduces a political mechanism called the "Stormont Brake." This allows Northern Ireland's government to raise concerns or even halt new EU laws that could negatively affect local businesses or communities. This measure ensures Northern Ireland has more say over the regulations it follows.

What Does This Mean for Interparcel Customers?

For businesses and individuals using Interparcel, the Windsor Framework translates directly into several practical benefits:

Fewer Delays:
Shipments between Great Britain and Northern Ireland should experience faster, smoother transit due to simplified customs procedures.

Cost Savings:
Reduced paperwork and faster processing mean potentially lower shipping costs for your parcels.

Better Predictability:
Fewer disruptions mean you can reliably manage deliveries, ensuring your parcels reach customers on time.

UKIMS Codes:
Businesses sending parcels from Great Britain to Northern Ireland will need to use UKIMS codes for goods intended to remain within Northern Ireland. Typically, these codes will be managed by retailers and suppliers, helping clearly identify goods eligible for simpler customs processes. If you're an individual sender, the responsibility of using UKIMS codes usually lies with businesses rather than private senders.

Practical Advice for Interparcel Customers

Stay Informed:
Regularly check Interparcel updates for the latest news on the Windsor Framework and how it affects shipping processes.

Prepare Early:
Businesses should start implementing procedures for using UKIMS codes and familiarize themselves with new paperwork requirements ahead of the final stage on 1st May 2025.

Communicate Clearly:
Clearly label parcels, accurately specify contents, and include UKIMS codes where applicable to ensure smoother processing.

Ask for Support:
Our team at Interparcel is always available to help. If you have questions about managing UKIMS codes, required paperwork, or selecting the right courier services under the new arrangements, reach out to our customer support team for guidance.

Making Shipping Simpler Across the UK

Ultimately, the Windsor Framework makes life easier for anyone shipping between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It balances the practical needs of businesses and consumers while respecting Northern Ireland's unique economic and political position.

At Interparcel, we're committed to ensuring you always have access to the best shipping options at the most competitive prices. Thanks to improvements like the Windsor Framework, shipping across the UK is becoming simpler and more efficient every day.

Need reliable parcel delivery? Use Interparcel to easily compare courier services, prices, and transit times—ensuring your parcels always arrive swiftly and safely.