This section aims to answer fundamental questions about the Windsor Framework.
Amendment to Go Live Date for UK Windsor Framework
On 19th September 2024, the UK Government confirmed that the new arrangements under the Windsor Framework for parcels and freight movements that were planned to come into effect from 30th September 2024 will be deferred until 31st March 2025. See Sending parcels to and from Northern Ireland for the full statement.
Metapack is currently assessing the implications of this change in conjunction with the carriers, to understand how this changes our short-term planning. Some carriers may still decide to implement the changes they prepared on/prior to 30th September 2024, the results of which may also require Metapack to deploy any complementary changes.
Additionally, please note that carriers may take this opportunity to redesign elements of their Windsor Framework solution which may in turn generate new requirements for Metapack and our Customers. Metapack shall issue revised guidance as/when this is confirmed.
Our goal now is to ensure that both Metapack and our Customers can effectively plan and deliver the changes required for the Windsor Framework data regulations in advance of the new deadline.
The Windsor Framework is an agreement between the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) regarding the movement of goods between Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland (NI), following the UK’s exit from the EU. GB refers to England, Wales, and Scotland.
For further details, please refer to The Windsor Framework - GOV.UK and also the government’s further details and publications page The Windsor Framework - further detail and publications - GOV.UK.
Metapack believes the following types of movements will be affected by this change in shipping from GB to NI:
-
B2C (Business to Consumer)
-
B2B (Business to Business)
-
C2C (Consumer to Consumer)
-
C2B (Consumer to Business, aka return)
Carriers may require Shippers to provide additional information regarding shipments entering NI. The information will depend upon the type of movement taking place. To collect this information, carriers will update their technical integrations with Metapack platforms.
Metapack’s changes will enable Customers to provide all the information required by carriers.
Carriers will need to be registered as Authorised to ship parcels from GB to NI.
The UK Carrier (UKC) Scheme is an authorisation that enables businesses to move eligible consumer parcels, from GB to NI, in line with Windsor Framework arrangements. UKC Scheme authorisation allows a business to send these parcels without completing any customs, or safety and security declarations. For more information, refer to the UK Government Guidance: Check if you can apply for the UK Carrier Scheme.