If you're a retailer based in Northern Ireland (NI) and you place orders from brands shipping from the UK, here's what you need to know about how shipping works under the Windsor Framework.
The Framework applies to all product categories, not just regulated or controlled goods. It sets the rules for how goods move between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including everyday products sold on Faire.
As the importer, you're responsible for ensuring compliance with relevant customs and import laws. We recommend consulting with a customs broker or legal adviser to confirm your readiness to import and ensure compliance.
Please note, this resource is non-exhaustive and purely indicative.
What is the Windsor Framework?
The Windsor Framework is a UK-EU agreement that alters how goods move between Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK or EU. For Faire retailers, this means EU brands can ship directly into Northern Ireland without additional duties or customs paperwork, as long as the products stay within NI.
The Framework introduces a green lane and red lane system for goods entering Northern Ireland:
- Green lane: For goods that are staying in Northern Ireland. These shipments benefit from minimal checks, no duties, and simplified customs procedures.
- Red lane: For goods that are intended for the EU or could be at risk of moving into the EU. These shipments are subject to full customs checks and duties.
Faire orders delivered to retailers in Northern Ireland are eligible for the green lane if the goods are for final sale in NI. To access this benefit, you must be registered for the UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS).
Why should I register for UKIMS?
UKIMS is a UK government scheme that allows businesses in Northern Ireland to declare their goods as “not at risk” of moving into the EU. If you're registered:
- Your shipments from the EU can travel through the green lane with no duties or extra paperwork.
- You avoid potential delays or additional charges at customs.
- You ensure compliance with UK and EU trade requirements under the Windsor Framework.
To benefit from green lane shipping, your business must be UKIMS registered.
How do I register for UKIMS?
To qualify for green lane shipping under the Windsor Framework, your business must be registered for the UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS). This confirms your goods are “not at risk” of entering the EU, allowing them to move from the UK or EU to Northern Ireland without duties or extra customs steps.
You can apply through the UK government website, here.
You’ll need to be a UK-based business (including Northern Ireland) with a valid EORI number, keep records showing your goods will stay in Northern Ireland, provide company and contact details, and—if based outside NI—appoint a customs representative in Northern Ireland.
The application is free and typically processed in around two weeks, it may take up to 120 days if additional information is needed.
Once approved, share your UKIMS number with brands you order from to qualify for the green lane.
Do I need to pay duties on products I import from the UK?
No, as long as your business is UKIMS registered and the goods are staying in Northern Ireland:
- No import duties or tariffs apply.
- No customs declarations are required.
- Shipping is treated like an EU-to-EU transaction.
I was charged duties on my order into Northern Ireland. Can I be reimbursed?
If you paid EU import duties on goods that later prove to have remained in NI and were not at risk of entering the EU, you may be able to reclaim those duties under the Duty Reimbursement Scheme. For more guidance, visit the UK government’s Windsor Framework page.