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The Windsor framework guide (for shipping between Great Britain and Northern Ireland)

Joan
  • Updated

Purpose: this guide will help you understand the Windsor framework and how it impacts your business.

What is the Windsor framework?

The Windsor Framework introduces a new set of arrangements, designed to restore smooth trade flow within the United Kingdom. These commercial processes will simplify the previously complex customs procedures, freeing Northern Ireland from unnecessary paperwork, checks, and duties.

Who does this apply to? This applies to all business shipping between Great Britain and Northern Ireland (B2B, B2C).

It is important to note that shipments between Great Britain and Northern Ireland are not classified as domestic shipping. Commercial information is still required. More details on this will be provided later in the article.

Glossary

Not at risk shipments

Shipments that are "not at risk" are shipments with a final destination in the UK. They will be sold or have their final use by end consumers in the UK. 

At risk shipments

At risk shipments, are shipments that are intended to continue their journey to the EU. Their final destination is not within the UK.

How to prepare

With the Windsor framework in mind, there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself. 

Steps:

  1. Are you shipping B2B? If you ship B2B shipments that are not at risk (final destination within the UK), make sure you apply for a UKIMS number. You can request a number via the UK government website.
  2. A clear description of your products will be important. If the item description is automatically imported in Sendcloud from your webshop, make sure to update the information in your webshop in advance. For example: if your item name is currently "Samples" change it to something more descriptive like "Linen shirts".
  3. Research your commodity codes. The commodity code is required for at risk B2B shipments sent between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This means that they are B2B shipments with a final destination outside the UK. However, we advise to also add the commodity code for your shipments that do stay withing the UK. Check in advance what commodity codes you need to use for your products. You can find more information on finding your commodity code on the UK government website.

Continue reading to learn more about the requirements and how to add the information in Sendcloud.

Requirements for shipping between Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Customs documents are no longer required for shipping between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. However, commercial details are still needed to ensure your shipment can reach its final destination.

Requirements

Most of the requirements below will be retrieved from the order placed in your webshop. The requirements in blue need special attention.

Add at UK Sender address

  • Name and address of sender: this information will automatically be taken from your Sender address. 
  • UKIMS number: For B2B shipment between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, you will need a UK IMS number. You can request this number via the UK government website. This number is not required for B2C shipments.

Add at Label details

  • Name and address of recipient: the address of the recipient (receiver) will be taken from the order information. If you create the label manually, you need to add this information yourself, like you would for any other label. 
  • Total value of goods in the parcel: in the Total order value field you are required to fill in the total value of the order.
  • Weight of parcel: at the Parcel weight you can fill in the total weight of your parcel.
  • Number of items in the parcel: in the Item section in your label details, you can add items to your shipment.
  • Plain English goods description of each item:  it's important to add a clear description of each item. General terms will not be accepted and the item will most likely be returned. For example: "Samples" will not be accepted. A good description would be something like "Linen shirts".
  • Commodity code (HS code): the commodity code is required for B2B shipments sent between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, with a final destination outside the UK. However, we advise to also add the commodity code for your shipments that do stay withing the UK. Commodity codes are used to classify your goods. You can find the right commodity code for your product on the UK government website.

This information will be transferred digitally; you do not need a physical copy of the commercial details.