April 14, 2025
AGI News
Customs
After the UK left the European Union, a solution was require for the trade between the UK, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The solution was the Windsor Framework, which will take effect from 1st May 2025.
What Is The Windsor Framework?
The Windsor Framework is an agreement between the UK and the EU to facilitate trade between the UK, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The introduction of the framework benefits trade in many ways, including:
- Minimising customs checks between Northern Ireland and the EU.
- Allowing goods to flow freely between Northern Ireland the the UK.
- Avoiding a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
How Will The Windsor Framework Work?
To assist with the movement of goods, a new ‘Green Lane’ and ‘Red Lane’ system is being adopted. This new system effectively splits goods into 2 pots for customs checks:
Green Lane: ‘Green Lane’ checks are specifically for goods for sale in Northern Ireland. Minimal checks will take place, due to the ‘Trusted Trader’ scheme being in place.
Red Lane: Goods travelling for sale in the EU, including Ireland, will be subject to more comprehensive checks, defined as the ‘Red Lane’.
Simplified customs procedures will also be introduced. This will significantly reduce the amount of paperwork involved in completing a declaration, and speed up the release of goods.
Medicines & Pharmaceuticals
Given the UK and the EU have different processes for approving medicines and pharmaceuticals, the Winsor Framework specifies that medicines and pharmaceuticals approved in Great Britain can be sold in Northern Ireland without the need for additional approvals. This element of the Windsor Framework was effective from 1st January 2025.
Customs Changes
Customs rules are constantly being updated. So to keep up-to-date with the latest news, please click here to read our customs articles.
How can we help?
In addition to offering multimodal freight solutions, here at AGI we also specialise in customs clearances, offering help and advice on the latest Border Force rules. Please get in touch if you have any specific customs enquiries. And for all of the latest AGI news, don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook!