The Windsor Framework - local trade advice and support organisations

In February 2023, the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) reached an agreement known as the Windsor Framework, which led to the establishment of new arrangements regarding the movement of goods between Northern Ireland, the rest of the UK, and the EU.

The Framework revises the Northern Ireland Protocol, the original agreement established after the UK officially left the EU on 1 January 2021.

What are the main areas of the Windsor Framework?

Some of the arrangements under the Windsor Framework include:

• rules on the trading of goods from Great Britain (GB) to Northern Ireland (NI)
• procedures for moving retail food goods
• checks and controls on agri-food (food and other agricultural products)
• amendments to VAT rules
• processes for the movement of parcels
• regulation of medicines placed on the market in Northern Ireland
• new governance mechanisms

The Windsor Framework is being introduced in stages until 2025, with some arrangements already in operation. See the Windsor Framework timeline of changes.

There are sources of advice to help businesses in Northern Ireland adapt to past changes and plan for implementing future changes.

Invest Northern Ireland

Invest NI can assist and signpost you to support if you are considering exporting or selling outside Northern Ireland.

They offer tailored programmes, market intelligence and specialist advice to help you establish the processes and structures for successful trading.

Contact Invest NI using their online enquiry form.

InterTradeIreland

InterTradeIreland has a business hub containing information for businesses engaged in, or planning to engage in, cross-border trade between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The Cross-Border Trade Hub provides information on topics, including trading in goods, customs, and the Windsor Framework. It also offers guidance on VAT rules, cross-border employment, regulations, standards, and labelling.

Access the Cross-border Trade Hub.

Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry

NI Chamber offers support programmes, training and events to support the needs of companies trading from Northern Ireland.

Find out more about NI Chamber training and events.

NI Chamber is a designated authority for the issue of certified export documents including UK Certificates of Origin, EUR1 Movement Certificates and Carnets.

Find out more about NI Chamber trade services.

Customs

The Trader Support Service

The Trader Support Service (TSS) is the primary support service for moving goods between GB and NI (including transit through Ireland). 

The TSS aims to simplify moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, reducing administrative burdens on businesses and ensuring compliance with the relevant regulations. The service is free and open to all businesses.

Businesses can seek guidance online or by calling the TSS contact centre on Tel: 0800 060 8888. The contact centre is open from 7:30am to 10:30pm.

HM Revenue & Customs

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) can assist with GB and NI customs queries. Support is available by submitting questions online, via webchat and phone - imports and exports: general HMRC enquiries.

Northern Ireland Customs and Trade Academy

The Northern Ireland Customs and Trade Academy (NICTA) is an online learning service helping businesses with the processes involved in moving goods under the Windsor Framework.

Developed as part of the Trader Support Service, NICTA provides online training, webinars, and ‘how-to’ guides to all those involved in trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

Recent webinars include:

• Windsor Framework: 30th September 2024 - Customs Changes
• The UK Internal Market Scheme - Benefits and Changes
• UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS) Webinar 2
• UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS) introduction
• Intro to the Windsor Framework

Access support from the Northern Ireland Customs & Trade Academy

Manufactured goods

Manufacturing NI

Manufacturing NI is an industry association and a key resource for businesses in Northern Ireland, offering support and advice on the Windsor Framework. The organisation provides advice and workshops.

Find out about the support provided by Manufacturing NI.

Chemicals

Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

If you require further information, technical assistance or advice on the movement of chemicals, contact the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Agri-food goods

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

Detailed information relating to the movement of agri-food goods, plus links to further assistance, is available from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). 

For matters that are not devolved to NI, or relate to GB to NI trade, you can contact Defra.

Councils

If the matter relates to an issue within the scope of local district councils, find contact details below:

Consumer issues

Consumer Council NI

The Consumer Council offers advice on consumer-related queries about travel, parcels, energy and water. Fee EU Exit: Important Consumer Advice.

Businessline

You can use the online or telephone Businessline service to make a complaint against a trader, report fraud or ask about your consumer rights.

Contact Businessline at Tel: 0300 077 0323 or by email at tssbusinessline@economy-ni.gov.uk to make a complaint or ask for advice.