Parcel Rules Change Delayed Until Next Year

The Windsor Framework agreement will bring in rule changes which include new regulations for sending parcels between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. These new regulations on parcels were due to be introduced at the end of this month (start of October 2024) but they have now been delayed until March 31st 2025. From then on there will be different types and levels of information required, which will be collected by the parcel carriers.

HMRC have warned businesses that they must be prepared for these changes when they come into effect next year, as once these regulations are law, parcels between businesses in NI and GB will be treated in line with processes in place for freight.

Businesses Will Need To Be Authorised Under The UK Internal Market Scheme

Here are some more details of these new rules under the Windsor Framework, as copied from an article by James McNaney on the Belfast Telegraph website. The article goes on to say that:

‘This (rule change) will require businesses to be authorised under the UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS).

‘How parcels will be treated in will depend on whether they are “at risk” of the goods entering the EU, or if they will stay within the UK’s internal market.

‘Information the business will have to provide to the carrier will include the gross mass of the product, its value and a description of the goods.

‘The description provided can be general, for example “shampoo” or “iPhone”, but cannot be too generic, such as “goods” or “gifts”.

‘Packages sent by or to consumers will see fewer changes, although carriers will collect information about the delivery, much as they do currently.

‘Goods sent in this manner must not be over 31.5kg if the package contains multiple items or 100kg if it contains a single item and must be moved by an authorised carrier.

Further Information Will Be Provided In Due Course

‘HMRC say they “will provide further information on the detailed timeline for the coming into effect of the new arrangements in due course”.

‘The Windsor Framework was agreed in February 2023 between the EU and then UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

‘It substantially alters the the way that trade operates between Northern Ireland and Great Britain following Brexit.

‘The deal allows NI full access to the EU single market. However it confirmed checks on goods moving across the Irish Sea between NI and GB.’

So businesses have been warned about these new regulations which must be adhered to. At least they now have more time to ensure that they get everything in place before these rules take effect.

Of course if you own or manage a business and you require some assistance with these kind of new regulations, or you require help with some other of your accountancy procedures, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team here in Armagh. We have many, many years of experience helping businesses large, medium and small with their taxes, payroll services and overall accounts.

We like to think of ourselves as partners with the clients we engage with, so that we can assist them in growing their business whilst ensuring their profit margins are always strong. For more details about our accountancy services please give our friendly team a call on 028 3752 2909.