As the exporter of record, you're responsible for complying with all laws, rules, and regulations in every country or region you choose to sell your products to on Faire. We recommend working with legal counsel or a customs broker to confirm your readiness to export goods.
What is the Windsor Framework?
The Windsor Framework is a UK–EU agreement that replaces parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol. It aims to simplify trade between Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) and Northern Ireland while preserving the open border on the island of Ireland and protecting the EU Single Market.
Shipments under this framework are routed through two lanes:
- Green Lane: For goods staying in Northern Ireland. These face fewer checks and reduced customs requirements. For more information on Greent Lane, please see here.
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Red Lane: For goods that may enter the EU (ex: Ireland). These require full customs procedures. For more information on Red Lane, please see here.
How do I qualify for the Green Lane?
To ship through the Green Lane, follow these steps:
1. Enroll in UKIMS (UK Internal Market Scheme)
Go to gov.uk to register. This is free and helps simplify shipments to Northern Ireland. We can't assist with this application process.
2. Label goods for Northern Ireland only
Review label requirements here, and if needed, physically label the products as “for Northern Ireland only” if they’re not meant for further movement into the EU. This is separate from the product description on your Faire listings.
3. Coordinate with your shipping carrier
All Ship with Faire carriers support the Green Lane. However, we don’t provide a commercial invoice for Northern Ireland orders shipped from Great Britain. To create your own, visit How do I create a commercial invoice?. If you use Ship on Your Own, confirm your carrier supports Green Lane procedures.
4. Include your UKIMS reference number
Add this number to customs declarations when needed. If you're using Ship with Faire, be sure to include your UKIMS number and any required documents. For more information on the documents Faire provides and the documents you need to provide, review A guide to selling internationally on Faire.
What are the Red Lane requirements?
If your shipment doesn't qualify for the Green Lane and might enter the EU, it must go through the Red Lane. These shipments require:
- Full customs declarations: We don’t provide a commercial invoice for these orders. Visit How do I create a commercial invoice? for guidance.
- Commodity codes, origin, and valuation details: Include these as part of your customs documentation.
- Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) checks: Required for food, plants, or animal products.
- Compliance with EU standards: Especially important for regulated goods.
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Proof of destination: Show that your shipment may move beyond Northern Ireland into the EU.
Can I block orders from Northern Ireland?
You can’t restrict incoming orders from Northern Ireland. If you receive one and don’t plan to fulfill it, contact customer support for help.
How does the Windsor Framework affect retailers in Northern Ireland?
If you're a retailer in Northern Ireland, you may receive shipments from EU-based brands that follow either the Green Lane or Red Lane. Here's what to expect:
- Fewer customs delays: Green Lane shipments move faster and face fewer checks.
- Lower duty costs: You may reclaim duties on Red Lane shipments if the goods stay in Northern Ireland. To learn more, visit Apply to claim a repayment or remission of import duty on ‘at risk’ goods brought into Northern Ireland.
- UKIMS registration for retailers: Retailers can also register for UKIMS to simplify customs procedures.
For more guidance, visit the UK government’s Windsor Framework page.