UK Internal Market Scheme Announcement from KC Shipping Group

We are writing to inform you about a significant trade arrangement development between the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.

As your trusted shipping partner, KC Group Shipping is committed to keeping you informed and ensuring a smooth transition for your business operations.

The Internal Market Scheme will replace the UK Trader Scheme on 30 September 2023. It will allow traders moving goods to Northern Ireland from Great Britain to demonstrate that the goods are not at risk of moving to the EU.

Under the new arrangements established by the Windsor Framework, the UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS) will replace the existing UK Trader Scheme (UKTS). The UKIMS offers an expanded scope of benefits, enabling a more comprehensive range of businesses to participate and facilitating the movement of goods into Northern Ireland.

Effective 30 September 2024, goods transported into Northern Ireland under the UKIMS will be exempt from customs paperwork, checks, and duties. To take full advantage of this streamlined process, we strongly encourage you to initiate the registration process for the new UKIMS without delay.
For our valued customers who currently hold UKTS authorisation, you may continue to utilise the existing arrangements for moving goods into Northern Ireland. However, we highly recommend applying for UKIMS at your earliest convenience to ensure a seamless transition.

Please note that UKTS-registered companies will not automatically transfer to UKIMS; you must complete a separate application.

For companies not previously registered under the UKTS system, now is the ideal time to apply for the UKIMS. The revised criteria allow more businesses to qualify and benefit from this enhanced scheme.
To expedite the enrollment process and secure your position within the UKIMS, we request that you take action before 31 July 2023, enabling HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to complete your registration by 30 September 2023, ensuring your business is fully compliant and ready to leverage the benefits of the new scheme.

Moreover, we are excited to inform you that starting October 2024, businesses registered under the UKIMS will have access to the dedicated 'green lane' for shipments into Northern Ireland. This initiative, in alignment with the Windsor agreement, aims to streamline further and expedite the movement of goods between the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.
At KC Group Shipping, we are committed to providing comprehensive support throughout this transition. Our dedicated team of experts is available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the UKIMS registration process or any other shipping-related matters.
We value your custom and appreciate your continued business. Should you require any assistance or further information, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team.

Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to serving your shipping needs under the new UK Internal Market Scheme.

Further Resources

Please visit the UK Internal Market Scheme guidance on GOV.UK for more information or contact the HMRC Customs & International Trade Helpline on 0300 322 8434.

To register for UKIMS, please follow this link:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-authorisation-for-the-uk-internal-market-scheme-if-you-bring-goods-into-northern-ireland

Best regards,

Chris McGowan Operations Supervisor KC Group Shipping