The government is strongly urging eligible businesses moving goods into Northern Ireland to complete their application for UKIMS. The advisory deadline to ensure that HMRC can complete your enrolment onto UKIMS by 30 September 2023 has now passed, however, HMRC will endeavour to process registrations as quickly as possible, so please do not delay your application.
From 30 September 2023, the new UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS) will replace the existing UK Trader Scheme (UKTS). UKIMS will enable registered traders to continue to move goods in line with existing ‘not at risk’ arrangements. From October 2024, it will also ensure that ‘not at risk’ movements are freed of unnecessary paperwork, checks and duties, with only ordinary commercial information required by moving goods through the new ‘green lane’.
Should you not be authorised by 30 September 2023, there may be a period from that date, until the date you are authorised, that you may have to pay the EU duty rate on goods moving into Northern Ireland (unless other duty reliefs can be used). If eligible, you may be able to claim repayment or remission of paid import duties (see the ‘Before you claim’ section in the Duty Reimbursement Scheme guidance on GOV.UK).
To provide additional support to traders, the government is providing a UKIMS factsheet, which includes a step-by-step video guide on the UKIMS application form. This video provides a practical walkthrough that helps break down the different information that is required to complete this process. Traders can also refer to the Windsor Framework: Frequently Asked Questions for further assistance.
How can we help?
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce provides Custom Clearance services, in which our expert customs team assist exporters and importers in Greater Manchester and beyond with successfully managing customs regulations. The Chamber also offers consultancy, and training to assist firms in navigating the international shipping procedures. Furthermore, the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce provides export and import documentation services such as certification, legalisation, and apostille services for various documents such as Certificates of Origin, EUR1s Movement Certificates, ATA Carnets, Import Certificates, and more.
Additionally, we provide training on Custom Declarations to allow members and non-members of the GMCC to understand the new replacement of the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system with the new Customs Declarations Service (CDS).