Feb 26th, 2025
10 mins
As many of you may be aware, some of the regular Defra led forums are now drawing to a close.
Defra have stated, however, that they will continue to hold ad hoc meetings at any point if there are any important updates or announcements to make regarding the Windsor Framework.
As always, the BFFF will endeavour to keep members updated with any key developments but in the meantime, please find below a collation of useful information from Government departments given at the last forum.
Defra
- NIMRS Packing List:
- The updates to published guidance on the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme (NIRMS), specifically relating to the process for General Certificates and Packing List requirements can be found here: Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme: how to register and seal consignments – GOV.UK
- Defra will be running a series of webinars, starting from March 2025 to help NIRMS members better understand any changes and what they need to do to comply with the scheme. More information will be sent out soon.
- NIRMS Labelling Guidance:
- The updated labelling guidance can be found here: Labelling requirements for certain products moving from Great Britain to retail premises in Northern Ireland under the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme – GOV.UK
- Also published are the commodity codes for products that are exempt from individual labelling in Phase 3: Commodity codes for the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme (NIRMS) – GOV.UK
- Northern Ireland plant health label (NIPHL):
- Revised guidance has been published for traders and businesses moving plants and seeds for planting and seed potatoes from Great Britain to Northern Ireland using the NIPHL scheme: Northern Ireland plant health label (NIPHL) scheme – GOV.UK
- The functional requirements and scope of the scheme have not changed.
Note: should members have questions or specific issues, you can also get in touch via the central mailbox ni.trade@defra.gov.uk
Borders Biosecurity Trade Programme (BBTP)
- For further information on current issues relating to imports and exports of animals and animal products please visit: Imports, exports and EU trade of animals and animal products: topical issues – GOV.UK
- List of EU and EFTA countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain: EU and EFTA countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain
- List of Non-EU countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain: Non-EU countries approved to export animals and animal products to Great Britain
- BBTP Contact Points:
- Imports of animal products: for urgent questions about imports of animal products, including germinal products, contact the Port Health Authority or Local Authority at the Border Control Post (BCP) for the goods’ point of entry. Find the BCP and the PHA/LA contact information on this map or list.
- Imports of live animals: for urgent questions about imports of live animals, contact APHA.
- Plants and plant products: for urgent questions about imports of plants and plant products into England and Wales, contact APHA by email in the first instance: phsi-importers@apha.gov.uk
- Alternatively, you can contact APHA by telephone: +44 (0) 3000 200 301 Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm.
- Technical help with IPAFFS: For technical help with IPAFFS, call the APHA helpline on 0330 041 6999 or email APHAServiceDesk@apha.gov.uk
DAERA
- An outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been reported in Northern Ireland, leading to the creation of control zones in the affected regions. For further information please visit: Latest Situation | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
- From 1 July 2025, remaining SPS food products that move through NIRMS must be individually labelled. Exempted goods are listed under Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/630
- For information on moving goods from GB to NI, please visit the DAERA website: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/landing-pages/moving-animals-and-goods-northern-ireland
- If you require further support, please email daeratradeimports@daera-ni.gov.uk
FSA
- Recent updates to the high-risk food of non-animal origin list have not caused any major issues, and no further revisions are expected until at least July. Please review below FSA guidance links:
- You can contact the FSA at importedfoodni@food.gov.uk
- For the latest food news and information visit food.gov.uk
HMRC
- Upcoming webinars on parcels arrangements under the Windsor Framework for hauliers.
- Hauliers: 4 March
- Visit the Communications resources to help you move goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland – GOV.UK page for details.
- Information on the Windsor framework can be found on:
- Visit theInternal Market Movements from Great Britain to Northern Ireland – GOV.UK page for details.
- If you have any further questions, please HMRC on nistakeholderengagementteam@hmrc.gov.uk for further assistance.
TSS
- Latest release of Windsor Framework information is now available on the Northern Ireland Customs & Trade Academy (NICTA) website.
- TSS Latest Webinar on 14 February 2025
- Preparing for the Windsor Framework video series
- User guides
- Checklists
- If you need further information or support and you are already registered with Trader Support Service, please contact the TSS Contact Centre.
- If you are not registered with the TSS, please visit Registration page.
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