The government is encouraging eligible businesses to complete their application to the new UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS), which will come into effect in a month's time.

UKIMS will replace the UK Trader Scheme (UKTS), which closes on 30 September 2023

Earlier this year, UK prime minister, Rishi Sunak, and European Commission (EC) president, Ursula von der Leyen, agreed the Windsor Framework, making a number of changes to the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Among other measures, the framework established UKIMS for the movement of 'not at risk' goods into Northern Ireland.

UKTS replaced

This scheme will replace UKTS from 30‌‌‌ ‌‌September 2023.

The government is strongly encouraging eligible businesses moving goods into Northern Ireland to complete their application for UKIMS.

In an email to stakeholders, the Joint Customs Consultative Committee (JCCC) has said that it will endeavour to process any applications as quickly as possible. 

Support for traders

To support traders further, the government is providing a UKIMS factsheet, which includes a step-by-step video guide on the UKIMS application form.

This video provides an example 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.

According to the JCCC, if the new authorisation is not processed by 30 September when the UKTS closes then, if eligible, traders can claim back any duties via the Duty Reimbursement Scheme, or they can claim a customs duty waiver.

Once traders are authorised, they can continue to declare goods ‘not at risk’ under the UKIMS.