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Industry feedback highlights operational challenges
The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has met with officials from the European Commission in Brussels to discuss how the Windsor Framework is affecting the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The meeting formed part of ongoing discussions between policymakers and industry groups aimed at assessing how post Brexit trading arrangements are working in practice.
Representing BIFA was Pawel Jarza from the association’s Policy and Compliance team, who outlined the operational realities facing freight forwarders moving cargo across the Irish Sea. While the Windsor Framework has simplified some procedures, forwarders still face a complex regulatory environment.
One improvement highlighted during the discussions is the removal of export declarations for goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. However, companies must still navigate dual tariff regimes and determine whether cargo is considered “at risk” of entering the European Union market.
For many logistics operators, that decision alone can shape documentation, compliance checks, and administrative workload. Think of it as routing cargo through two customs systems at once. The question becomes simple but critical. Which rules apply to which shipment?
Systems and parcel rules add further complexity
BIFA also raised concerns about additional regulatory layers such as safety and security declarations and the rollout of Import Control System 2, known as ICS2. These requirements continue to shape border procedures for freight forwarders handling Irish Sea trade flows.
Another topic discussed was the handling of small parcels and low value consignments. According to industry feedback, the detailed provisions of the Windsor Framework can create practical challenges for operators moving high volumes of smaller shipments.
Jarza encouraged companies trading between Great Britain and Northern Ireland to share their operational experiences with the association.
Freight forwarders operate at this border every day and have direct knowledge of what works and what does not, he said. If members encounter systemic issues, it is important they report them so BIFA can raise these with government departments and the European Commission and propose practical solutions.
Continued dialogue with industry
BIFA said it will continue gathering feedback through engagement with members and regional discussions in Northern Ireland as the Windsor Framework evolves in practice.
