Windsor Framework: Supermarkets 'still facing sea border problems'

According to British parliamentarians, major supermarkets continue to face "ongoing practical difficulties" in implementing the "Windsor Framework." This view was expressed by the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium (NIRC), representing retailers, in a submission to an inquiry by the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee. The framework is a post-Brexit trade and human rights agreement for Northern Ireland, a revised version of the original Brexit deal, the Northern Ireland Protocol.

The original protocol established a trade border between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, aiming to prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This presented significant challenges for Northern Irish supermarkets, which rely heavily on distribution centers in Great Britain for supplies. A key difference with the "Windsor Framework" is that it allows food sold in Northern Ireland to meet UK standards, rather than EU standards. Furthermore, the framework created the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme (NIRMS), a trusted trader scheme allowing food to move from Great Britain to Northern Ireland with minimal paperwork and routine checks.

However, the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium stated: "The simple operating system of NIRMS has become more complex after years of use." They added that the percentage of vehicles undergoing physical checks has increased during 2024, leading to "additional delays and occasional lorry refusals, impacting retail operations." The consortium also stated that the IT system used to validate paperwork has deteriorated in recent months, now taking at least 30 minutes to process each submission, which "reduces the efficiency of the supply chain."

The Northern Ireland Retail Consortium also questioned whether the next major phase of the framework can be implemented on the planned timeline. New processes for sending parcels from businesses in Great Britain are due to come into effect at the end of March. Parcel carriers must register as trusted traders, and business-to-business parcels will face customs procedures for the first time. The consortium fears that "parcel carriers, including Royal Mail, may not be ready for the introduction of new requirements" and worries that "chaos could ensue if the 31 March 2025 deadline remains."

A government spokesperson said: "The government is committed to the full and faithful implementation of the 'Windsor Framework,' which is the only credible and sustainable solution for Northern Ireland, ensuring smooth trade and avoiding a hard border." It is understood that the government will soon publish further guidance on the changes coming in March. The Times reported that the government is prepared to strike a new deal with the EU that would involve the UK adhering to EU rules on food and agriculture. Conservative peer and former Brexit negotiator Lord Frost said the move would amount to "selling out this country's autonomy to a foreign court." The government has not commented on the matter but has previously stated its desire to reach an agri-food agreement to reduce trade friction and support the smooth flow of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.