Forwarding, Freight News


BIFA raises Windsor Framework concerns in Brussels

[ March 11, 2026   //   ]

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) met European Commission officials in Brussels to discuss the Windsor Framework and its impact on the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

It was part of ongoing engagement between industry and policymakers to assess how the post-Brexit trading arrangements are functioning in practice and to where processes could be improved.

Pawel Jarza from the association’s Policy and Compliance team highlighted the operational realities faced by members when moving goods across the Irish Sea. While the Windsor Framework has simplified certain procedures, such as removing the requirement for export declarations on goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, freight forwarders continue to navigate a complex trading environment.

Key challenges include the need to operate between two tariff regimes and determine whether goods are considered “at risk” of entering the EU market. Additional requirements, including safety and security declarations and the implementation of systems such as Import Control System 2 (ICS2), also contribute to complexity.

The discussion also addressed movement of small parcels and lower-value consignments, where the detailed provisions of the framework can create practical difficulties for operators.

Jarza encouraged members that trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland to continue sharing their experiences.

“Freight forwarders operate at this border every day and have first-hand knowledge of what works and what does not,” he said. “If members encounter systemic issues, it is important that they let us know so we can raise these with government departments and the European Commission, and where possible propose practical solutions.”

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