The Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Windsor
Framework met in London today, co-chaired by officials from the
UK Government and the European Commission.
The co-chairs discussed the implementation of the Windsor
Framework since the last meeting on 7 May 2026. They reaffirmed
the ongoing and shared commitment between the UK and EU to
continue to work for the full, timely, and faithful
implementation of the Windsor Framework across all its articles.
They noted the actions carried out across areas for the benefit
of people and businesses in Northern Ireland, and the remaining
work to be undertaken to deliver in full the safeguards
underpinning the flexibilities for the movement of goods between
Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
In the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) area, the co-chairs noted
the effective functioning of the SPS inspection facilities and
individual labelling requirements, whilst progress is needed on
remaining pending issues, including full compliance of
certificates, box-level labelling and ensuring that only
compliant goods are authorised for movements.
The co-chairs reviewed the work undertaken in the areas of trade
and customs. They confirmed that no customs duties are to be paid
for business to consumers parcels subject to the Windsor
Framework facilitations. The co-chairs recognised the
improvements to the Duty Reimbursement Scheme for the benefit of
businesses in Northern Ireland since May 2026 and welcomed that
the EU measure on steel from July 2026 provides the same volumes
for steel of UK origin moving from Great Britain to Northern
Ireland as the previous solution under the Windsor Framework. The
co-chairs however also noted the focus needed to ensure that the
Windsor Framework arrangements in the customs area are properly
implemented in all their aspects.
The co-chairs took stock of the work of the Joint Consultative
Working Group and its structured sub-groups.
They reiterated the importance of continued joint engagement with
Northern Ireland business and civic society stakeholders as work
on the Windsor Framework is taken forward.
The co-chairs also noted that the Enhanced Coordination Mechanism
on VAT and Excise held its second meeting and discussed ongoing
bilateral work on VAT under the Windsor Framework.
