Hello everyone
As we head towards the Christmas break I wanted to share a short update on where things currently stand with fast parcel movements from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
Progress made but more to do!
This continues to be one of the most common issues being raised by businesses and it hasn’t gone away! I’m still hearing regularly about unexplained charges, disbursement fees and late-payment penalties being applied by parcel operators including in cases where traders are authorised under UKIMS.
I also had another call this morning with a manufacturer who had been advised simply to “apply for UKIMS” despite clearly not meeting the eligibility criteria to move goods (they sell or process) under that scheme. That kind of generic advice is part of the problem, it doesn’t resolve anything and just adds to frustration and cost.
There is more engagement happening than there was previously and there is growing recognition that something isn’t working as intended. However, there remains a clear gap between what the rules are meant to achieve and what businesses are experiencing in practice.
One particularly worrying development is that some parcel operators are now pursuing GB suppliers and even customs agents and intermediaries for charges they haven’t been able to recover from the NI trader. In essence, pushing 'their' problem further up the supply chain.
Before the Christmas rush really takes hold, I wanted to give this one last push for 2025.
I also want to acknowledge the number of people who have taken the time to sign this petition. Given there has been no media coverage, no promotional budget and no organisational backing, the level of support so far is genuinely striking and says a lot about how widespread this issue is.
As I’ve said before, this was never about me personally and I would be more than happy to stand aside and see this picked up and driven forward by a larger organisation with the resources and reach to take it further.
Thank you again to everyone who has signed, shared or got in touch. It genuinely helps keep this issue on the agenda.
Wishing you all a happy Christmas and prosperous, peaceful and health 2026.
Jonathan