Understanding UKIMS Compliance

Understanding UKIMS Compliance for Goods Imported from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland

As businesses in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) navigate the post-Brexit landscape, it’s crucial to be aware of the implications of importing goods from Northern Ireland (NI) that originated in the UK. One of the most important compliance measures to understand is the UK Import Management System (UKIMS).

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what UKIMS is, why it matters, and how it impacts your business when importing goods from Northern Ireland into the Republic of Ireland.

What is UKIMS?

UKIMS is the UK’s regulatory system for managing the importation of goods from Northern Ireland into the EU. This system was introduced following the UK’s exit from the European Union, and it ensures that all imports from NI to the ROI are compliant with UK customs regulations, duties, and VAT requirements.

For businesses in the Republic of Ireland, it’s essential to understand how UKIMS works to avoid complications at the border and ensure smooth, compliant transactions.

Why Does UKIMS Matter?

When importing goods from Northern Ireland, which may have originated in the UK, UKIMS plays a vital role in tracking and managing the flow of those goods. It ensures that products entering the EU from NI meet all customs and VAT requirements. Failure to comply with UKIMS could lead to delays, unexpected costs, and issues with VAT and duties.

As a responsible business, IPS Flow Systems is committed to maintaining full compliance with all relevant regulations. We also want to ensure that our customers are informed and aware of their responsibilities under UKIMS.

What Does This Mean for You?

As a customer importing goods from Northern Ireland into the Republic of Ireland, there are several key points to remember:

1. Duties and VAT: Goods imported from NI that originated in the UK may be subject to duties and VAT when entering the ROI. This is an important point to be aware of to avoid unexpected costs.
2. Purchasing Directly from Dublin: If you are uncertain about UKIMS compliance or want to avoid complications, we strongly recommend purchasing directly from our Dublin branch. This will help ensure that you meet all compliance requirements without additional complexities.
3. Goods Entering the ROI Outside UKIMS: If goods are found entering the Republic of Ireland from Northern Ireland outside the remit of UKIMS, your customer account will be flagged as ‘at risk.’ This could lead to increased duties and VAT obligations, affecting your overall costs.
4. Declaring Goods via the Red Route: Goods entering the ROI from Northern Ireland can be declared via the red route (customs declaration made at the border). However, duties and VAT will still apply, and it’s important to be prepared for these additional costs.

Why Compliance is Crucial

Remaining compliant with UKIMS not only helps avoid complications with customs but also protects your business from potential penalties. By following the correct procedures and ensuring that you’re purchasing goods through compliant channels, you can avoid disruptions to your supply chain.

At IPS Flow Systems, we are committed to assisting our customers with these compliance steps. If you have any questions or concerns regarding UKIMS or your imports, please don’t hesitate to contact us for guidance.

Need Assistance?

If you have any questions or would like more information about UKIMS compliance, or if you’re unsure about how it applies to your business, please reach out to us directly. Our team is here to help ensure a smooth and compliant process for all your imports.

We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to continuing to support you through this transition.