Financial support to help businesses meet labelling requirements under the Windsor Framework and extension of Movement Assistance Scheme
Updated 4 April 2024
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
© Crown copyright 2024
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/financial-support-to-help-businesses-meet-labelling-requirements-under-the-windsor-framework-and-extension-of-movement-assistance-scheme/financial-support-to-help-businesses-meet-labelling-requirements-under-the-windsor-framework-and-extension-of-movement-assistance-scheme
The Windsor Framework provides a long-term, stable solution for the smooth flow of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. As part of our commitment to support businesses to meet the new labelling requirements, which are part of the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme, the Government is providing £50 million for traders.
We are also confirming the extension of the Movement Assistance Scheme, which reimburses certification costs for businesses that cannot use the green lane. These funding packages underline our ongoing support to the food industry and consumers in Northern Ireland.
Transitional Labelling Financial Assistance Scheme
What is being made available?
The government is providing £50m extra support for businesses who have had to prepare for new labelling rules as a part of the Windsor Framework. The Transitional Labelling Financial Assistance Scheme offers retrospective grants at a flat rate adjusted by business size for businesses who can evidence additional labelling costs related to the new Windsor Framework rules.
What is the grant for?
The Scheme is designed to support businesses registered on the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme (NIRMS) comply with the October 1 labelling requirements.
As businesses have had to respond quickly to meet the new rules, the Scheme offers an opportunity for businesses who have implemented phase one labelling changes to access support.
Who will be eligible?
The Transitional Labelling Financial Assistance Scheme was open to all business registered to the NIRMS who were able to evidence additional labelling costs between 27 February 2023 and 28 February 2024. Redesign, printing and warehouse costs for product, box, and shelf level labelling were in scope.
How can applications be made?
Applications are now closed.
What will happen next?
Successful applicants will receive payments by 31 July 2024.
Movement Assistance Scheme
The Movement Assistance Scheme (MAS), which was due to close in December 2023, has now been extended until 30 June 2025. The Scheme provides support to traders moving agri-food commodities and live animals from Great Britain to Northern Ireland and offers a remuneration scheme to cover traders’ certification costs, where they continue to apply
The Movement Assistance Scheme was developed in late 2020 to support traders moving agri-food commodities and live animals from GB to NI, who faced new requirements from 1 January 2021 under the Northern Ireland Protocol.
What is changing?
- MAS has been extended until 30 June 2025. This aligns with the full implementation of the Windsor Framework
- MAS will continue to accept claims for reimbursement / waiving of qualifying costs incurred on movement of goods up to 30 June 2025
- There will be no change to existing processes
More details of the Movement Assistance Scheme expansion are included in a MAS frequently asked questions (FAQ).