What’s the Windsor Framework and how does it affect Magento for NI?

The Windsor Framework (Feb 2023, replacing the NI Protocol) is the special trading arrangement for Northern Ireland. Practical impact for Magento:

• NI follows EU rules for goods — sell into NI like any other EU country (no customs declarations required from IE).
• NI follows UK rules for VAT — UK VAT applies, not Irish 23%.
• “Green lane” for trusted GB→NI movements (UKIMS scheme) — minimal checks for goods staying in NI.
• “Red lane” for goods at risk of moving onward into Ireland/EU — full EU customs procedures apply.

For Magento we configure separate tax zones (BT postcodes → UK VAT instead of EU VAT), wire a "destination = NI?" hook in checkout, and surface customs duties up-front for ROI→NI orders to avoid surprise charges.