As Solid Fuel Merchants Ireland (SFMI) members know too well, illegal fuel imports are threatening the livelihoods of compliant retailers and damaging Ireland’s progress on clean air. A key part of the problem? Loopholes in how the Windsor Framework is being implemented.
What Is the Windsor Framework?
The Windsor Framework replaced the Northern Ireland Protocol in 2023 to improve the flow of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland while protecting the EU Single Market. It introduced a “green lane” for goods that stay in Northern Ireland, with minimal checks, and a “red lane” for goods at risk of entering the Republic of Ireland or the wider EU — where full customs and regulatory checks apply.
Goods moving via the green lane must be labelled “Not for EU”, and the system relies on data sharing, labelling and monitoring to keep the two lanes distinct.
But Here’s the Problem…
In practice, this system is being exploited. Unscrupulous traders are using the green lane to bring in high-sulphur coal and other non-compliant fuels from Great Britain into Northern Ireland, and then smuggling them across the land border into the Republic of Ireland.
These fuels:
- Evade carbon tax and VAT
- Do not meet clean air regulations
- Are up to 10 times more polluting than certified, low-smoke fuels
This is not just a regulatory issue — it’s an environmental, economic and public health threat.
Why It Matters
Merchants who follow the law — paying carbon taxes, complying with sulphur limits and supplying cleaner-burning fuels — are being undercut by a black market. This illegal trade:
- Jeopardises public health and environmental progress
- Distorts the home heating market
- Costs the Exchequer over €8.7 million annually, with losses projected to hit €77 million by 2025
What SFMI Is Calling For
SFMI supports the Windsor Framework’s aims — but only if the system is properly enforced. We are calling on the Irish Government and EU partners to:
✅ Strengthen enforcement at the border to prevent abuse of the green lane
✅ Ensure goods marked “Not for EU” are traceable and not resold in the Republic
✅ Mandate EPA registration for all fuel retailers, not just producers
✅ Support compliant merchants through fair competition and consistent regulation
A Framework Worth Defending
The Windsor Framework was meant to ease tensions and promote lawful trade. But if loopholes are left open, they will continue to be exploited — putting public health, environmental goals and honest businesses at risk.
Let’s not allow the green lane to become a back door for pollution and unfairness.
Let’s enforce the rules, protect clean air and support those doing the right thing.
#FairFuel #WindsorFramework #StopFuelSmuggling #ProtectCleanAir #SFMI
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