Key UK and EU Border Points for ATA Carnet Holders

UK Border Points and Processes

Major UK Airports

Most major UK airports offer ATA Carnet processing, but procedures and availability vary.

• Heathrow: Available 24/7. Carnets can be processed at the red channel/goods to declare in each terminal. Contact Border Force in advance if travelling outside standard hours or if using unaccompanied freight.

*Within a 10-mile radius of Heathrow, we can collect or drop off the carnet once endorsed by customs for a nominal additional fee – contact the team for details.

• Gatwick: Carnets are processed at the red channel/goods to declare in both the North and South terminals. Border Force should be notified if you need assistance.

• Manchester: Processing available via red channel/goods to declare. Contact the airport’s Border Force unit for operating hours.

• Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham, Bristol: Carnet processing is generally available during operating hours. You may need to call Border Force on arrival.

Always carry a printed carnet and allow extra time in case Border Force needs to inspect the goods.

Seaports & Eurotunnel

Neither Dover nor Eurotunnel terminals currently process ATA Carnets on site. Instead, users must visit an Inland Border Facility (IBF) for validation before or after crossing. The UK has two Inland Border Facilities, located at Sevington (Ashford) and Holyhead.

• Outbound from UK: Visit the Sevington (Ashford) IBF before travelling to the port. The carnet must be presented to Border Force, who will validate the export.

• Inbound to UK: On re-entry, you must stop at an IBF for re-importation processing.

Pre-booking at IBFs is recommended via the Government Gateway system, though not mandatory. Allow sufficient time, especially during peak periods.

Other UK Ferry Ports

Several other ferry ports support ATA Carnet processing:

• Portsmouth and Plymouth: Carnets can be processed by Border Force. Notify the port in advance, where possible.

• Belfast: Carnets are processed via Northern Ireland customs. Ideal for trips to and from the Republic of Ireland.

Always check the local port authority or Border Force contact for opening hours and whether advance notification is required.

Inland Border Facilities (IBFs)

IBFs handle carnet processing when it's not possible at the port or airport. IBFs are especially important for unaccompanied goods or when using the Channel Tunnel or non-processing ferry ports. You’ll need your carnet, identification, and vehicle details.

EU Border Points & Procedures

Once a carnet is validated at the first EU entry point, it’s accepted across all EU member states without further customs formalities, provided the carnet is completed correctly.

France

• Calais: Main entry point for many UK hauliers. Carnets are processed at the SIVEP Centre, a short drive from the terminal. Open 24/7. No appointment needed, but allow extra time. Carnets must be stamped here before entering the EU.

• Paris (CDG Airport): Carnet processing available for air freight and hand luggage items. Contact customs at the terminal for assistance.

Netherlands

• Rotterdam: ATA Carnet goods must be declared via Portbase, the Dutch port community system. Carnet holders or their agents should register before arrival. Customs stamp the carnet once electronic clearance is confirmed.

• Amsterdam Schiphol: Processing available at cargo terminals and passenger red points. Notify the airport in advance.

Germany

• Frankfurt Airport: Commonly used for trade fair goods. Carnets processed via customs offices in the cargo and passenger areas. Some processes are automated, but human validation is required for carnet stamps.

• Hamburg Port: We will advise you, or you can contact the local Chamber of Commerce or customs office to confirm carnet handling arrangements.

Belgium

• Brussels Airport and Antwerp Port: Carnets handled directly by customs. Some ports may direct carnet holders to the Belgian Chamber of Commerce; we’ll let you know if this is the case, but you should always check in advance.

Other EU Carnet Countries

All 27 EU countries accept ATA Carnets, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

Special Cases and Additional Advice

Dover and Eurotunnel Recap

These do not offer on-site carnet processing. Always stop at an IBF before outbound travel or after inbound arrival. If using unaccompanied freight, ensure the agent is briefed and carnet documentation travels with the goods.

Ireland Routes

When travelling from Holyhead to Dublin, you must notify both UK and Irish customs in advance. Contact Revenue in Ireland for guidance on approved entry points and procedures.

Carnets can be stamped at Dublin Port, Dublin Airport, and in Belfast. If unsure, ask our team or call customs helplines before departure.

Hand-Carried Goods

For carnets carried in luggage, check that customs officers are available at your departure and arrival points. Smaller airports may not have staff on duty at all times. Keep goods accessible and allow for inspection.

You can also contact the HMRC Customs Helpline (0300 322 9434) or ask our team for airport-specific guidance.

Understanding where and how to process your ATA Carnet is essential when exporting goods temporarily between the UK and the EU. While procedures are now more complex post-Brexit, using the right border points and planning ahead avoids delays.

Contact us if you have any questions before or during travel.