What is an ATA Carnet

An ATA Carnet is a ‘passport for the goods’ replacing the need for usual customs documentation whilst allowing fast, efficient importation of commercial goods into visiting countries. They can be used for multiple trips, are valid for up to one year, and cover over 80 countries.

ATA Carnet Information:

An ATA Carnet is an international customs document allowing you to temporarily export your goods to countries that are members of the ATA Carnet system. They are designed to be used to import goods without paying duty and import tax, on the agreement that you reexport the goods within 12 months or the specified timeframe imposed by foreign customs. An ATA Carnet can be used for a wide range of goods and equipment, with a few exceptions. For instance, musical equipment, racehorses, electrical machinery, and similar items are generally acceptable, while consumable, disposable, and explosive goods cannot be transported under an ATA Carnet. All items listed under a carnet must return to the UK in the same quantity and condition as what they left the UK.

To qualify for an ATA Carnet, your goods must fall into one of the following categories:

1. Commercial samples

2. Goods for presentation or use at trade fairs, exhibitions, or similar events

3. Professional equipment (intended solely for use by the Carnet holder or their nominated representative)

ATA Carnets serve as a guarantee to foreign customs authorities that all duties and taxes will be paid to them in case the conditions for allowing the goods into the country are violated. Consequently, security is a prerequisite for your Carnet application. The security amount is calculated based on the highest rate of duty and taxes applicable to the goods in the countries to which they will be transported.

Carnets are versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes, including but not limited to:

Exhibitions or Demonstrations
Filming Equipment
Racing Horses
Photography and Sporting Events
Equipment Testing
Motr Racing or Demonstration/Display Vehicles
Props for Theatre or Musical Performances
Engineers Tools of Trade

ATA Carnets streamlines the process of temporarily importing goods for these purposes, simplifying international trade and ensuring that all obligations to foreign customs authorities are met.

Why use us

Choosing our services ensures that you receive expert guidance tailored to your specific needs, this includes:

Expertise and Experience:
ATA Carnet Express has over 40 years of experience in the industry. Our knowledgeable team can guide you through the often complex process of obtaining and utilising Carnet documents abroad.

Chamber of Commerce support:
With our unique in-house Chamber of Commerce documentation team, we offer our clients an efficient, end-to-end service, ensuring that your applications and requirements are completed quickly and accurately.

Flexibility:
We offer a range of Carnet delivery options, including same-day express service for urgent needs and a 2-3 day standard service, ensuring we can meet your specific business requirements.

Reliability:
ATA Carnet Express has a strong industry reputation for reliability. Many major blue-chip clients and SME businesses have trusted us for over a decade, thanks to our consistent service quality.

End-to-End Solution:
We offer a fully managed end-to-end Carnet service, which can simplify the process and save you time and effort

Security:
Using a reputable company like ATA Carnet Express gives you the security and peace of mind that your Carnet requirements are being handled by professionals who understand the complexities of the industry.

Cost-Effective:
While we offer expedited services, we do so for a reasonable additional fee, ensuring that our services are excellent value for money.

Benefits

An ATA Carnet offers businesses that trade internationally the benefit of being able to take your goods out of the UK to either one or multiple destinations with only one single document. Although a carnet may seem complex at first glance, our experienced carnet team will make the process easy throughout, completing your carnet quickly and efficiently.

Our long-standing relationship with our in-house Chamber of Commerce documentation team ensures that we can provide a fully managed, professional, and efficient service. For urgent requests, we offer a 24-hour ‘express service’ and the option to either deliver back to you (within a 10-mile radius) or Royal Mail next-day guaranteed return. Alternatively, you are welcome to arrange a collection from our offices if this would suit you best.

Practical Advantages

Valid for up to 1 year and can be used for several trips to multiple Countries
Goods are exempt from import taxes and duties
Simplifies customs procedures and the need to complete any unfamiliar customs forms
One single document allowing you to pass through customs without delay or complications
Costs are known and paid for before departure

Our specialist team are a trusted and experienced partner who will manage your Carnet process, save you time, and help ensure that your international trade activities are conducted efficiently and without issue.