What You Need to Know About ATA Carnets for Racing Cars and Motorbikes

What Can Be Covered

An ATA Carnet for motorsport can cover racing cars, motorbikes, spare parts, tools and mechanical equipment needed to support events abroad. Support equipment such as pit stands, jacks, tyre racks, awnings and display items can also be included within the same carnet.

Every item must appear on the carnet inventory with a clear and specific description. Vehicles should be listed individually and identified using chassis numbers, engine numbers or registration details. Each item also requires an accurate customs value. Customs authorities use this information to confirm that the goods entering a country are the same goods leaving at the end of the trip, so consistency across the inventory is essential.

Preparing Your Carnet Application

Careful preparation makes the carnet process far more straightforward. Before applying, you should compile a complete inventory of everything travelling, including vehicles, parts and tools. Each racing car or motorbike must be listed separately, with identifying details clearly recorded to avoid confusion during inspections

Customs values must be realistic and applied consistently, as these are used when calculating the security required for the carnet. Supporting documents may also be requested, such as event entry confirmations, invitations, or proof of ownership and registration for vehicles

Under the eCarnet system, applications and inventories are submitted through a secure digital platform. The information entered at this stage is shared directly with customs authorities, which means errors or vague descriptions can cause problems later. Reviewing all entries carefully before submission reduces the chance of questions or delays. Our team will be on hand to advise throughout the application and journey

Applications are made through an authorised issuing body. Fees apply, and a financial guarantee is required. Our team will verify and check all details at this stage to prevent compliance issues during travel.

At the Border – Using Your Carnet

For destinations still operating paper ATA Carnets, the process remains unchanged. The carnet must be presented to UK customs on departure, endorsed on arrival in the destination country, and stamped again on exit and re-import to the UK. Each movement is recorded using the relevant vouchers within the carnet

For destinations operating eCarnets, presentation and endorsement take place digitally through an approved app or online system. Instead of physical stamps, customs officers verify the goods and record each movement electronically. These digital records create a clear audit trail that can be reviewed at any stage of the trip

In all cases, customs officers may inspect vehicles and equipment to confirm they match the inventory. The carnet must remain with the goods throughout the trip, and no additional items should be added if they are not listed. Any discrepancies can result in follow-up checks or post-trip claims.

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

Common issues include incomplete inventories, unclear descriptions, missing endorsements and attempts to add unlisted items while abroad. Consumables such as fuel are not permitted under an ATA Carnet and should never appear on the inventory

To reduce risk, review the inventory before each trip, ask our team to confirm border procedures in advance if you're unsure and check that all customs steps are completed correctly at every crossing. A final check before departure often prevents avoidable problems

Practical Tips for Motorsport Teams

Make sure your team can access the digital carnet on a suitable device, and keep a paper copy available during the early stages of the eCarnet rollout. Label vehicles and equipment clearly so they match inventory descriptions. Allow extra time at busy borders, especially when travelling with multiple vehicles. For complex schedules, support from our experienced carnet specialists can ease the administrative load.

Using eCarnets for Motorsport Travel

eCarnets give motorsport teams quicker border processing, reduced paperwork and better visibility of customs movements across multi-country trips. Electronic records lower the risk of missed endorsements and follow-up duty claims, particularly when transporting high-value vehicles and equipment.

Using an ATA Carnet for racing cars and motorbikes keeps international travel organised and predictable. With accurate inventories, correct customs handling and preparation for digital systems, teams can focus on events rather than border formalities.

Contact our team before you complete the application to make planning far more manageable.

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