What You Need to Know About ATA Carnets for the Film and TV Industry

What is an ATA Carnet and Why It Matters

An ATA Carnet (short for Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) is an internationally recognised customs document that lets you temporarily export goods without paying import duties or taxes. It's valid for up to 12 months and accepted in over 80 countries.

For film and TV professionals, it’s a practical tool. Productions regularly carry expensive, specialised gear across multiple borders on a tight timeline. A carnet keeps things simple as it confirms your equipment is going abroad temporarily and will return in the same condition. Without a carnet, foreign custom agents can apply fees that are often based on a percentage of the item's value, which quickly adds up.

Equipment Covered Under a Carnet

A wide range of film and TV kit can be listed on a carnet, as long as the items aren’t consumable and will return home to the UK in the same condition. This includes:

• Cameras, lenses, and related accessories

• Lighting rigs, tripods, tracks, and cranes

• Audio equipment, including wireless mics and recording tools

• Editing systems, monitors, and broadcasting units

• Drones and aerial filming tools

• Vehicles used on set or for transport

Consumables aren’t covered. That includes items like batteries, cables meant to stay behind, film stock, or anything that will be altered, processed, or discarded during the trip. Only equipment that can be clearly identified and returned unchanged qualifies.

When You’ll Need an ATA Carnet

ATA Carnets are used whenever you take production equipment out of the country for temporary reasons. That includes filming abroad, taking part in international tours, attending screenings, or covering live events overseas.

They're especially helpful for projects that move between countries like co-productions, back-to-back filming in multiple locations, or international campaigns. However, if equipment is being sold, permanently moved, or modified abroad, a carnet isn’t the right solution. In all cases, the items must return to the UK within the document’s validity period.

Why Carnets Help Productions

There are several clear benefits for using ATA Carnets during international shoots:

• Faster customs clearance: Carnets are recognised at borders and simplify the process, helping crews avoid long delays.

• Lower costs: Since you're not paying import taxes, productions can avoid significant expenses at each border.

• Fewer complications: The document covers multiple countries and allows for unlimited trips over 12 months.

• Added security: A detailed item list helps prevent disputes, giving crews a clear record of what they’re carrying.

• Simplified logistics: Everything from cameras to transport vehicles can be grouped into one document.

Without a carnet, the risks range from unexpected duty charges to serious delays, both of which can disrupt your schedule and drive up costs.

Key Considerations for Film Crews Using Carnets

The process for obtaining a carnet takes planning and accuracy. You’ll need to prepare:

• A full inventory list with descriptions, serial numbers (or “NSN” if not available), value in GBP, and origin country

• Clear travel details, including entry and exit points for each country

• Physical documentation as digital copies won’t be accepted at customs

• Validity checks - items must return before the carnet expires

It’s also essential to remember that a carnet doesn’t cover everything. You’ll still need permits for drones, filming licences, or work visas as required in each location. And if you forget to get customs stamps at any point, you could face penalties or duty charges.

How to Apply for a Carnet Document

Our experienced team will walk you through the steps to apply for a carnet to ensure everything is completed accurately. The process generally starts with pulling together the right documents. You’ll need:

• An itemised list of all equipment (including weight, value, and origin)

• Your full travel itinerary

• The reason for taking the items abroad

• Your expected departure and return dates

Applications can take a day or two with standard processing. Faster turnaround is available but it’s best to apply early. Working with a specialist can help, especially if you’re listing a large kit or travelling to countries with stricter rules. For instance, we’ll double-check all the details to help prevent rejection or fines.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

There are a few mistakes that often crop up if you’re using a carnet for the first time. We’ve listed some of the most common issues below, however, you can contact us at any point for advice and support:

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• Incomplete item lists: Customs officers need exact information - vague descriptions or missing serial numbers can cause delays.

• Missed customs stamps: You must visit customs and get the carnet endorsed at each border, or risk penalties.

• Rushing the application: Leaving it too late often leads to expensive express fees or errors that slow everything down.

• Confusing paperwork: A carnet doesn’t replace your permits. Always check what else is required in each location.

Planning ahead and working with experts who understand the process can help avoid these issues.

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Professional Support Makes a Difference

Managing international customs can feel overwhelming, especially when shoot deadlines are tight. Getting support from people who know how carnets work and what different countries expect can make the whole process smoother. We’re always on hand to spot problems before they happen, help you stay compliant, and keep your production moving without costly delays or surprise fees.

For film and TV crews working overseas, an ATA Carnet is more than a convenience - it’s a key part of making sure equipment moves without issue. With careful preparation, accurate paperwork, and clear procedures at each border, a carnet can save time, money, and stress during international production work.

If you're looking to apply for a carnet or need help preparing your documents, contact our expert team for support to keep everything on track.