ATA Carnet

ATA Carnets can be used to temporarily export and import goods, for specific categories of use, within certain countries.  

The ATA Carnet simplifies customs clearances in despatching and receiving countries, by replacing the need to complete the normal customs declarations required. However, it does not absolve the ATA Carnet holder from completing other export and/or import formalities, such as export / import licences.  If you like, the ATA Carnet becomes a Passport for the Goods, as the ATA Carnet needs to travel with the Goods at all times. 

Goods can be despatched by Airfreight, Seafreight, or Roadfreight, or hand-carried, although care should be taken to check with Airlines for merchandise-in baggage restrictions. 

The ATA Carnet also provides a guarantee for the customs charges potentially due in each country visited.   Specific Chambers of Commerce throughout the UK are authorised to issue ATA Carnets, and require either a Security Bond, or payment of a non-refundable Indemnity Fee.  Contact us for further details, and quotation of charges / fees.

 

The ATA Carnet consists of a front and back cover, containing coloured cards / sheets for use during each movement.

- Green Cards for front and back covers
- Yellow cards/sheets for EC exit/entry
- Blue cards/sheets for transit countries
- White cards/sheets for working countries

Categories of Use consist of :

- a) Commercial Samples

- b) International Trade Fair / Exhibition

- c) Professional Equipment

Please note that Professional Equipment is solely for use by or under the personal supervision of the holder or his nominated representative, and excludes equipment to be used for the construction, repair or maintenance of buildings or for earthmoving and like projects.  Also be aware that some countries restrict ATA Carnet Use to either a) and/or b) and/or c) categories only.

Goods can be moved and used under cover of an ATA Carnet for up to a maximum of one year.  Please note that if you have opted for the Indemnity Fee Scheme, then whilst your ATA Carnet will still show validity of one year on the Front Green Cover, if you have entered into a shorter time period for Indemnity (for example, two months) then your ATA Carnet movement must be completed within that shorter timeframe.

The user, known as the ATA Carnet "holder" must always ensure each country accepts ATA Carnets for the goods concerned. ATA Carnet holder must also always make sure their ATA Carnet is presented to customs for endorsement each time the goods enter or leave a non EC country, and then finally returned to the Issuing Chamber of Commerce for discharge. All goods on the ATA Carnet must be returned within the appropriate timeframe.  Release of Security Bond will only be permitted if there is a successful discharge, and fines may be issued for mis-use.