What Is An ATA Carnet?
What are the key benefits of an ATA Carnet?
- ATA Carnets simplify customs procedures and reduce border delays, making travel more efficient and straightforward
- ATA Carnets help you to avoid paying import tax and duties, making your journey more affordable
- ATA Carnets are valid for up to a year in over 80 countries, and within this period you can import and export your equipment as many times as you need to
Apply for an ATA Carnet today
What is an ATA Carnet?
An ATA Carnet is a physical customs document which acts as a ‘passport for goods’. It aids the temporary movement of goods out of the UK and into other countries on the ATA Carnet scheme.
By using an ATA Carnet to temporarily import your goods into other countries, you can avoid paying import duty and tax on those goods. This is because an ATA Carnet acts as a ‘guarantee’ to foreign countries/territories that all goods will be re-exported within a certain time-frame.
How to use an ATA Carnet?
Do I need an ATA Carnet?
ATA Carnets are not mandatory in any instance, but they can be vital in saving time and money if you are temporarily taking goods out of the UK. They can be used to take the following goods overseas:
- Professional equipment
This includes goods such as camera equipment, music/concert equipment, equipment for educational, scientific or cultural purposes, sporting equipment, and manufacturing equipment - Commercial samples
This includes any goods that you might want to take to show overseas customers or potential customers - Goods that you need for display or use at international trade fairs or exhibitions
Perishable, consumable and disposable goods cannot be listed on ATA Carnets. This includes items such as food, water, pens, pencils, leaflets, flyers, etc.
Saleable goods such as band merchandise are also not permitted on ATA Carnets.
Visit our guide to writing a general list for more information on what to include on your ATA Carnet general list.
How much does an ATA Carnet cost?
- Each ATA Carnet costs £204 + VAT for Chamber members and for non-Chamber members £346 + VAT
- Additional ATA Carnet security fees apply: these vary depending on what countries you are travelling to, how long you are travelling for, the total value of the goods you are taking, and the type of goods you are taking. Use our calculator to calculate your ATA Carnet security
- Work out the cost of your ATA Carnet.
What is Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce?
Kent Invicta Chamber has been assisting businesses across the UK with their export documentation for 20 years. With thousands of satisfied customers choosing to use our services for their documentation, it’s no wonder we’re one of the leading Chambers of Commerce in the UK. We have an experienced team of documentation specialists who can help you with your ATA Carnet and international trade documentation needs.
How can Kent Invicta Chamber help you?
Whether you want to take samples to potential customers, exhibit at a trade fair, or transport professional equipment to jobs abroad, Kent Invicta can help you. If you want your goods to benefit from a streamlined customs clearance routine in over 80 countries, sign up to our fast, reliable and secure electronic ATA Carnet service today.
Our ATA Carnet service includes:
- A straightforward and easy-to-navigate application process
- Bespoke support and communication
- Full ATA Carnet completion and printing
- Tracked postage/courier delivery (extra fees apply)
- We also offer a Goods Movement Reference (GMR) service. This means that we can acquire a GMR on your behalf and get you over the border quickly.
What information is needed for an ATA Carnet?
When applying for your ATA Carnet, you will need to provide the following details about your company:
- Full company name
- Full company address
You will then also need to provide details about:
- Which countries/territories you plan to take your equipment/goods to
- How long you plan to take your equipment/goods for
- The type of equipment/goods you are taking (e.g. sports equipment or concert/music equipment)
And finally, you will need to provide a full, highly descriptive general list, detailing every item you are planning to take. It is important that you ensure your general list is as comprehensive as possible, as this will enable Customs to readily identify each item on the list.
To find out more about how to write a general list for an ATA Carnet, visit our general list guide
Can I sell goods declared on an ATA Carnet?
No. All goods listed on a Carnet will need to be brought back to the UK. Failure to do so, no matter the reason, could result in a fine being imposed by overseas customs authorities. Therefore, it is incredibly important that your equipment and goods do not get damaged, sold or lost when you are abroad.
What countries can an ATA Carnet be used for?
ATA Carnets can be used for entry into over 80 countries that are signed up to the ATA Carnet scheme. This includes all EU territories and more.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with a member of our team and we can guide you through the online application process.
You can also reach us on 01233 503838 or email: [email protected]
You can complete the enquiry form below:
