ATA Carnets Contact Us for all your Carnet Requirements

If you need more vouchers or you’re running low on them, don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Just contact the us and we will take care of the process and guide you on how to apply for the extra vouchers you need to prevent your journey or shipment from being delayed. We’re also here to help 24/7 so, just in case, don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need further assistance or an explanation.

How long is an ATA Carnet valid for?

The life of your ATA Carnet, that is how long it’s valid for, is either 2,6 or 12 months starting from the date of issue. It may vary for every shipment so, if you know you’ll need to use your goods for longer than 12 months, then you’ll need to replace or apply for a new one.

It’s best to plan your journeys and shipments according to your Carnet’s expiry so that you don’t get caught off guard.

Can you add goods to an ATA Carnet after it’s been issued?

So you have your Carnet but then think of more goods that need to be included. Can you add them to the Carnet you already have? Sorry to say, but no. An issued Carnet is fixed, meaning that no additional goods can be added to that specific Carnet.

In this situation, you would need to apply for another separate ATA Carnet for the additional goods. The earlier the better, so always check and double check your list before sending in your application.

If you have more Carnet questions or specific shipping needs, just contact the us or send us a message on WhatsApp—we’re here to help every step of the way.

What is an ATA Carnet used for? 

An ATA Carnet is a single, internationally recognised customs document that enables you to temporarily move goods across borders duty-free. An ATA Carnet allows you to temporarily export commercial samples, exhibition materials or professional equipment to another country (or through a transit country) and re-import them without the need to pay duties and taxes.

The ATA Carnet is used for the following:

Taking goods out of the UK for temporary use (exhibition, trade fair, business meeting etc.) in any of the countries signed up to the ATA system

Bringing goods into the UK from one of the ATA countries for temporary use

Transporting goods through an intermediary country as part of a planned shipment route

If you plan to take a UK-registered motor vehicle abroad for temporary use, another Carnet document known as a Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) may be more appropriate.

What makes an ATA Carnet attractive is that it:

Allows you to replace multiple, individual customs documents with one document

Provides a financial guarantee for customs charges that may be incurred

Does not require customs declarations to be made for most goods (although for freight shipments, they may need to be listed on a C21 import/export clearance form)

If you plan on using an ATA Carnet for your next shipment, our comprehensive guide will get you up to speed quickly, with a step by step procedure for getting an ATA Carnet.

What to do if your goods can no longer be used under a Carnet

So you’re in the process of using your ATA Carnet but then for some reason or another, you can no longer use the same goods under the carnet; what do you do then? Well, the answer is simple, you contact the customs authorities at your earliest convenience. For example, selling an item to a third party while on holiday can cause issues if you don’t notify customs. Clearing your goods with the proper authorities in advance will help prevent or resolve any problems before they happen.

If for any reason you can no longer use your goods under a Carnet you should:

Contact your local customs authorities. 

Keep your documentation up to date and be ready to answer questions from customs.

Failure to contact customs authorities and go through the correct process could lead to further penalties or trouble later on.

What goods are eligible for an ATA Carnet?

At this point you’re probably thinking: Ok, so I know what a Carnet is and what it can be used for, but what can I actually use it for? And again, you’re not alone. 

Believe it or not, you can use an ATA Carnet for a wide variety of goods and equipment, but first, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind:

Goods accepted for ATA Carnet cover vary from country to country, so make sure you check the specific requirements of your destination.

Goods that will be consumed or given away as a gift generally do not qualify.

Finally, different goods may have specific limitations. Ignoring these can force customs authorities to make you go through the usual import declaration process.

Reach out to us and we’ll ensure your shipment is carnet-friendly before you go and get your packing on.

What’s the difference between an ATA Carnet and a License?

Don’t let the confusion get to you, we’ll explain. 

An ATA Carnet and a License are two different customs documents that are similar in some ways but can also differ in how they’re used or accessed. 

Licenses are generally applicable to specific shipments of machinery, equipment or instruments and need to be obtained before you travel. 

In comparison, an ATA Carnet covers a wide range of goods and can be issued in advance of a shipment.

Licenses usually cover the following: 

Assembly instructions for equipment 

Electricity requirements 

Operating instructions for machinery/equipment 

Owner’s/repair manuals 

Technical information for instruments 

Service and maintenance requirements 

Licenses can be included in an ATA Carnet, so having both is an option. 

Licenses have to be requested before you travel. 

Having the relevant license with the required information makes your process even easier and smoother.

Things are generally straightforward with ATA Carnets and Licenses. 

If you have specific questions about either of them, just get in touch and we’ll get you on your way.

When applying for an ATA Carnet, be sure to check and double check your requirements with us in case you need an Export License.

An ATA Carnet is valid for the temporary export and import of goods, which helps in avoiding payment of customs duties. These are mainly:

Commercial Samples: Transported to present or demonstrate new products and services to potential or existing customers in the foreign market.

Goods for Exhibitions, Fairs, and Trade Shows: Sample products or trade show banners displayed at international trade fairs or exhibitions. The carnet guarantees their return.

Professional Equipment: Professional photographic equipment used by a photographer visiting a foreign country for professional work, or audio-visual equipment taken to a movie set by a film crew for shooting purposes.

Important Note:
It’s important to remember that conditions and restrictions may vary from one country to another. Before using the ATA Carnet, the holder or their authorized representative should check with the carnet-issuing association, their local chamber of commerce, or similar organizations to make sure that all necessary conditions have been met and there are no special requirements for specific types of goods being imported. If the conditions are not met, customs officers may treat the goods as regular imports which means extra paperwork, and in some cases, unexpected fees or charges. For smooth travel, it’s always best to double-check the conditions and terms of using an ATA Carnet in advance.

What Happens After the ATA Carnet Application?
After you apply for an ATA Carnet, here’s what you can expect:

Issuing and Delivery: Once the application is approved, the ATA Carnet will either be delivered to the applicant’s address or made ready for collection from the issuing office. The authority will confirm whether the carnet is to be collected or delivered.

Confirmation of Application and Details of Payments: The authority issuing the carnet will confirm that the information in the application form matches the itinerary and goods, and it will also provide details of the required payment and any guarantee or security that must be lodged in order to issue the carnet.

Terms and Conditions for the Use of the ATA Carnet: The holder should be familiar with the conditions for using the ATA Carnet, including any particular procedures that may be applicable in different countries.

Validity and Number of Vouchers: The validity period of an ATA Carnet is usually 12 months from the date of issue. It can not be extended, so plan the trip in advance. If you find out later that you need more vouchers for a second trip, you can contact the authority that issued the carnet for advice on ordering a supplement.

Inclusion of Additional Goods: If, after issuing the ATA Carnet, the applicant finds they have forgotten to include some goods on the list, they will have to apply for another carnet for those goods. You can not add the goods to the existing carnet.

If you have any questions, need a personal consultation or a breakdown of the process for your specific case, please give us a call, send us a WhatsApp, or come by—the team is always happy to help.

Special Conditions for the Temporary Import of Specific Goods under an ATA Carnet
Certain items being carried under an ATA Carnet, like weapons, flora and fauna protected by CITES, precious stones and metals, or equipment for specific professions, like film crews or performing artists, may be subject to special conditions or restrictions. To use an ATA Carnet with those goods, it’s usually necessary to provide additional supporting documents or prior notification or authorization to the relevant authorities.

Failure to comply with these special conditions, the customs officials may choose to treat the goods as a standard import, which could mean having to pay duties and taxes and facing delays. In order to avoid this and to ensure a smooth process, it’s always important to check if the goods that will be taken abroad are subject to any of the special conditions for using an ATA Carnet. And if you’re not sure, just give us a call, send us a WhatsApp or drop by—we’re happy to advise you on meeting the special conditions for specific goods.

What Responsibilities Do You Have as an ATA Carnet Representative?
If you want to carry goods abroad under an ATA Carnet, there are some responsibilities you should be aware of in order to have a smooth journey and not get any headaches.

Responsibilities
The carnet Representative is responsible for any customs charges in case the goods are not used according to the rules, even if the goods are not owned by the Representative. To ensure this, you should:

Check in advance that the ATA Carnet is valid for your country of visit and the specific goods or items you intend to take on your trip. Not all countries or types of goods are eligible for the ATA Carnet. Make sure the country you are visiting is on the list and your goods are covered!

Present your ATA Carnet to the customs officers at each border crossing. Remember to get the Carnet stamped each time you cross a border or enter and leave a customs territory.

Let customs remove the appropriate vouchers each time you enter or leave a country or customs territory. This will allow you to get the Carnet stamped again for the return journey.

Inform customs if you do not use the carnet in accordance with the conditions. For example, if you sell the goods, or decide not to take them back, the carnet may become invalid.

Provide customs officials with the opportunity to inspect both the Carnet documents and the goods, if they have reasonable grounds to suspect that the carnet is not being used in accordance with the conditions.

Abiding by the above mentioned responsibilities will help you to not only keep your shipment moving and documentation in order, but also to have an international business that runs like clockwork.

What Are the Advantages of Choosing an ATA Carnet for Your Temporary Export or Import?

Choosing an ATA Carnet is a good idea for many reasons. Why? 

Check out these benefits:

Streamlined process: You only have one single customs document, the ATA Carnet, that is accepted in over 87 countries, making it easy to take your goods in and out of the country without having to fill out a lot of paperwork. 

In other words, the ATA Carnet takes care of the whole import and export process for you!

No surprises: With the ATA Carnet, you can avoid paying unexpected customs duties and taxes in the foreign country. The Carnet will give you temporary admission for your goods, like trade show samples, sports equipment, professional tools and much more, without requiring a high deposit.

Flexible: The ATA Carnet is valid for a certain period of time, usually up to 12 months, and it is also valid for an unlimited number of entries and exits. This means it can be used for any number of trips within the validity period, regardless of how many countries are being visited.

Reduced Risk: The ATA Carnet acts as a guarantee to customs authorities and reduces the risk of delays and costly confiscations by customs.

To make things even easier, our team will be glad to take care of the Carnet preparation for you, from start to finish. 

Get in touch and start your journey with us today!

Who Can Use an ATA Carnet?
Companies and private individuals can use an ATA Carnet. In more detail, the ATA Carnet is for:

Business people and Organizations: The carnet is mainly used by businesses, but also by organizations that need to temporarily export or import equipment, samples, and goods for the purpose of exhibitions, trade shows, or professional activities.

Private individuals: Travelling businessmen, tourists, and people such as photographers, artists, or performing artists transporting their personal or professional equipment can fully benefit from using a carnet.

Authorized Representatives: The holder may also nominate one or more authorized representatives who can carry the ATA Carnet and present it to customs on their behalf. The nominated persons’ names and contact details will be listed in the relevant section or in the authorization letter.

The holder’s name and address are listed on the front of the ATA Carnet, while the appointed authorized representatives (if any) are listed in the relevant section or in the authorization letter for smooth customs clearance. 

If your situation is unique and you are unsure if an ATA Carnet is suitable for you or your business, feel free to contact us—we are always happy to advise.