What is an ATA Carnet?

An ATA Carnet is an international Customs document that operates like a passport for your goods.  It allows the temporary importation of goods into countries that are part of the ATA Carnet scheme and avoids you having to pay unnecessary taxes or duties.

ATA Carnets can cover goods that are leaving the UK and returning within a 12-month period.  They do not cover disposable goods that will be used while out of the country or items that will not be returning to the UK.

Want to speak to someone? Call us on 01444 259259, or send the team your questions/ enquiry below and we will get back to you.


When and why do I need an ATA Carnet?

You can have a Carnet if your goods are being temporarily transported from the UK and into one of the 40+ countries that accepts ATA Carnets.  They are possible in the following scenarios:

  • You are exhibiting at an International Trade Fair/Exhibition
  • You are taking Commercial Samples to enable you to generate future business
  • Your goods are going out for Professional Equipment purposes to perform their function or to undergo testing

If this applies to you, you could apply for an ATA Carnet. The ATA Carnet simplifies the customs procedure into a single document and makes the import and export process much quicker and easier to handle.


How Can I apply for an ATA Carnet?

Online Application

All Carnets are applied for via our electronic service, eCert. Once your Carnet has been submitted on eCert, it will be checked and processed by the Carnet Team who will advise you if there are any queries.