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.

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.