ATA Carnet FAQs

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You can use our online application system, eCert, to quickly and easily apply for Carnets. This will take you through the entire process from start to finish. You can also get additional assistance from our 20-strong dedicated and experienced Carnet team. We also have a useful video that details how to apply, and you can find this below. 

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There are currently 88 countries and territories that are part of the ATA Carnet system, and since January 2021 this includes the EU. To see a list of these countries, please click here and scroll down. 

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The Carnet Guarantee is not insurance for the Carnet holder, or the items listed on the Carnet, but is security for the Chamber. Without this in place we, being the issuing body, would be left financially exposed to any potential claim made by foreign customs authorities (claims would be made in the event of the Carnet not being used properly, the items being lost whilst in the country of temporary import, etc.).  

There are three ways in which to arrange this, and whichever option you choose must be completed before we can release the Carnet to you: 

• Aviva Guarantee – the Guarantee can be purchased from our in-house insurer, Aviva. To choose this option, complete the Aviva Proposal form and return it to us along with the ATA Carnet Application form. 
• Refundable Deposit – you can provide us with a refundable deposit. This will be a percentage of the total value of your goods, which we hold until the risk of a claim has passed, and then it is returned to you. The maximum time frame that we might need to hold the deposit for is 33 months from the Carnet issue date. 
• Bank Guarantee – security can be arranged through your own bank (this must be an FSA recognised bank); we require them to return a form, which we can provide, confirming that this has been completed. 

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This could be art, jewellery, IT equipment, manufacturing equipment, clothing, or cosmetics. Anything non-consumable that is intended to be presented to others at a trade show or exhibition. 

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The National Carnet Unit (NCU) is a branch of HMRC that deals exclusively with Carnets. Contacting NCU should only be for the following reasons: 

• Your goods have returned to the UK but have not been endorsed upon re-importation. You will need a Certificate of Location. 
• You have a substitute or replacement Carnet that needs to be validated before being sent abroad to be with your goods. 
• You are holding a non-UK Carnet and it is about to expire. You will need to request an extension of your stay from NCU. 
• You are holding a non-UK Carnet with your goods currently in the UK and you wish to divert them to home use (importing them into the UK permanently).

Contact details for the NCU:

atacarnetunit@hmrc.gov.uk

Telephone: 0300 322 7064

You can find out more about NCU here.

Answer

1. Details of the Carnet holder (this is the company that is responsible for any payments if the Carnet is misused). 
2. Information regarding the person(s) who will be travelling with the goods. 
3. What the intended use of the goods is. 
4. List of the goods that are being taken. These items will need to be individually listed with a specific description (i.e. make and serial number) along with the weight and value of the goods. 

Answer

Ancillary fees include the following: 

• Additional vouchers - £42.00 (not including re-bond)
• Re-print fee (if Carnet has not left office) - £63.00 +VAT
• Re-print fee (if Carnet has left office) - £95.00 +VAT
• Standard cancellation fee - £75.00 +VAT
• Express cancellation fee - £50.00 +VAT
• Pre-check (£25) 

To see a full price list, please click here.

Answer

You will have to have a clear idea of how the goods will be travelling to their destination in order to work out the required itinerary. Exits from UK are counted separately to visits and transits. For example - travelling to USA and Canada, without returning to the UK in between, will require 1 exit, 1 visit to USA and 1 visit to Canada. If the goods are returning to the UK in between, then you would need 2 exits, 1 visit to USA and 1 visit to Canada. Naturally, if the return journey is via USA, then you would need to apply for 2 visits to USA etc. 

Things to bear in mind: 

When driving through the EU to a non-EU country (for example a visit to Turkey) - you must ensure that you also have a pair of vouchers for the return journey - so your itinerary would contain 1 exit, 2 visits to EU, 2 transits to EU and 1 visit to Turkey (transits are included in case French or Greek Customs request them). 

When driving to an EU country via Switzerland (for example a visit to Italy) - you would need 1 exit, 2 transits to EU, 2 transits for Switzerland and 3 visits to EU (transits are included in case French customs request them for transiting via France in both directions).  

If in doubt as to what could be required for your EU trip - either contact Bristol Chamber for advice or add a couple of additional sets of Vouchers (exits, visits and transits) to your itinerary to be on a safe side. Note that you can always request more Vouchers from the issuing Chamber if required. 

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You are only able to put consumable goods on your Carnet if they are being exhibited at a trade show or exhibition (this excludes alcohol, fuel, and cigarettes, which must be declared separately). You will need to specify that these consumables will be displayed at this trade show or exhibition and will be re-imported into the UK afterwards. Any consumables that are not going to return to the UK CAN NOT go on a Carnet. You will need to use OPR or IPR for goods that are intended for processing or repair. 

Answer

A UK company must be stated in box A of the Carnet front cover therefore they cannot be supervised by a foreign agent. If goods are left with or used by a foreign company unsupervised, the country’s customs agency are likely to interpret this as goods being hired out, which constitutes Carnet misuse. If you need to either hire goods out abroad or leave the goods unattended then this will need to be approved by the foreign Customs. 

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Yes, you will need to ensure you have the relevant export and import licences for each of the countries you visit or cross during transit. For more information please contact: 

• Export Control Organisation, E: eco.help@trade.gov.uk  
• Arts Council, E: elu@mla.gov.uk for art and antiques. 

Answer

• Carnets are valid for up to 12 months - try to include any countries that you could potentially visit during that period into the itinerary. 
• Include all the possible items you could take abroad in a 12-month period on the Carnet (you would need to ensure that correct items are declared for each visit. For example, if you're visiting Switzerland first and are only taking the first 10 items on the list, then all declarations for that trip would have to show 1-10 for the items declared etc). 
• If you are attending an event with another person(s) that is also there in a commercial capacity, it will be cheaper to combine all the goods on one document (ensure that the name(s) of any persons travelling with those goods are listed in Box B of the Carnet to allow them to also use the document if required). 
• Regular Carnet users can get discounted issuing fees by becoming a member of the issuing Chamber of Commerce. Email us for more information on Chamber membership. 
• When providing security - lodging the full security amount as a deposit / bankers draft would ensure that this is refunded to you once the Carnet is returned and discharged. Regular users should also consider setting up a continuing guarantee as this could reduce security costs considerably. 

Answer

Dover and Eurotunnel:  

1. Holders driving to EU in a personal vehicle or a van must must report to Sevington both outbound and on return. Stop 24 is now only open to registered operators.  

2. Hauliers / freight forwarders must use pre-notification facility (note that IBFs Inland Border Facilities can only process Carnets for Dover, Euroshuttle and Holyhead - for other ports, go to the port directly and use facilities there). 

Eurostar (St Pancras) - Carnet Holders leaving the UK by Eurostar should notify Border Force in advance by calling +44(0)20 7841 6410. 

Holyhead - if travelling from Holyhead to Dublin by ferry it is best to pre-notify the UK and Irish Customs at least 24hr in advance of travelling (state your vehicle registration no, Carnet no and date and time of departure). 

1. Leaving UK via Holyhead - go to Roadking Truckstop, Parc Cybi, Kingsland, Holyhead, LL65 2YQ to get your Carnet stamped (you can also use inland sites at Birmingham or Warrington) 
2. Entering Ireland (Dublin Port) go to goods to declare area 
3. Leaving Ireland (Dublin Port) - cars and vans go to T7 section after the tunnel or New Custom House, Promenade Road (beside the Circle K roundabout). Opening hours 8 a.m. – 22.00 p.m. phone 353-1-8776208. Freight goes to Terminal 11, Bond Drive Extension - Customs can be found in a portacabin. Opening hours 24/7 
4. Returning to UK go to the Border Force freight shed (it is best to ask for directions at the port)  
   
   

PBN (Pre Boarding Notification) is mandatory for ROI - Carnet Holders driving a company vehicle must obtain a pre-boarding notification number PBN inbound and outbound by emailing CustomsPBN@revenue.ie with the following details: scan of the Carnet Front Cover and General list and details of sailing (date, time, ferry, port of exit and entry). You will get the PBN no by email. Hauliers will need to apply for PBN online. 

Northern Ireland - Ports: 

• DAERA facility- Duncrue Street, Belfast, BT3 9BJ is manned 24/7 by BF staff and accommodates Carnets 
• Shed 66 at Larne Port is also manned 24/7 and is used for both inbound and outbound movements 
• Warrenpoint is the 3rd site processing Carnets 
  
  

The above ports can be contacted by the following email: bfportteam@homeoffice.gov.uk (pre-notification is not required)    

Northern Ireland - Airports: 

• Belfast City operating hours will be changing imminently due to the withdrawal of flights.  Carnets + goods can be taken to Belfast Docks due to the proximity (or pre-notify BFPortteam@homeoffice.gov.uk to confirm if officers will/can be on site) 
• Belfast International is 24/7, but only has BF at the international arrivals hall. There is no presence at domestic arrivals, so advance notice to BFDutyOfficer@homeoffice.gov.uk is required (upon arrival, ask the information desk (located at domestic arrivals) to notify Border Force) 
  
  

ALL OTHER UK OFFICES PROCESSING CARNETS (pre-notification is not required for airports - use VAT reclaim desk before checking in and red channel on arrival). 

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No. Once a Carnet has been issued you are not able to add any extra items to the approved list. 

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If the goods are freighted and are bound for a “non-inventory linked” port or airport they may need to be included on a Summary Declaration (C1600) form. 

Use code: CPC 10 00 041 for exports and CPC 00 080 20 for re-imports. 

Answer

Some customs authorities allow extension of the temporary admission by accepting replacement Carnets (note that replacement must be issued before the original Carnet expires). 

Replacement Carnets are issued by the Chamber that issued the original Carnet. The new Carnet must be validated by the National Carnet Unit before being used abroad. The holder must present both the new and existing Carnet to the host customs to close off the original Carnet and transfer liability to the replacement Carnet. 

The following countries DO NOT need prior approvals for replacement Carnets (you can request the replacement Carnet from your issuing Chamber directly): Belarus, Brazil, Chile, China, European Union, Hong Kong, Korea, Macao, Pakistan, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE 

The following countries REQUIRE prior approval (extension of the temporary admission must be requested from the host customs before the issuing Chamber can issue the replacement): 

Australia - Complete Form B257 and e-mail to VECCI for approval before the original Carnet expires. Once you have obtained approval, forward a copy to your issuing Chamber in the UK and request a replacement Carnet. 

Canada - Contact CBSA CBSA Temporary Importations with the details of the existing Carnet (Carnet no, expiry date, port of importation, the reason for extension) and request approval for an extension before the original Carnet expires. Once you have obtained approval, contact your issuing Chamber in the UK and request a replacement Carnet. 

Mexico - Replacement can be issued only if, at the time of requesting an extension, the Carnet has less than six months of validity remaining. Once the replacement has been issued in the UK and validated by the NCU, the holder will need to register the replacement Carnet with the Mexican customs authority CANACO WEBPAGE. 

New Zealand - The holder must contact the UK Chamber that issued the original Carnet and provide the following details: 

• ATA Carnet number 
• Reason for extension and estimated date of departure 
• Date of validity 
• Name of the customs office where the goods were imported 
  
  

The UK issuing Chamber will then lodge a request for approval of the extension with the New Zealand NGO. 

Norway - Holders should email Oslo Chamber of Commerce a request for extension of temporary admission. The data to be communicated is as follows: 

• ATA Carnet number 
• The name of the holder 
• Date of validity 
• Name of the customs office where the goods were imported 
  
  

Once the permission for replacement has been received, the holder should contact their issuing Chamber and request a replacement Carnet. 

South Africa - Contact SACCI (glennaleeh@sacci.org.za or samuelm@sacci.org.za) and request approval for a replacement Carnet to be issued before the original Carnet expires. Once you have obtained approval, contact your issuing Chamber in the UK and request a replacement Carnet. 

United States of America - USA does not accept replacement Carnets. The Carnet holder must contact US customs before the Carnet expires and divert the goods to a TIB (Temporary Importation Bond). The Re-exportation Counterfoil on the Carnet must be endorsed by US Customs to confirm the liability has been transferred to the TIB. Returned Goods Relief will need to be claimed on return to the UK.   

The following countries DO NOT allow replacement Carnets: India, Japan, Morocco and Taiwan do not allow replacement Carnets. 

Advice for foreign Carnet holders currently in the UK on a foreign Carnet wishing to extend their stay in the UK: 

• Contact UK customs and request permission to obtain a replacement Carnet. The email must include the reason for extension and details of the existing Carnet: Carnet number, validity date, date of entry into the UK, and port of entry into the UK 
• If UK customs approve the request (usually by email), the holder should contact the Chamber of Commerce that issued the original Carnet and request a replacement. This must be done before the original Carnet expires 
• The replacement Carnet will need to be validated by customs of the Country of issue before being sent to the UK 
• Both the replacement and the existing Carnet must be sent to be endorsed by the National Carnet Unit:
  
  

National Carnet Unit

Business Tax & Customs, 5th Floor

Three New Bailey

New Bailey Street

Salford

M3 5FS

Answer

If your goods are lost or stolen, this should immediately be reported to the appropriate foreign customs authority and the police. You should also acquire a police report. This is for insurance purposes as it is likely customs will apply charges due to the non-re-exportation of your goods listed on the Carnet.   

If your goods are damaged but repairable, they should be brought back to the UK as long as re-exportation from the country you are in and re-importation back into the UK are endorsed by customs. If your goods are irreparable, customs may allow them to be destroyed under their control. This must be reflected on the Carnet re-exportation Counterfoil and the voucher should be held by customs. Charges from customs may apply. 

Answer

If your Carnet is lost after your trip then you need to contact the National Carnet Unit (NCU) to get a Certificate of Location to prove the goods have been re-imported back into the United Kingdom. Their email address is atacarnetunit@hmrc.gov.uk. Charges may apply. 

Answer

An ATA Carnet is not required; however, a customs declaration will need to be completed. Click here for further information.

If I live in Northern Ireland, will I require a Carnet to move goods temporarily south of that border into Ireland?

The Good Friday Agreement and the UK/EU trade agreement means that goods should be able to move freely between NI and the Republic of Ireland, so no Carnet is required.

For further information on moving goods into Northern Ireland please see the following information, which our Export Documentation team has compiled:

Hand carried goods or goods driven in a personal vehicle:

• These goods can be declared for temporary admission using a form C108 (with the exception of horses intended for racing or commercial activities. Horses can go on an ATA Carnet) or;
• Duplicate List (prepare 2 copies of the Goods List - including full description of items, quantities and serial numbers + a completed form C&E1246)

Goods moved by freight forwarders or FPOs:

• These goods can either be declared via Customs Declarations or use an ATA Carnet
• GVM is required for any vehicles over 7.5t (empty or loaded)

Guarantee % - If a Carnet is required then the security rate fee is 20% of the goods value (effectively to cover the cost of VAT)

Northern Ireland ports endorsing Carnets:

1. DAERA facility- Duncrue Street, Belfast, BT3 9BJ is manned 24/7 by Border Force staff and accommodates Carnets

2. Shed 66 at Larne Port is also manned 24/7 and is used for both inbound and outbound movements

3. Warrenpoint is the 3rd site processing Carnets

The above ports can be contacted by the following email bfportteam@homeoffice.gov.uk (pre-notification is not required)

Northern Ireland Airports endorsing Carnets:

1. Belfast City operating hours will be changing imminently due to the withdrawal of flights. Carnets and goods can be taken to Belfast Docks due to the proximity (or prenotify BFPortteam@homeoffice.gov.uk to confirm if officers will/can be on site)

2. Belfast International is 24/7, but only has Border Force at the International Arrivals hall. There is no presence at Domestic Arrivals, so advance notice to BFDutyOfficer@homeoffice.gov.uk is required. Upon arrival, ask the Information

Desk (located at Domestic Arrivals) to notify Border Force

If the goods are returning to GB via NI, then re-exportation will also be done at NI (or ROI if flying from a ROI airport).

Goods owned by a NI company/individual and located in NI do not need a Carnet for EU. NI residents or companies that require a Carnet for travelling to non-EU destinations must apply for a Carnet with the Northern Ireland Chamber.

For further information on moving goods into the Republic of Ireland (European Union):

Goods moving to the Republic of Ireland (via Northern Ireland):

• We would recommend using ATA Carnets for temporary admission to ROI
• Any Carnets passing through NI en-route to ROI must be endorsed in NI (this will include Validation, Exportation and Importation). There are no Inland Customs Facilities on the ROI side after crossing from NI so it is important to get everything endorsed in NI
  

Pre-Boarding Notification (PBN) Required

• Hauliers shipping the goods to Ireland will need to apply for PBN online
• Carnet holders driving to Ireland in a company vehicle will have to obtain a Preboarding Notification number (PBN) inbound and outbound by emailing CustomsPBN@revenue.ie with the following details: scan of the ATA Carnet

front cover and General List and details of sailing (date, time, ferry, port of exit and entry). You will get the PBN number by email

Getting the Carnet Processed at Customs

Republic of Ireland:

• If travelling from Holyhead to Dublin by ferry it is best to pre-notify UK (bfholyhead@homeoffice.gov.uk) and Irish Customs (nchfrontdesk@revenue.ie) at least 24 hours in advance of travelling (state your vehicle registration no, Carnet no and date and time of departure)
• Carnet Holders driving a company vehicle must obtain a pre-boarding notification number PBN inbound and outbound by emailing CustomsPBN@revenue.ie with the following details: scan of the Carnet Front Cover and General list and details of sailing (date, time, ferry, port of exit and entry). You will get the PBN no by email. Hauliers will need to apply for PBN online

Leaving UK:

• Go to Roadking Truckstop, Parc Cybi, Kingsland, Holyhead, LL65 2YQ to get your Carnet stamped. *You can also use inland sites at Birmingham or Warrington

Entering Ireland (Dublin Port):

• Go to goods to declare area

Returning to UK:

• Go to the Border Force freight shed (best to ask for directions at the port).

Leaving Ireland (Dublin Port):

• Cars and vans go to T7 section after the tunnel or New Custom House, Promenade Road (beside the Circle K roundabout). Opening hours 8 a.m. – 22.00 p.m. phone 353-1-8776208. Freight goes to Terminal 11, Bond Drive Extension - Customs can be found in a portacabin. Opening hours 24/7