ATA Carnets for the Motorsport Industry

Business West provides a bespoke service to support the motorsports industry to get your expensive vehicles and equipment safely to their destination while avoiding customs delays and also paying unnecessary taxes and duties. 

What is an ATA Carnet?

An ATA Carnet acts as a 'passport for goods’ and replaces all the usual customs documents. It allows temporary export of goods and equipment to an approved country on the ATA Carnet scheme. Since January 2021, Carnets can also be used for all EU countries.  

By using an ATA Carnet to transport your equipment and goods you will not be required to pay duty or tax on those goods. You can take almost any goods on an ATA Carnet that are non-consumable that you will be exporting on a temporary basis. It is a paper document that you present with the goods to Customs at the point of exportation and importation, and it gets stamped by Customs. 

Benefits of an ATA Carnet 

• Allows goods and equipment to travel duty and tax-free within ATA Carnet countries, for up to 12 months.
• Your Carnet can be used for multiple countries and trips, avoiding completing customs documents for each country you pass through. One ATA Carnet, one application can cover your entire journey!
• As there is less red tape, you will avoid border delays and save time and money, and given the value of the equipment and goods being moved into and out of countries, ATA Carnets offer considerable savings. 
• If using an ATA Carnet for Europe you are able to visit 27 adjacent countries, through open borders with no further cost, or hassle. So even though leaving the EU has undoubtedly produced more barriers to trade and travel, an ATA Carnet, does allow an easier, hassle-free way to temporarily export your goods.  
  
  

Why apply for an ATA Carnet?

ATA Carnets can be vital in saving time and money if you are temporarily taking goods out of the UK and into Countries that are signed up to the Carnet Scheme, and then re-importing them again. They can be used for: 

• Professional equipment, such as sporting equipment and motorsports vehicles, broadcast equipment, goods for educational, scientific or cultural purposes, and manufacturing equipment.  
• Commercial samples 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 or meetings. 

Perishable and consumable goods cannot be used on a Carnet, such as food, disposable goods, explosives and agricultural products. Apply for an ATA Carnet now.

Check out our video below on how a Carnet can help

Who are we? 

Business West, as Bristol Chamber of Commerce, has been assisting businesses across the UK with their export documentation for around 200 years. With thousands of satisfied customers choosing to use our services for their vital documentation, it’s no wonder we’re one of the leading Chambers of Commerce in the UK to help you with your exportation needs. We have an experienced team of 19 advisers and we ensure that you save money and time by guiding you through the ATA Carnet process, guaranteeing you and your goods get to where you need to be, as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

How can we help? 

Whether you want to transport sporting equipment or take samples to overseas customers or exhibit at a trade fair, we can ensure you never have to pay duty at the time of import. If you want your goods to benefit from a streamlined customs clearance routine in over 80 countries, then use our fast, reliable and secure electronic ATA Carnet service today. 

Our ATA Carnet service includes: 

• Completion of all Carnet vouchers 
• Simplification of customs procedures 
• A team of Carnet specialists that provides a personalised service to support you when you travel 
  
  

Not sure how to use your ATA Carnet?

Check out our short video below, which takes you through step by step how to use your ATA Carnet.

How much does a Carnet cost? 

Each ATA Carnet costs £350 + VAT for non-members and £210 + VAT for members. All ATA Carnets issued can be used for multiple trips and are valid for 12 months.  

What information is needed for an ATA Carnet? 

Apart from your company details, the most important part of a Carnet is the List of Goods, which should be as comprehensive as possible and contain such things as serial numbers for electrical items. This will enable Customs to readily identify the items and make everything more efficient.  We would also need to know which countries you are travelling to. 

Can I sell goods declared on a Carnet? 

No.  All goods on a Carnet will need to be brought back into the country and failure to do so could result in a fine being imposed by the overseas Customs authorities. 

Can I extend the time a Carnet is valid? 

You can’t extend the validity of a Carnet unless the Overseas Customs authorities give you prior approval to do so.  You would have to re-import the goods to the UK and apply for a new Carnet, which involves a new set of forms and a new fee. 

What happens if I lose my Carnet? 

You can obtain a substitute Carnet, which will have the same details as the original, but a repeat fee and security will apply.   

Can I add extra items to the Carnet list? 

Once a Carnet has been issued no extra items can be added to the list of goods. 

What value do I quote on the form? 

The value shown must reflect the current fair market value in the UK. 

Do I have to be a Chamber member to obtain a Carnet? 

No, you don’t have to be a Chamber member, but fees are discounted if you are.  

What countries can a Carnet be used for? 

ATA Carnets can be used for entry into 87 countries that have signed up to the ATA Carnet system. Please find a list of all the countries that use Carnets, below, including all EU countries: 

Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Australia (includes Tasmania), Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Canary Islands, Chile, China, Cote d'Ivoire, Faroe Islands, French overseas territories (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Guyane and Reunion, New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna Islands, and French Polynesia (includes Tahiti), St Barthelemy, St Martin, Mayotte, Saint Pierre et Miquelon), Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Republic of, Lebanon, Macao, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malaysia (includes Kuala Lumpur, Sabah and Sarawak), Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Qatar, Russian Federation, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, South Africa (includes Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland and Lesotho), Spanish overseas territories (Ceuta and Melilla), Sri Lanka, Switzerland (includes Liechtenstein), Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, USA (includes Puerto Rico and Saipan). 

EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. 

Apply and obtain a quote here. 

You can watch how to submit an ATA Carnet online here:

If you have any questions about ATA Carnets and how they work simply contact a member of our team and we shall guide you through the online process. You can reach us on 01275 370712.