ATA Carnet for the TV and Film Industry

Business West provides a bespoke service to support film & TV production companies to get your expensive equipment safely to its filming 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 the 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 goods you will not be required to pay duty or tax on those goods or equipment. 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 film and TV recording equipment, goods for educational, scientific or cultural purposes, sporting equipment, 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? 

• We can ensure you never have to pay duty on your professional broadcasting equipment 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.  

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 373373.