5 tips and tricks to get your Carnet stamped correctly in the EU

Whether you are travelling via air, land or sea, you must always get your Carnet stamped by customs when entering and exiting the EU.

Many people get confused about how and where to get their Carnet stamped in the EU.

The EU is categorised as one customs territory on the ATA Carnet scheme. As a result, it is very simple to temporarily export there: you do not have to validate your Carnet when you move between countries within the EU.

For example, you can get your Carnet stamped into the EU via France and stamped out of the EU via Italy. 

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However, if you travel into an EU country (e.g. France), then make a stop in a non-EU country (e.g. Switzerland), before re-entering the EU again, you will need to get all of those entrances and exits recorded on your Carnet.

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Alternatively, if you are only transiting (i.e. not stopping) through a non-EU country, then you only need to get the transit counterfoils and vouchers stamped.

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Please see our ATA Carnet countries page for a full list of all the ATA Carnet countries.

Here are some useful tips and tricks on how to get your ATA Carnet stamped correctly:

1. Plan ahead: 
   If you are travelling to and through the EU, you will need to check where to get your ATA Carnet stamped in advance. The customs office opening hours will differ at each border, so it is important to plan ahead. To see the full catalogue of European customs offices, visit the European Customs Portal.
2. When entering France, go to the Centre Douane SIVEP (62100 Calais, France, phone no: +33321461810):
   On arrival in Calais, all HGVs will automatically be directed via the orange itinerary to the Centre Douane SIVEP, which is where all Carnets are stamped. If you are travelling in a personal vehicle/van, you may be filtered out directly onto the open roads. If this happens to you, it is imperative that you go back and get your ATA Carnet stamped by French customs. 
3. Go via the French pit stop when exiting France:
   If you are exiting via Calais, you must declare your ATA Carnet at the French pit stop. Present your ATA Carnet at the French customs booth where it will be stamped.
   Do not leave without getting the Carnet stamped out of France (EU) by French Customs. If you fail to do this, your Carnet cannot be discharged and import duties may be applicable.
4. Validate your transit vouchers:
   If you are transiting via non-EU countries like Switzerland, it is important that you get your transit vouchers stamped. Transit vouchers must only be used when you are not planning on stopping.
   For example, if you are driving from France to Germany via Switzerland (and you are not stopping in Switzerland), then you need to get the blue transit vouchers and counterfoils stamped by Swiss customs as you pass through. NB It is important to get the counterfoils stamped both on entry to and exit from Switzerland (or other non-EU Countries). 
5. Be vigilant:
   Unfortunately, we hear of many instances in which Carnets go under the radar and are not stamped by customs officers. It is your responsibility to get your Carnet validated – otherwise hefty customs fines could incur. Therefore, be vigilant and make sure you are always on top of your itinerary.

Find out more about how to get your Carnet stamped correctly on our important information for drivers page.

Sources:

https://www.eurotunnelfreight.com/uk/about/border-requirements/before-travel/