Don’t leave your temporary exports to luck: Use an ATA Carnet

Helen Hodgson Business West
17 March 2025

St Patrick’s Day is a time for celebration from Dublin to New York or anywhere in between.  

But when it comes to temporarily exporting goods to Ireland, don’t leave things to chance! Since the UK left the European Union, moving exhibition stands, professional equipment, or samples across borders can be confusing. The last thing you want is delays at customs, unexpected fees, or worse—goods stuck at the border! Now that would be unlucky!
 

So, how can you take your goods out of the UK and into Ireland temporarily?  

The answer is simple: an ATA Carnet - your “passport” for goods


An ATA Carnet works like a “passport” for goods, allowing you to temporarily export and then re-import your items.  Using an ATA Carnet will not only help you avoid costly duties and taxes when you visit Ireland but will make the journey into and out of the country go much more smoothly.  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.

Getting your carnet processed at customs: UK to the Republic of Ireland Direct


Once you have your ATA Carnet, how does it work when you travel direct to the Republic of Ireland?

If you are travelling from Holyhead to Dublin by ferry, you should pre-notify UK and Irish Customs at least 24 hours in advance (state your vehicle registration number, Carnet number and date and time of departure). 

  • Leaving the UK: go to Roadking Truckstop, Holyhead, to get your Carnet stamped. 
  • Entering Ireland (Dublin Port): go to T11 site for processing inbound goods (beside Circle K roundabout)
  • Leaving Ireland (Dublin Port): Cars and vans go to the T7 section or New Custom House, Promenade Road. Opening hours 08.00 am- 22.00 pm. Freight goes to Terminal 11. Opening hours 24/7
  • Returning to the UK: go to the Border Force freight area
     

A PBN (Pre-Boarding Notification number) is mandatory for the Republic of Ireland

Carnet Holders driving a company vehicle must obtain a PBN inbound and outbound. Provide the following details: a scan of the Carnet front cover and general list and sailing details (date, time, ferry, port of exit and entry). You will get the PBN number by email. Hauliers will need to apply for a PBN online.

Getting your carnet processed at customs: goods travelling to the Republic of Ireland via Northern Ireland 

Not all goods will travel directly to the Republic of Ireland and may arrive via Northern Ireland. If you are bringing your goods into the Republic of Ireland (ROI) via Northern Ireland (NI), then there are things you need to consider. Any Carnets passing through NI en-route to ROI must be endorsed in Northern Ireland (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. NI Customs stamp everything, as they are acting as both UK and EU customs. 

For more help and advice on taking goods in and out of Northern Ireland then check the gov.uk websites:

If you have any questions about moving your goods and equipment into Ireland, our team have lots of experience and will be able to help you navigate the border smoothly.  

For general advice on ATA Carnets or contact our experienced Business West Carnet team.