Business West’s ATA Carnet team prepares for the busy exhibition season – starting with IFA Berlin

ATA Carnets for the consumer electronics industry 

Here at Business West, a large proportion of all the ATA Carnets we issue are for the consumer electronics industry. As a result, our busy Carnet team is now preparing for the 99th IFA Berlin, one of the biggest consumer electrics trade shows in the world. 

IFA Berlin and the importance of face-to-face trade fairs 

IFA Berlin, which takes place at the Messe Berlin from 1st to 5th September this year, will host over 2,000 exhibitors, who will have the chance to showcase their products to prospective buyers, distributors, investors and experts. The trade show will bring in approximately 180,000 visitors over the course of five days, making it the perfect setting for product launches. 

Since the pandemic, many businesses have made the most of the in-person benefits of trade shows. Above all else, face-to-face discussions allow for important business relationships to be formed, and much of the networking that happens on the trade show floor cannot be replicated via Zoom.  

What to do if you are going to IFA Berlin or another trade show this autumn 

If your company is taking its goods to IFA Berlin or another European trade show this autumn, you may want to use an ATA Carnet to temporarily export your exhibition equipment and help you save money and time at the borders. 

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What is an ATA Carnet? 

ATA Carnets effectively act as ‘passports for goods,’ and allow businesses and individuals to temporarily export their equipment out of the UK and into other countries on the ATA Carnet scheme without having to pay the usual import duties and taxes. ATA Carnets have been particularly useful since Brexit, which halted the free movement of goods between the UK and countries in the EU.  

The main benefits of ATA Carnets for exhibitors travelling to Europe

Duty and tax exemption: One of the primary advantages of ATA Carnets is that they provide temporary admission of goods into the European Union (EU) without the payment of customs duties and taxes. Exhibitors can bring their exhibition equipment and samples into Europe for a limited period, typically up to one year, without incurring additional costs. 

Streamlined customs procedures: ATA Carnets simplify customs procedures for exhibitors. Instead of going through lengthy and complex importation processes at each border crossing, exhibitors can present the ATA Carnet to customs authorities, allowing for swift and efficient customs clearance. This streamlined process saves time and reduces administrative burdens.  

Flexibility and convenience: ATA Carnets offer flexibility to exhibitors by allowing multiple entries and exits within the participating countries during the Carnet's validity period. This enables exhibitors to travel freely within Europe for various exhibitions or trade shows without the need for repetitive customs procedures.  

International acceptance: ATA Carnets are recognised and accepted in over 80 countries, including all EU member states. This wide acceptance makes it a valuable tool for exhibitors travelling to Europe, as it ensures a standardised process across different customs jurisdictions. Exhibitors can rely on the ATA Carnet system to navigate customs requirements effectively and gain access to various European markets. 

If you think you could benefit from travelling to Europe this exhibition season with an ATA Carnet and want more information or help, please contact our expert ATA Carnet team.

Find out more about IFA Berlin. 

Find out more about ATA Carnets for trade fairs and exhibitions.