On Valentine’s Day here are some top tips to ensure a perfect ATA Carnet
There are some things that the Business West Carnet Team LOVE to see to make sure you have a perfect relationship with your Carnet! As everyone knows, the more you put into any relationship, the more you get out of it and your Carnet is the same.
Our expert Carnet Team at Business West have seen it all over the years and here are their top tips to keep things running smoothly whether you are a novice or an expert on Carnets.
Get the name right!
There is nothing worse than using the wrong name on a first date and a Carnet application is the same. Always make sure you use the correct legal company name on your application – otherwise there will be no perfect match on Companies House. If you are applying as an individual, then be careful to avoid any typos and spell your name correctly! For more information take a look at our FAQs.
A perfect General List
Every Carnet relies on the list of items attached to it. If you get this right, then you are onto a winner straight away. Remember to list your electrical items, whether brand new or pre-LOVED, with the make, model and serial number, so that when Customs here in the UK or overseas check your Carnet, it’s easy for them to match to your goods. You can see the example below or check out our sector specific examples
How much do you weigh?
I know you should never ask your loved one their weight – but on a carnet it’s a must! Always add the weight of your items to the Carnet General list when you apply, or it just won’t work out. Whether you add a total weight or list the weight of each individual item (no weight shaming here), it’s key to a successful Carnet.
A secure relationship
It’s important to feel secure in any relationship and that's just as true for you and your Carnet. With the best will in the world things can go wrong and you could be liable to pay taxes or duties when you return to the UK. Common issues include the Customs office being closed when you travel through the border, the stamp isn’t applied correctly to the Carnet or heaven forbid, you lose it! Our Carnet team will always do their best to appease Customs should they be unhappy with any errors, but in return, you should choose the security option which works best for you: cash deposit, a security guarantee or Bank guarantee. Use our online security calculator to work out the cost or contact our Carnet Team if you need more help.
Stamp your carnet
No one wants to be ignored. Carnet paperwork not being stamped correctly is one of the most common errors when they are returned to us. Remember each time you leave or arrive at the UK or overseas carnet country, present the correct customs voucher and have the counterfoil stamped by border force. If not, you may be liable for duties and/or financial penalties from overseas Customs. So, check when the local Customs office is open to avoid arriving at a time when there is no staff on duty. Who wants to be stood up! Your carnet will love you for it.
Not ready to start a new relationship?
You can extend your valid Carnet’s security up to the end of its expiry date, if you need to use it after the guarantee expires. A lot of our customers find that their plans change, or things get delayed. Such is the nature of international business. Contact the Carnet Team for advice but don’t leave it too late or they won’t be able to help!
A surprise road trip
Who doesn’t love an unexpected visit to a new destination. Well, your Carnet for one. If you need to make a visit to a country not included on your valid carnet, then all is not lost and if the new overseas country is part of the ATA Carnet scheme, then it can be re-bonded to cover your new destination. Contact the Carnet Team for advice on how to re-bond your Carnet. You can also check the countries covered by the ATA Carnet scheme to see if you can include it on your existing Carnet.
Online v traditional dating
The world of dating has moved online and so will ATA Carnets. With the introduction of the new eATA Digital Carnet project in 2025, your relationship with ATA Carnets will move away from paper-based documents and towards a digital age. Business West is at the forefront of this new technology which will be rolled-out throughout 2025. Find out the latest and stay ahead of your competitiors.
The end of the relationship
Sometimes the best relationships are short-term. Sadly, a Carnet isn’t for life and can only ever be valid for a maximum of 12 months. So, when its time is up it’s best to move on and send it back to the Carnet Team. If all is well, we can officially discharge it and it’s all over until the next time. Don’t forget to take a scan of it first though, in case it gets lost in transit!
Need support with your ATA Carnet?
You can find out more about how an ATA Carnet can be a “passport for your goods” to avoid import duties and taxes while they are temporarily exported by reading our FAQ but if there is something you aren't sure about then our expert team can help. You can contact them by e-mail or by Tel: 01275 373373.
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