An ATA Carnet acts as a 'passport for goods’ for the temporary export of goods and equipment and, in most cases, replaces the need for a customs declaration.
Carnets were introduced to make trade between countries easier, allowing duty-free and tax-free temporary admission of goods to an approved country on the ATA Carnet scheme. Since January 2021, Carnets are now used for all EU countries and while not mandatory, they have proven to be an effective way of moving goods as they avoid hefty customs charges and the difficulties that occur when travelling without one, particularly for commercial hot air balloon operators who often use ATA Carnets when temporarily exporting their ballooning and associated promotional equipment to overseas locations.
We talked to Ian Martin, Chief Pilot and owner of Flying Enterprises, who used an ATA Carnet to take a client’s hot air balloon on a promotional shoot to Las Vegas.
Could you tell us a bit about your business and what you do?
Flying Enterprises is a commercial balloon operating company. We have been established for over 25 years, and mainly do aerial display work. We work with our clients to create bespoke hot air balloons advertising their business and we take them wherever they want to fly to get them the publicity and brand awareness they are seeking.
Could you explain the purpose of your trip and why you needed an ATA Carnet?
We were working with our client, Paul Smith Design, who wanted to take their bespoke hot air balloon to Las Vegas to do a film shoot. We needed to take not only the hot air balloon, but all the equipment associated with the hot air balloon, as well as all filming and drone equipment.
It seemed like common sense to get an ATA Carnet. If you wanted to take a balloon to the US without an ATA Carnet, you would need to establish an agent and address in the US, and implement all sorts of other import/export formalities. Using an ATA Carnet makes the process much simpler. All you need to do is describe and list all the equipment that is going, and then the Carnet travels with that equipment. You skip all the rigmarole and costs of import and re-export.
I was away in the US initially for one week. The balloon arrived just as we got there. We unpacked it and got it ready and did the first three days of filming and working with the client. They then decided they wanted some more drone footage. I left the balloon in Las Vegas at that point as I had to go on to Albuquerque to attend the Alberquerque International Balloon Fiesta - the largest balloon festival in the world. Once that ended, I took a quick trip back up to Las Vegas to do one more flight on the Paul Smith Design balloon. Because the Carnet is valid for up to 12 months, plans can be very flexible.
How did you find the experience of applying for your ATA Carnet?
We have been using ATA Carnets for temporary export for as long as I can remember. The Business West eCert platform was great. It was straightforward. I am not the most high-tech person in the world, but I found my way around and I found it simple to use. I needed to make one phone call to the team during the process just to check what I needed to put on one of the item descriptions. Outside of that, it all went smoothly, and the ATA Carnet application was checked, approved and printed.
How did you find working with the Business West team?
The team were very helpful. You can tell they are used to talking to people who don’t know what they are doing and were happy to take their time helping me with my application. I needed to make sure my application was processed quickly so that we could export the balloon and make sure it was on site in Las Vegas on time. They pulled out all the stops out to make sure it was available for me to collect, so I could personally deliver it to the shippers with the balloon. So, everything worked out perfectly.
Did you have any problems with your application?
No, none. The application was fine. There was one change that needed to be made, but no issues at all.
What were the benefits of using Business West to apply for your ATA Carnet?
Well, as far as Flying Enterprises is concerned, Business West is local to us, which is useful. So, to go to the Business West office to collect the Carnet was a bonus for me. However, if customers are based far away, I don't think it would be a problem to get a Carnet couriered to you if you needed it quickly.
It's a great team and they all know exactly what they're doing. They're highly recommended for Carnets. There was no need for me to look elsewhere!
Finally, do you have any advice for other balloon companies that need to temporarily export their equipment?
A lot of balloon businesses send their balloons off on tour, so they’re regularly going from one country to another. Using a Carnet is a very sensible way of getting your equipment moved around without difficulties. You’ve got to bear in mind the costs involved with exporting goods, and once you’ve got the Carnet, even if you’re doing it as a one-off trip, it’s less hassle than it is doing it through a normal export, especially if the route changes. So, I would certainly recommend it to other companies looking to temporarily move their hot air balloons. I would even recommend it to individuals who are taking their balloon to a private fiesta or event.
Find out more information about Business West ATA Carnets.
Find out more information about Flying Enterprises.
Apply for an ATA Carnet today
Start creating and submitting your ATA Carnets today. To apply for your carnet, you'll be taken to our easy-to-use export documentation platform, eCert.