INTERNATIONAL TRADE

It is very important that you do not lose your ATA Carnet.

You must:

• Get the Carnet stamped when leaving the UK
• Get the Carnet stamped when entering a foreign country/customs territory
• Get the Carnet stamped when exiting a foreign country/customs territory
• Get the Carnet stamped when re-entering the UK
• Return the Carnet to the holder or to Business West once the journey has been completed

Where to get your ATA Carnet stamped in the UK

Whether you are travelling via freight route, airports, or the Eurostar, you must get the ATA Carnet stamped by customs when exiting and re-entering the UK.

To see the full list of customs offices in the UK, download our UK ports and airports list.

Inland Border Facilities (IBFs)

If you are travelling via the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel, or Port of Holyhead, you must get the ATA Carnet stamped at an Inland Border Facility (IBF) when exiting and re-entering the UK.

Additionally, all GVMS (Goods Vehicle Movement Services) movements should obtain a GMR. 

1. Holyhead IBF

Address: Holyhead IBF, Border Force, Skinner House, LL65 2YQ (what3words.com/differ.fillers.wider) 

Contact phone number: +44 (0)1407 767777

Contact email address: bfholyhead@homeoffice.gov.uk 

You must alert the IBF and let them know you are coming.

You can get to the Holyhead IBF by exiting the A55 at junction 2, then turning left onto the A5153 and turning left onto Parc Cybi.

You can check if there are any issues affecting traffic in the area by using the Welsh Government’s live traffic alert service.

Once Carnet checks are complete, you’ll be given a card to put in your window which permits you to exit the site. 

You’ll need to stop at the vehicle exit check point before leaving the parking area.

Turn onto the A5153 and re-join the A55.

2. Sevington IBF

Address: Sevington IBF, Ashford, TN25 6GE (what3words.com/snake.leans.usual) 

Contact email address: complaints.sevingtonibf@hmrc.gov.uk  

You must alert the IBF and let them know you are coming.

The site is located at junction 10A off the M20. Alternatively, you can access the site via the A2070 dual carriageway.

The site is made up of two sections: a lorry waiting area; and the IBF. You will be directed to a vacant HGV space by traffic management marshals.

Once checks are complete, you’ll be given a card to put in your window which permits you to exit the site.

When you leave the site, you will need to stop at the vehicle exit check point. The exit process is supervised by a senior traffic management marshal.

Please note: Stop 24 and Dover Western Docks Docks can only be used by registered operators.  Check out our handy 'Guide to Sevington'

Where to get your ATA Carnet stamped at UK airports

Exiting the UK:

If you are exiting the UK via an airport, you need to get your Carnet stamped by a customs officer before you check in. You can do this by going to the information/help desk and asking to talk to customs. 

Certain airports require you to get in contact with customs in advance by calling the following phone numbers:

• Birmingham: 07823 532768 or 07802 290092
• Edinburgh: 0131 322 5283 (select ‘option 12’)
• Luton: 01582 817900

Re-entering the UK:

If you are re-entering the UK via an airport, you will need to declare your goods at the red channel once you land.

View the full list of UK ports and airports.

Where to get your ATA Carnet stamped if you are travelling via Eurostar (St Pancras)

If you are exiting/entering the UK via the Eurostar, you will need to notify Border Force in advance by calling +44 (0) 20 7841 6410.

Where to get your ATA Carnet stamped in Europe

If you are travelling through Europe, you will need to check where to get your ATA Carnet stamped in advance. 

The customs process will differ for each country/territory, so it is important to plan ahead.

To see the full catalogue of European customs offices, visit the European Customs Portal.

Entering France via Calais:

On arrival in Calais, all HGVs will automatically be directed via the orange itinerary to the Centre Douane SIVEP, where your ATA Carnet will be stamped. If you are travelling in a personal vehicle/van, you may be filtered out directly onto the open roads, so be careful to follow signs to Centre Douane SIVEP. It is imperative that you go back and get the ATA Carnet stamped.

Exiting France via Calais:

On exit from 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.

Finally – here are some IMPORTANT TIPS & TRICKS about how to transport your ATA Carnet and goods

• Before you set out on your journey, check that the holder has signed in Box J on the front cover of the Carnet
• Check that your name is listed in Box B on the front cover of the ATA Carnet and/or on the ‘To Whom’ letter attached to the front cover 
• Check that there are numerous copies of the general list (the list of goods) available for customs to check and take
• Always have your ID ready to present to customs officers – they will need to check that you are listed as a ‘named representative’
• Be prepared for an inspection – customs will randomly select goods to inspect against the general list
• Be prepared to wait at customs for a long time – customs checks can take several hours even without inspections