ATA Carnet

An ATA Carnet is an international customs document that permits duty-free and tax-free temporary import of goods for up to one year. It contains pre-prepared unified customs declaration forms to be used at each customs border offices and serves as a guarantee to customs duties and taxes.

With an ATA Carnet, exhibitors, salespeople, artists, athletes, TV crews, technicians, event participants and business travellers may travel through customs without paying import duties or taxes at each customs border office. 

Bedfordshire Chamber has a team of experts on hand to support you through the process of applying for and purchasing an ATA Carnet. 

What is an ATA Carnet?

The ATA Carnet is an international Customs document which allows the temporary importation of commercial samples, professional equipment or goods going to either a trade fair or exhibition to countries which are part of the ATA Carnet system. Without one you would need to complete each country’s customs procedures for the temporary admission of goods e.g. lodging a temporary import bond.

Passport for goods

The ATA Carnet acts as a passport for goods. It simplifies the custom formalities by allowing a single document to be used for clearing goods through customs in the countries that are part of the ATA Carnet system. An ATA Carnet is valid for 1 year and allows for movement of the goods shown on the Carnet as many times as required during the 12 months to any of the destinations applied for.

When and why do I need an ATA Carnet?

If your goods are going outside of the UK and into one of the 80+ countries that accepts ATA Carnets and you are going for one of the following reasons:

You are exhibiting at an International Trade Fair/Exhibition

You are taking commercial samples with you to business meetings to try and generate business

Your goods are going out for professional equipment purposes to perform their function or to undergo testing

If this applies to you, you should be using an ATA Carnet. The ATA Carnet simplifies the customs procedure into a single document and makes the importation process much quicker and easier to handle.

How can I apply for an ATA Carnet?

Online application

All carnets are applied for via our electronic service, eCert and are processed here, at the Bedfordshire Chamber.

Still need help? Contact our Global Team at export@chamber-business.com or telephone 01582 522448.