Temporary Export to Europe Using Carnets

Cost-effective exports from the UK and across the Globe

If you wish to temporarily export trade show samples, sports goods, and work equipment from the UK to the EU, consider purchasing an ATA carnet.

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Temporary Export to Europe Using Carnets

Especially if your goods are over a certain value and you wish to move them without paying duty. You can get an ATA carnet to move items such as:

  • Film and audio records
  • Scientific, cultural and educational goods

From the UK to the EU, move them back to the UK without paying duty or posting bonds in the EU or the UK.

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Which Goods Can you Export Using a Carnet

Each country has its regulations regarding the materials you can import or export using an ATA carnet. For example, in the case of Spain, you will need to provide customs with a bond equal to the duties owed, which customs will refund you once the goods leave the country. If you wish to export vehicle or machinery parts to be made into a final product and imported back to the UK, you will use the temporary admission procedure.

How to Apply for an ATA Carnet

You can get a carnet by yourself or ask your specialist freight forwarder to complete the process on your behalf. To get started, apply online through the LCCI. You will pay VAT plus a fee of £180 if you are a member or £300 if you are a non-member. You’ll also need to make a security deposit.

REQUIREMENTS

Export Requirements

Check the Validity of a Carnet

Carnets are valid for one year from the issue date, and you cannot change or extend the dates. If you need to keep your goods in the EU for longer, you can get a replacement carnet.

Find out from the local customs authority whether you are eligible to use a replacement carnet before the original one expires. If your carnet was issued outside the UK, check with the National ATA Carnet Unit instead. You should also check whether the replacement carnet needs endorsement.

After you get the replacement carnet, attach it to the original carnet and send it to the National Carnet Unit. The body will certify the replacement carnet and send back both carnets.

Using your ATA Carnet

You or your freight forwarder must present the carnet to customs authorities when entering or leaving the country. As a rule, EU countries admit printed items such as advertising material, price lists, and catalogues duty-free. However, problems may arise at the entry point, and it is best to label such items as “no value” to avoid this.

Countries such as Spain, admit samples of negligible value without charging duty. If you are a business visitor entering the EU with commercial samples, bring a letter from your company certifying that the samples are not for sale. You can use your carnet as transit documents in place of customs documents. Keep in mind that you still have to meet the regulations on licensing controls and restricted goods.

Presenting you Carnet to Customs

Fill in all the sections of the carnet, then give the carnet to a customs official to have the green front of the carnet checked and stamped. If you do not present the carnet before departure, then the carnet may be withheld.

On the return trip to the UK, present the carnet and export goods at the point of entry. The customs officer will check the yellow voucher and stamp the matching counterfoil. If your items are in your luggage, you must present your carnet at the red point or channel.

We are friendly, easy to work with, honest and we do not charge the earth.

If you need a specialist freight forwarder to help you export temporarily to Europe, you can rely on our speedy freight services to move your goods in good time. Here at Barrington freight, we are proud to be experts in providing fast freight services. When you choose next day road freight delivery, we deploy express vehicles and a two-person team to reduce the possibility of delays.

Sophie Benge
Sophie Benge
2024-02-06
Joshua at Barrington Freight is friendly and patient. Their service hassle-free and affordable compared to other freight forwarders.
Alex Burton
Alex Burton
2024-02-04
Fantastic service from Barrington Freight. It was our first time exporting goods from the UK and it was very reassuring to have them manage the shipment. The process was made easy and hassle free and Simon was always quick to respond to any queries. I would highly recommend.
Mat Wilkinson
Mat Wilkinson
2024-01-22
these guys are excellent. Incredibly helpful, flexible and friendly- i cant recommend them highly enough- genuinely a brilliant team.
Top Tips
Top Tips
2023-11-14
The guys at Barrington are brilliant! I've used them for my shipments for around 12 years now and they never let you down. Always happy to help with anything!
David Darrock
David Darrock
2023-11-10
Barrington Freight are extremely helpful and professional, promptly answering any questions or queries. Communication from them has been great and they have taken the difficulty out of importing freight.
Scott Glazebrook
Scott Glazebrook
2023-11-01
Our business is the supply of high end luxury furniture and as such we rely on Barrington Freight to provide a 5* delivery service which they have done time and time again. Reliable, friendly and efficient sums up this great approachable freight forwarding business.
Krishan Dhillon
Krishan Dhillon
2023-11-01
10/10, dealt with everything start to finish. Customer service was friendly and helpful
Sharmane Barrett
Sharmane Barrett
2023-10-20
We had a last minute request and Lee was fantastic in helping us to arrange transportation and facilitate delivery from Europe, very quickly with no hiccups. I would highly recommend.
Simon Edgecombe
Simon Edgecombe
2023-10-16
HAVING USED MANY SHIPPERS TO IMPORT OUR GOODS FROM THE USA (NONE OUTSTANDING) I DECIDED THIS TIME TO HAVE A SEARCH AROUND TO SEE IF I COULD FIND A BETTER OPTION. I FOUND BARRINGTON FREIGHT AFTER EMAILING MANY OTHERS, SOME OF THEM (UPS,DHL,FEDEX) SIMPLY TOOK SO LONG TO CONTACT ME, THAT IT BECAME STUPID, SIMON AT BARRINGTON CAME BACK TO ME VIRTUALLY STRAIGHT AWAY WITH A VERY GOOD PRICE, ALSO GOOD SHIPPING TIMES. NOW A SERVICE IS ONLY AS GOOD AS THE RESULTS, AND THEY WERE AS GOOD AS THEIR WORD. HAPPY TO HAVE FOUND THEM AND SIMON AT BARRINGTON FREIGHT WILL BE THE FIRST PERSON WE GO TO NEXT TIME, WELL DONE!!