Documentation Services - ATA Carnets
WHAT IS AN ATA CARNET?
- The ATA Carnet is a temporary admission document which acts as a “passport for goods”.
- Using an ATA Carnet cuts out red tape at border points avoiding cash deposits and other delays in the country of temporary importation. It can be used for multiple trips and is valid for up to one year.
- The ATA Carnet provides a guarantee to the Customs of a foreign country that all duties, taxes etc. will be paid to them if the conditions are breached.
- The issuing Chamber must receive security from the Carnet user. This security must be for an amount equal to the highest rate of duty or taxes applicable. It will disregard any preferential tariffs that may be in force at the time as Customs authorities may themselves ignore such preferential rates.
WHAT CAN AN ATA CARNET BE USED FOR?
You can use a Carnet for almost anything; computers, musical equipment, race horses, electrical equipment, machinery and so on. Your goods must be categorised under one of these three headings:
- a) Commercial samples
- b) Exhibition use / trade fair (or similar events)
- c) Professional equipment
A CARNET MAY NOT BE USED FOR:
- Goods to be hired out or sold for financial gain
- Perishable or consumable items (as these would not be re-imported)
- Goods which are for processing or repair
- Goods on which a CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) refund will be claimed
- Goods used as a means of transport (cars, motorcycles etc)
- Equipment to be used for construction, repair or maintenance (of buildings/earthmoving projects)
WHAT COUNTRIES CAN AN ATA CARNET BE USED FOR?
Carnets can be used in 80+ destinations around the world. Click here for the full list and for details of country specific requirements.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The Carnet is a simple international Customs document with vouchers for presentation to each country you visit. The yellow ‘exp’ is for exportation out of the UK, white ‘imp’ for importation into your destination country, white ‘re-exp’ to come out of your destination country and yellow ‘re-imp’ for importation back into the UK. You may also have blue ‘tra’ vouchers, which are required for transit or exhibition purposes. Customs will keep these vouchers and stamp the relevant counterfoil, and when you have completed your trip you will return all the stamped counterfoils to us plus any remaining vouchers you have not used.
WHAT ARE THE CHARGES FOR ATA CARNETS?
ATA Carnet costs consist of two parts:
- The issuing fee based on member & non-member rates
- The carnet premium fee, which can take one of three forms:
- Carnet security scheme – this gives you instant cover, no freezing of funds and a minimum premium fee applicable.
- Cash or Bankers Draft – this must be equal to the highest rate of duty for the applicable countries. Please refer to the security rate chart (available on request).
- Bank or insurance company guarantee. (Banks must comply with certain criteria - please refer to Bank Guarantee Form) Banks we can currently accept guarantees from are: Bank of Scotland plc, Barclays Bank plc, HSBC Bank plc, Lloyds TSB Bank plc, Santander UK plc, Standard Chartered Bank and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
DIGITAL CARNETS
eATA Carnets were launched on 1st June 2026 for the United Kingdom, EU, Norway and Switzerland. The application process for these countries is the same as for non-digital countries, but the Carnet will be issued electronically via the ATA Carnet App or Desktop. Full guidance can be found here.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A CARNET
Please contact the Export Documentation Helpdesk for a login to our ATA Carnet application software accounts. Our systems will allow you to complete and apply online for the ATA Carnet, and obtain quotes on costs. Once issued, the carnet either be issueed electronically (for the digital carnet countries) or will be posted to you (for the non-digital countries).
Email: exportdocshelpdesk@hull-humber-chamber.co.uk
Tel: 01482 324976
Quick guide to ATA Carnet- Do's & Don'ts here
