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ATA Carnet

The 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. In addition, they only need to use one document for multiple destinations and trips throughout its one-year validity and can make advanced customs arrangements at predetermined costs.

We have an experienced team of experts on hand to support you through the process of applying for and purchasing an ATA Carnet. 

What are ATA Carnets?

ATA Carnets explained

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.

Why are ATA Carnets required?

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.

EC/CPD/China - Taiwan Carnet

This Carnet covers goods temporarily imported/exported between the UK and Taiwan. Other than a different colour code and A4 format to distinguish it from the ATA Carnet, the conditions for its use, the goods for which it can be used, and customs procedures are identical.

ATA Carnets Explained

Watch the video to learn about the purpose of ATA Carnets, the advantages of using ATA Carnets and advice for businesses using the document. 

About UK National ATA Carnet Organisation (UKNATACO)

UKNATACO is the national guaranteeing organisation for ATA Carnets in the UK. UKNATACO is ultimately responsible for all ATA Carnets issued from the UK as well as guaranteeing in-bound Carnets – those that are issued overseas and which relate to goods coming into the UK under the scheme.

Find out more

Applying for an ATA Carnet

Apply for an ATA Carnet through LCCI's ecarnet system

LCCI's ecarnet system will allow you to complete the application online and pay any applicable charges. To complete this process, you will be directed to a third party website called ecarnet.co.uk. Rest assured, this website is owned and managed by LCCI.

Once issued, the Carnet can either be posted to you or it can be collected from the issuing office. Click the link below based on your customer type:

How to apply for a Taiwan Carnet

  • Download the CPD/China -Taiwan template and complete relevant boxes
  • Email the template so that we can verify whether the application has been completed correctly
  • LCCI send you a quote for the issuing fee and security as well as the relevant forms to be completed and signed
  • Once the forms and payment have been received, we will release your CPD/China-Taiwan Carnet.
  • ATA Carnet Price Guide

    For a 24 hour service the issuing cost of a Carnet is £342 + VAT for non LCCI members.
    LCCI members can benefit from the discounted rate of £206.00 + VAT.

    In all cases Carnet holders are required to provide a security which relates to the value of the goods being temporarily exported. Click the link below to obtain a CSS security quote.

    For further information on security and the available options, please refer to our FAQs section below.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions regarding ATA Carnets, please read our FAQ's dedicated section.

Read FAQs

Updates for ATA Carnet Customers

New Course: ATA Carnet- Your Passport for Goods

This new course is ideal for companies and sole traders who are looking to ease their temporary export/import procedures of non-perishable commercial goods taken overseas on a temporary basis to be used at events of a commercial nature, such as sports events, exhibitions, trade fairs, or to be used as commercial samples or professional equipment. The first date available for this course is on Wednesday 24 April. Don't miss it!

More about the course

Carnets for Belarus, Russia and Ukraine

We are currently unable to issue Carnets for Belarus, Russia and Ukraine. Any UK Carnet Holders whose goods are currently in any of the above countries (and who are unable to repatriate their goods before the existing Carnet expires) must obtain a Replacement Carnet to extend the period of temporary admission (see FAQ no.29 for further information).

READ CIRCULAR

Implementation of the ATA Carnet System in Vietnam

From 1 May 2022, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Hanoi will become the 78th guaranteeing organisation member of the WCF/ATA international guarantee chain.

Find out more

GMR completion service for ATA Carnet users

GMRs are a new customs requirement for UK and foreign Carnet holders moving goods into or out of Northern Ireland and Great Britain by road through GVMS linked ports under an ATA Carnet. With our new GRM completion service, we can help you obtain your GMR unique identifier (barcode).  

Find out more

LCCI has helped us understand the changes required for temporarily importing goods into the EU since Brexit and assist us with documentation for permanent exports. 

Meghann Whattam | Carnet and Customs Coordinator, McLaren

eATA Carnet pilot participants

LCCI is involved in the eATA Carnet pilot project, which aims to digitalise ATA Carnets and their lifecycle management process – from issuance and declarations to transactions and claims. UK Digital Carnet Pilot will commence in May 2023.

FIND OUT MORE

Become a Member

LCCI membership provides your business with access to support services to help you grow globally and cut costs. You can benefit from discounted international trade training courses, receive up to 50% discounts on many trade documents and gain valuable advice on exporting and importing. 

About Membership

Get in Touch

If you would like to speak with us about ATA Carnets, please complete a short online form with your details. A member of our team will then contact you. Alternatively, please call +44 (0)20 7248 4444

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