The Common Travel Area maintains parts of the UK Ireland relationship after Brexit but not in terms of trade.
Where the pandemic allows, freedom of movement for British and Irish citizens largely remains. We can access each other’s health services, or vote on each other’s politicians but the movement of goods is less free.
The UK’s decision to leave the customs union and single market means that exports to EU countries, including Ireland, require a new approach. For temporary exports, the practical solution is normally an ATA carnet.
In principle, carnet use is equalised across Europe and you can use an ATA carnet issued for Ireland to travel on to any EU country. Transit through the EU is also allowed, although there are minor local differences.
Procedures In Ireland
A few ancillary categories do not appear in Irish customs documentation. Acceptable carnet categories are listed as professional equipment, goods for display at a business exhibition, or fair and commercial samples.
This in practice covers any item normally entered on a carnet. The only nominal difference in Ireland is that you can not use an ATA carnet for items sent by post.
Other useful options are available, such as replacing lost carnets, or renewing your ATA carnet after the initial 12 month term. In both cases, early liaison with local customs and your carnet provider makes sense.
Where consignments need to be split, on export, or re-import, this is also possible. You simply need to use importation and exportation vouchers in an appropriate way, as is the case in any country where the procedure is allowed.
Practical Approach
Providing an ATA carnet for Ireland should not bring issues for us, or on your journey. Same day service is possible and Irish customs officers are familiar with the approach, as long as documentation is accurate, no hitches are likely.
You should note that most UK ports no longer process carnets at the port. For Holyhead, you need to use the Roadking Truck Stop. An alternative is to be built in North Wales, along the lines of other inland border facilities.
The Dublin Chamber of Commerce oversee ATA carnet use in Ireland and in the unlikely event of a problem, are a local point of contact. They are at 7 Clare Street, Dublin 2D02 F902, Email: info@dublinchamber.ie, Telephone: (353) 1 644 7200.
Odd articles have appeared about routing via Northern Ireland, to use alternative schemes. These do not however cover all eventualities, remain fluid to an extent and can only be used by businesses established in Northern Ireland.
ATA carnets are a more successful plan and are being used in both directions, such as for a unique Irish exhibition in the UK. If we can help you to maintain the sound business links the UK and Ireland have, please get in touch at any time.