Brexit issues rumble on but the ATA carnet system is based on global agreement, rather than UK-EU discussions and offers stability.
The media, support agencies and specialist bodies have written much about using an ATA carnet to travel to the EU. Most sectors have been covered, with articles appearing regularly relating to the film & TV industry, fashion professionals, performers, events.
They have been helpful and carnets are being widely used for temporary exports to the EU. One area a number of articles mentioned still deserves a little more clarity, the items ATA carnets can be used for.
Categories accepted across the EU are professional equipment, trade fairs, commercial samples and educational, or cultural items. Whilst this may at first glance appear to need thought, the reality is that almost any business item can travel on a carnet.
Carnets can also be used across the EU as a transit document, where you are passing through to a non EU country. Their use is common and understood across Europe, there are few barriers, except for those which apply globally.
ATA Carnet Exceptions
Considering when a carnet can not be used, is easier than looking at what can travel, when this is everything except:
- Items For Sale Or Hire – They would not normally return, so can not use a temporary export scheme.
- Goods For Processing Or Repair – These will by intention not return to the UK in the state they left.
- Perishables & Consumables – Commonly foodstuffs, or other items which by nature will quickly deteriorate.
- Common Agricultural Policy – We left the CAP but certain agricultural products still need a different approach.
There are other nominal considerations, such as your means of transport, which can not go on an ATA carnet. However, if you are towing a rack of bikes behind for a competition, or taking race horses to a meeting, they are okay.
About the only remaining exception is items used in construction, or repair. They are by nature not considered to have a temporary purpose, although if you want to take a new digger to demonstrate, or show at an exhibition, should be fine.
EU Carnets In Practice
None of us will have missed government notices reminding us of a need for all relevant paperwork to travel to the EU. A few aspects of this have caused headaches but this has not been the case with ATA carnets.
We have been providing them for EU destinations since January 2021 and in almost every case, without a hitch. They are being used for many commons purposes and unusual ones, such as works of art, or cultural objects.
They bring an additional cost but this can be spread over a number of trips, or items, with no further documentation needed. If you are not used to carnets, professional advice is available at no further cost.
Of all the changes we have seen recently, ATA carnets for the EU have proven to be a success. If we can help, or offer advice, by all means contact us.