From 1st January 2023, new instructions have been issued for ATA carnet use at the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel.
To avoid any doubt, the government’s border model states that from January 2021, temporary exports to the EU need to meet the same customs requirements as non EU countries. An ATA carnet is recommended.
The situation on usage is still evolving and if you are not travelling regularly, you may wish to check with border facilities, or ask our staff.
Main Support Venue
Sevington is HM Customs & Revenue’s preferred site for managing ATA carnet use at Dover Port and Eurotunnel. Outbound, or inbound journeys are both covered, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at:
Sevington Inland Border Facility
Nightingale Close
Sevington
TN24 OTP
Although Manston is being redesignated, if you are in a Heavy Goods Vehicle and diversions are in place, you may need to go there:
The Cargo Centre
Manston Airport
Spitfire Way
Ramsgate
CT12 5FF
Further Facilities
On your return (inbound) journey to the UK, if your ATA carnet is being presented through commercial operations, this can be processed at:
Dover Western Docks
Freight Clearance Centre
Cruise Terminal 1
Lord Warden Square
Dover CT17 9DH
Please Note – The facility for carnet processing at Stop 24, Folkestone Services closed on 1st January 2024.
Whichever facilities you are using, customs are requesting that you notify them in advance if you are going to be attending an inland border facility
Transporting Live Animals
An exception to the options above is where you are transporting live animals of any type, which Sevington are unable to process. You are likely to need to attend the Dover, or Folkestone addresses shown above.
This is however by prior agreement. If you are moving animals under an ATA Carnet, you will need to notify Border Force of your travel plans, which will help them to organise the processing of your carnet.
UK traders transporting live animals also need to lodge a travel plan with Defra, before they travel, as in this guide to live transport.
We hope the information above helps and are our team are here to advise on the use of ATA carnets, whichever route you are taking from the UK.