Showing off your wares is not the same without a personal presence, across a range of business sectors.
End of year editorials are common practice in printed, or online trade magazines. This year’s issues saw much on the commercial outcome of the Covid-19 pandemic, although ATA carnets featured prominently.
Brexit was the primary cause of this, with new requirements for temporary export to the EU. The Draper ran a notable article, on how UK fashion brands, manufacturers, wholesalers, agencies and retailers had been affected.
Music industry journals and other touring related publications restated the changes for their audience, with common themes emerging.
A Need To Move On
Covid permitting, the intent to take part in EU based trade shows has grown. Vital for the fashion trade, with others also finding that the virtual equivalent was less than effective, along with a need to re-establish relationships.
Visas aren’t required to attend trade fairs, as long as goods are not sold, or services supplied. Similarly, VAT complications are avoided, along with any need to be involved with local taxation on earnings.
There is still a requirement for samples, equipment, or stand fittings to be declared, with requisite costs, unless they are travelling on an ATA carnet. The same applies to business travel for most purposes.
Yet travel is essential activity, when Brexit has made EU companies feel less able to deal with UK counterparts. Trading with the UK may be perceived as less practical, or sentiment changed after we left the EU.
An Essential Solution
We understand why some business owners can feel we still have a special tie to Europe. Geographical, cultural and personal links are evident, we are allies, there was in the end a withdrawal agreement.
That however does not stop us being an external country in many practical ways. The reason most trade publications and professional bodies are putting ATA carnets forward as the only viable solution.
The need to pay import duty and VAT are negated and whilst a degree of cost, or admin are involved, ATA carnets are designed to be usable. A global system, in place before Brexit and not subject to UK/EU negotiations.
Taking the freight channel when you arrive in the EU is all that is required, to ensure your carnet is correctly treated.
Rebuilding Business
Doing business in the EU is a little more complex, individuals can be required to validate accommodation, or paid engagements, to hold return tickets. For temporary, or permanent export, customers need to be assured that the right logistics solutions are in place.
Business equipment which used to travel freely now needs support but this is not too onerous. Should you require any advice on using an ATA carnet, by all means get in touch with our team, whatever your destination.
As we work round, or emerge from the pandemic, old business ties can be reinforced and new clients found. This can be through an individual visit, on site support, or trade exhibitions across the globe.