Dynamic Group have processed the UK’s first digital carnet, at London’s Heathrow Airport. Part of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) eATA pilot project, using a new app developed by the International Chamber of Commerce.
The London Chamber felt Dynamic would be the perfect testbed. Dynamic Dox are the UK’s largest independent ATA Carnet provider, our sister company, Dynamic International, have provided bespoke logistics services to the film and TV sector for 34 years.
A sector which can require urgent support and this proved to be the case for a company filming in Belgium. They needed replacement camera equipment, a perfect opportunity to trial the new ATA Carnet app.
A Timely Request
When the request to ship a new camera was received, we had just 30 minutes to apply for the paper ATA documents, before the LCCI closed. Both paper and electronic carnets would be needed, as the objective was in part to compare them.
With the new camera already collected, our member of staff was soon at Heathrow. Borderforce were ready and used the app to process the Carnet in under a minute. Checking, completing and stamping the paper version took far longer, there was no comparison.
Dynamic safely delivered the camera equipment to Belgium within hours of receiving the customer’s request. The app proved an ideal way to process an ATA carnet, part of a trial which will run internationally.
Alongside the LCCI’s eATA pilot at Heathrow, airports in Belgium, Canada, China, Norway, and Switzerland are testing the ICC app.
Satisfied Users
The Carnet client was delighted to be able to resume filming so quickly and those operating the new system were equally positive. Tony Scott, Director of Operations at Dynamic International summed up the reaction.
“We have been closely and eagerly following the development of this app, which will revolutionise the handling of ATA Carnets.
There are so many advantages to simplifying the handling and presentation of Carnets at ports and airports, from time saving, to error reduction, security, and environmental benefits.
We operate in a fast-paced business environment, where delivering on time and at short notice matters. By digitising the Customs procedure, we can save time and serve our customers in a more efficient manner.”
As the prime international customs document which permits duty and tax free temporary imports, a digital ATA Carnet is a leap forward.
The LCCI Perspective
Davor McKinley, Head of International Trade and Compliance at the LCCI, has led their team working with Borderforce and HMRC, to establish use of digital Carnets in the UK. He was pleased with the first run.
“We are delighted to see the UK’s first digital Carnet, processed by Dynamic Dox, in a pilot at Heathrow. London is at the forefront of developing industry-leading technology designed to enhance trade for businesses at every level.
We are incredibly proud that the UK’s first digital Carnet was processed in our city. Digitalising ATA Carnets will greatly simplify the process of temporary admission going forward.
In turn, it is our hope that this will help further enhance London’s reputation as the pre-eminent global city and one of the best cities in the world in which to do business.”
The purpose of the eATA Carnet pilot is to validate the digital ATA Carnet concept. Our trial demonstrated that all aspects of ATA Carnet management can be carried out electronically, transition from paper-based to digital is practical and desirable.