Politicians on both sides of negotiations are hardly jumping for joy at the latest tactics. Whether right, or wrong, significant risks are drawing closer.
News reports are highlighting potential freight vehicle queues at Dover after January 1st. Our government blame the industry for not preparing, freight industry bodies point out the lack of ability and information to do so.
Neither are we any nearer knowing the outcome of negotiations with the EU. Political posturing from both sides was always likely but time is running out and business systems do not change themselves overnight.
The matter of temporary exports to the EU, which dwarf any other trading partner, has not been agreed. For the sake of business, assumptions may need to be made to be prepared for sudden change.
A Likely Scenario
Government websites which refer to transition and temporary export simply mention ATA carnet use. The London Chamber already have plans to amend carnet documents, to reflect the UK’s changed status.
As well as via the EU bloc, the UK is an individual signatory to the relevant international carnet conventions. In many ways, nothing needs to happen in order for us to use ATA carnets for EU destinations
Once inside the EU’s borders, we would be back in a unified customs zone. Unless currently unseen barriers arise, a carnet for one EU country would cover movement of goods across, or within 27 countries.
None of us can look into the future but without quite dramatic developments, ATA carnets for Europe appear likely.
Being Prepared
If you are not familiar with the ATA carnet system, reading up on this is useful. There are websites offering detailed information, including our own carnet information centre, our team are also ready to offer advice.
For a good proportion of businesses, temporary export requirements may be an infrequent requirement but for others, a high volume need.
If a company’s exports and business travel have been EU focused to date and ATA carnets not used, awareness becomes vital. Carnet use will need to be integrated into business procedures, staff trained to be familiar.
The point is fast approaching where we can’t wait for government to offer an alternative, or not. Preparation to the point of integration makes sense.
External Support
Understanding carnet documentation will help, by all means download a copy of the relevant forms from our website. There will still be a range of points each individual business needs to have covered.
How much of carnet management should be online, or stay in the real world, will there be a need to adjust travel schedules, or collection and delivery times. How you should proceed if goods are often carried in hand luggage.
Supplying over 18,000 carnets to a wide range of businesses and being part of a larger freight services group allows us to appreciate most needs.
If our staff can assist your team in preparing for a change which is looking inevitable, please get in touch. We won’t tell you how to run your business but can help to plan for a smoother journey ahead.