Dubai Chamber have been busy during the pandemic, including processing 4,500 ATA carnets issued by, or received by them in 2021.
The Chamber are a proactive organisation, with fast growing membership. Even so, their increase in carnet use from a standing start a decade ago is remarkable.
If we go back a little further than their joining date, ATA carnet use had plateaued but growth in trade in the Middle East and Asia has altered that. Since the beginning of 2021, a change in Europe also had an effect.
Post Brexit Increase
Interesting to notice a small UK forum dedicated to craft products discussing ATA carnets and temporary export to the EU. A topic many of their members would not have heard of just a few years ago.
Their need lies in wishing to exhibit in Europe and similar debate can be found on a range of websites, including those in EU countries.
Interest has grown across sectors, from media companies, to service providers, to performing arts. The largest European marine exhibition company recently ran an article on ATA carnets, government websites across Europe have incorporated information.
With European businesses adapting to full Brexit changes, the need for carnets is a two way street. They are becoming as familiar as any customs procedure and proving more reliable than the majority.
A Little Certainty
We are 15 months beyond Brexit completing and most businesses are now used to procedures. They can still cause issues and are subject to change, whereas the pre-existing, international ATA carnet system has dovetailed in quite flawlessly.
As with other aspects, there is a cost and need for a little admin but neither are substantial, or wasted. The exhibition company we mentioned perhaps summed up the general feeling of companies using carnets.
“In our experience, the ATA Carnet is the most cost effective, time efficient, and flexible method of moving goods to and from the EU to the UK. This negates the need to contract agents at border crossings, as the driver can present the carnet.”
The reliability and ease of use of a “passport for goods” has helped over the last year and businesses becoming used to them has had an indirect outcome.
Looking Wider Afield
An advantage of EU ATA carnets is the open border they create, the relative simplicity of admin, or travel. This is particularly the case for smaller companies and has proven to be an incentive to look at other regions.
Although European trade will always be at the heart of UK business, we are all being encouraged to trade elsewhere on the globe. Discovering a system which helps with this and is manageable brings thought on exploring opportunities.
Establishing business often involves temporary visits, for exhibitions, meetings, product demonstrations. Getting to know a system which makes this easy eliminates barriers in the mind and in practice.
We are here to assist any business which wants to temporarily export goods, or equipment to all ATA carnet countries. If we can help you to explore new openings, by all means get in touch with our team at any time.