ATA Carnet's - A passport for goods
Are you looking to showcase your business at exhibitions this year? Now you can save even more time at Customs with new digital eCarnets!
Attending exhibitions or trade shows can be a fantastic way to highlight your business. They allow your branding, products, and services to reach thousands of people interested in your industry across the world, and after years of living in an online world, meeting people in person has an even greater effect.
Although impactful, exhibition costs can easily escalate, so it’s good to know that money can be saved on VAT, duty and customs clearance using an ATA Carnet.
Plus, from 1 April 2026, all ATA Carnets for EU countries as well as Switzerland and Norway will be issued exclusively in digital format. This means saving even more time and stress at the border!
What is an ATA Carnet?
An ATA Carnet is a customs document which shows that the goods are temporary exports and are never meant to enter “commerce” or free circulation in the destination country.
After a set amount of time, the goods will need to be re-imported to the country of origin which is why they are duty free and tax-free.
The length of time a Carnet remains valid is limited, however. You can get Carnets for two, six or twelve-month periods. If the goods are not re-imported to the country of origin within the agreed time period, then they will be deemed to have “entered the commerce of the destination country” and will become liable for duties and taxes as a permanent import.
eCarnets are designed to streamline the ATA Carnet system while remaining compliant with customs requirements. ATA Carnets normally take approximately five days to apply for, but there are also next-day express options.
However, it’s wise to leave more time for application as The Chambers of Commerce, which issues Carnets, may have questions which will need answering before you will be allowed to ship.
What are the benefits of using an ATA Carnet?
Losing a carnet can lead to a massive (and expensive!) headache especially when you’re working to a tight timescale so – although the number of ports that accept eCarnets is (temporarily) more limited – their digital format solves this risk as all the necessary information is held digitally.
It also means that temporary goods can be pre-declared and tracked at each stage of the journey – regardless of whether you’ve one event or several events across multiple countries. So long as the load remains compliant and your trip(s) occur within the valid time frame, you’re good to go!
Plus, due to fewer customs formalities, loads themselves are more secure and crossing borders can be done more quickly and easily – meaning that when working to a tight delivery deadline, or moving time-sensitive goods, an eATA Carnet is the perfect option!
Other benefits include:
- Costs are cut by eliminating duties, taxes, VAT and securities.
- Queue time at customs is reduced.
- Ability to pre-declare loads, and agents can scan and verify details electronically.
- Use of digital format reduces risk as you just need to present a QR code rather than present a paper document that can be lost.
- You can plan to visit more than one country – allowing you to choose a more efficient route.
- Returning the goods to the origin is more straightforward.
- Fully visible and trackable at every stage.
We’re currently trialling eCarnets for our customers in advance of April to give you early access to the eATA system, make sure you’re ahead of the curve and that the process is as clear and efficient as possible.
So, if you’re planning an overseas exhibition, don’t hesitate to speak to one of our experienced Account Managers. We’re always happy to help!
What can an ATA Carnet be used for?
You should include any goods that will be imported and brought back for the trade show. These goods can be anything that is transported or even hand-carried goods that you bring along like:
- Trade show booths or stands
- Network routers for demonstration
- Photographers’ camera equipment
- Vehicles for exhibition
- Clothes for fashion shows
- Sets and props for theatre
- Samples of goods (which cannot be consumed or given away)
It’s best not to mix goods on an ATA Carnet with others that are not tax-exempt on the same shipment as this can create confusion when going through customs.
As the goods are not going to be sold to anyone, it will not be possible to write a commercial invoice instead as that would require an “importer of record”.
When Carnets don’t suit?
Whilst there an ATA Carnet is suitable for a vast range of items (as seen above) – there are situations in which it wouldn’t be appropriate.
- Goods for sale or hire
- Items for processing or repair
- Perishable & consumable items
- Your means of transport
- Building construction & repair
We suggest you talk to a member of our specialist team if you are in doubt – we are more than happy to help!
What’s needed for the documentation?
A lot more detail is needed compared to a commercial invoice, like:
- Serial numbers for every item
- What the items are going to be used for
- Professional equipment or commercial samples
- The number of trips needed
The authorised representative (normally the company handling your freight) will also need to be listed as they will be the ones who are present during both export and re-import, and customs officers will need to be made aware.
Click here to find out more details about what’s needed for an ATA Carnet from the UK government website.
What do you need to think of when exhibiting?
Businesses often forget about the details of offloading and building their stands and materials. Some things to bear in mind are:
- Where’s the consignment getting offloaded and who’s transporting the stand to where it’ll be set up?
- Is there a warehouse where the exhibition organisers want delivery of goods and is there an arranged delivery date and time?
Once you’ve got your ATA Carnet in order, all that’s left to do is to shine on an international stage!
If you have any questions or worries about getting your business to an overseas exhibition then please speak to one of our experienced Account Managers who will be happy to advise you.
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