When taking commercial samples temporarily overseas, or showing at an exhibition, an ATA Carnet is likely to be the most effective way to clear Customs without paying import duties or tariffs (or VAT on your return to the UK).

UKFT members can access discounts and priority service on ATA Carnets as part of their membership and guidance documents to help simplify the process.

The UKFT team also has a wealth of useful advice of how best to navigate this in light of current travel complications at airports, Eurostar and ferry terminals.

Since 1st January 2021, you now must have an ATA Carnet to take samples and any other temporary exports to and from the EU, for example stand furnishings, props and hangers.

An ATA Carnet is an international customs document that permits the tax-free and duty-free temporary export and import of goods for up to one year.

It consists of unified Customs declaration forms which are prepared for use at every border crossing point.

It is a globally accepted guarantee for Customs duties and taxes, designed to replace security deposits required by each Customs authority.

The ATA Carnet can be used in multiple countries for multiple trips during the 12 months of its validity.

The ATA Carnet simplifies customs clearance of goods in exporting and importing countries by replacing the multiplicity of customs documents that would normally be required.

It provides financial security for customs charges potentially due on the goods that will be taken to the countries visited.

It helps to overcome language barriers and eliminates the need for the completion of multiple forms.

While the ATA Carnet is the only official way for taking samples from the UK into the EU and back, UKFT understands that there are still challenges with getting Carnets stamped between London and Paris on Eurostar. UKFT is in contact with HMRC on this but it is worth stressing that the lack of a stamp on the outbound or the return journey should not, per sé, prevent the carnet from performing its primary functions and companies have found they can release their bonds as long as they can prove that they took all reasonable measures to declare their carnet through customs.

UKFT is a Member of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and through this relationship, UKFT members can benefit from a considerably discounted rate when applying for an ATA Carnet with Birmingham Chamber. Contact info@ukft.org for details.

To find out more about UKFT membership, visit ukft.org/membership or contact info@ukft.org.