ATA Carnet Support for Manchester Exporters

What is an ATA Carnet, and does your shipment qualify?

An ATA Carnet is an international customs document — a 'passport for goods' — that lets goods cross into participating countries temporarily without import duty or VAT, provided they're re-exported within its validity period of up to 12 months. A single carnet can cover multiple trips in that window, as long as the goods come back in their original condition, normal wear aside.

Three categories qualify: commercial samples, professional equipment, and goods for trade fairs and exhibitions. For Manchester businesses that means demo kit for an overseas conference, samples for an international buyer, or stock for a trade show stand all typically qualify — but controlled goods such as firearms, explosives or certain chemicals need their own export or import licences regardless of the carnet.

Step-by-step — how EasyClearance supports the application

Step 1 — Check the goods and destination qualify. Eligibility depends on both the goods category and whether the destination country accepts ATA Carnets.

Step 2 — Build the application. This is issued through a Chamber of Commerce authorised via UKNATACO (LCCI) — never directly by a customs agent. It requires holder and representative details, a fully itemised goods list (descriptions, serial numbers, values) and the exact travel itinerary, country by country.

Step 3 — Put up the security. The Chamber calculates a guarantee covering the highest duty, VAT and a 10% penalty across the whole itinerary — cash deposit, bank guarantee, insurance or the Carnet Security Scheme (CSS) are the usual routes.

Step 4 — Submit to any UKNATACO-listed Chamber. Manchester businesses aren't tied to a specific local Chamber and can apply through whichever issuing Chamber suits them.

EasyClearance handles the preparation side for Manchester exporters — the goods list, eligibility checks and destination-specific requirements — so the application lands at the issuing Chamber complete and correct the first time.

FAQ

No — issuance is restricted to Chambers of Commerce authorised through UKNATACO. EasyClearance prepares the documentation and goods list so your application to an issuing Chamber goes through cleanly.

No — you can apply through any Chamber of Commerce listed on the UKNATACO issuing network, not only a local one.

The carnet only covers goods returning in their original condition, normal wear excepted — if goods are sold, consumed or substantially changed abroad, the temporary admission relief no longer applies and duty may become due.

Official sources

• ATA Carnet technical handbook — Introduction — GOV.UK
• Applying for an ATA Carnet — GOV.UK
• ATA Carnet technical handbook — Eligibility and scope — GOV.UK