Temporary export of equipment (ATA Carnet) – fairs and tools [2026]

TL;DR

Quick definition

laptop, camera, trade fair stand, hydraulic wrench), do not do a regular export! If you are travelling to the UK with equipment that will return (e.g. This is the only sensible option for assembly teams and trade fair exhibitors. For operational work, the current procedural rules, declaration fields and relief conditions should be checked directly against the official guidance.

If you are travelling to the UK with equipment that will return (e.g. laptop, camera, trade fair stand, hydraulic wrench), do not do a regular export! Use ATA Carnet.

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What is ATA?

It is an international customs document ("Goods Passport"). Issued by the Chamber of Commerce.

Cost: Several hundred zlotys.
Advantage: You do not make customs declarations in systems. You present a paper carnet at the border. The customs officer stamps "Exit" and "Entry".
Guarantee: You must pay a deposit, which is forfeited if the goods do not return to Poland.

This is the only sensible option for assembly teams and trade fair exhibitors.

What the current official guidance means in practice

For operational work, the current procedural rules, declaration fields and relief conditions should be checked directly against the official guidance. For this topic, the core reference points are GOV.UK / HMRC.

Operational watch-outs

Most delays come from inconsistent data between the commercial invoice, packing list, tariff classification, reference numbers and transport assumptions. Before shipment release, confirm who is responsible for clearance, whether the data set is complete and when the declaration must be filed.

Documents and data to prepare

The minimum working pack worth preparing before speaking to customs support or filing a declaration includes:

commercial invoice with a complete goods description
packing list with quantities, weight and package count
HS/CN code and origin information
EORI number and the party responsible for the declaration
goods list with serial numbers and a temporary movement purpose

Practical notes for UK-PL operators

For regular flows, keep a stable data template: goods description, HS code, origin, Incoterms, carrier details and source documents. This shortens response time and reduces border corrections.

Official sources

GOV.UK: apply for an ATA Carnet — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-03-04
GOV.UK: how to use your ATA Carnet — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-03-04

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