Customs clearance for trade fair exhibitors — ATA Carnet UK, exhibitions & trade shows
Updated: 2026-04-20 · Easy Clearance — UK customs broker
This information is general and does not constitute legal or tax advice. For individual cases, please speak to a consultant.
This page is for Polish and European companies travelling to UK trade fairs and exhibitions with exhibition equipment, demonstration machinery and trade samples. The ATA Carnet is the document that allows temporary export and re-import without UK duty or VAT. It is accepted for: exhibition equipment (including ExCeL London, NEC Birmingham and Olympia), commercial samples, and professional tools.
The procedure: submit an application to the KIG (Polish Chamber of Commerce) in Poland, complete the carnet booklets, present them at the UK border on arrival, and return the goods within the validity period. Time limit: up to 6 months, extendable. If the ATA Carnet is not re-exported in time, UK customs duty and import VAT become payable.
Easy Clearance services: ATA Carnet border clearance handling in the UK, procedural support throughout the process, and guidance on completing the carnet booklets. Indicative pricing: ATA Carnet handling from £250 + security deposit. FAQ: how to obtain an ATA Carnet, what goods are eligible, deadlines, and what to do if you encounter problems at the UK border.