What is a Carnet & how does it work?
At Carnet Wizard Ltd, our goal is to make obtaining a carnet as straightforward and efficient as possible. This page offers a clear overview of what carnets are, how they function, who should use them, and how to apply.
It’s designed to assist companies, individuals, and touring groups in understanding the process of temporary exports using ATA and CPD carnets.
What is a Carnet?
A carnet is an official customs document that permits the temporary export and re-import of goods without paying import taxes or duties. Acting as a goods passport, it simplifies customs procedures and eliminates the need for multiple documents in different countries.
There are two main types of carnet:
- ATA Carnet: Suitable for trade samples, professional gear, and items for exhibitions
- CPD Carnet: Specifically for vehicles temporarily taken overseas
Accepted in over 70 countries, carnets are widely used to ease international movements of goods on a temporary basis.
What can carnets be used for?
Carnets are used for a wide variety of items that are not being sold. Typical uses include:
- Trade shows and exhibitions
- Sports tours and events
- Music tours and film production
- Commercial samples for overseas meetings
- Professional equipment used temporarily abroad
- Touring vehicles and motorsport teams
Items such as food, liquids, or goods for processing and resale are not eligible for carnet cover.
Who can use a Carnet?
Carnets can be used by both individuals and businesses.
They are ideal for those who need to temporarily take goods abroad and return them without change.
Common users include:
- Companies moving equipment, samples, or materials for international meetings or events
- Self-employed professionals such as engineers, technicians, or creatives travelling with gear
- Musicians, touring acts, and production crews transporting instruments and equipment
- Sports teams and cultural groups travelling with display items or team kit
- Private vehicle owners and motorsport teams using CPD carnets for cars, bikes, and support vehicles
Key conditions of use:
- The carnet must name either the holder or an authorised representative who is responsible for the goods.
- Goods must remain under the control of the holder or representative at all times during travel.
- Items listed in the carnet must not be sold, hired out or left with third parties while abroad.
- All goods must be re-imported within the validity period of the carnet.
- If licences are needed for specific goods, such as controlled or restricted items, these must be obtained before travel.
These requirements are in place to help goods move through customs smoothly and return without unexpected charges or setbacks.
If anything is unclear, Carnet Wizard Ltd is here to help you understand and meet every requirement.
How it works
A carnet is a single document that covers the temporary international movement of goods. As long as the goods return within the validity period, there are no import duties or taxes to pay.
But what exactly does using a carnet involve, and how do you go about it?
Step 1: Preparing your goods list
You need a detailed list of everything you plan to take. This must include:
- Descriptions of each item
- Quantities and serial numbers where possible
- Accurate values in GBP
This information forms the foundation of the carnet. It must match the goods exactly during customs checks.
Step 2: Issuing the carnet
Carnet Wizard Ltd helps you to:
- Check that your goods are eligible
- Identify the right carnet type for your journey
- Complete and submit the application to the issuing authority
- Review your item list to meet customs standards
Once approved, your carnet is printed and ready to use.
Step 3: Using the carnet during travel
At each customs checkpoint:
- You present your carnet with the goods
- Customs officers stamp and record the movement
- The same document is used throughout your trip
This includes both leaving the UK and entering each country along your route.
Step 4: Returning & closing the carnet
When you come back to the UK:
- You present the carnet again to show the goods have returned
- Customs close the document and confirm that the conditions were met
- No duties or taxes are charged if everything is in order
Carnet Wizard Ltd also supports you after travel, helping to close the carnet properly and avoid any penalties.
Where are Carnets accepted?
Over 70 countries accept ATA and CPD carnets, including the UK, EU countries, the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Africa. Each location may have its own list of acceptable goods, but the carnet system is globally recognised and trusted for temporary imports and exports.
Working with Carnet Wizard Ltd:
Working with Carnet Wizard means:
- You receive expert guidance tailored to your needs
- We handle the complex paperwork from start to finish
- You avoid delays caused by mistakes or incomplete forms
- Fast-track options are available when time is limited
Benefits:
Benefits of using a Carnet:
There are many advantages to using a carnet:
No import duties or tax payments required
Faster border crossings with just one document
Reusable for multiple trips during its validity
No need for separate financial guarantees at each destination
Confidence that your goods are properly documented
In short, carnets are ideal for businesses and professionals who need a fast and flexible export solution.
Benefits of working with Carnet Wizard Ltd:
Sorting a carnet might not be the most exciting part of your trip, but it is a necessary one. Carnet Wizard Ltd helps remove the stress, turning what can be complex paperwork into something quick and reassuring.
How we help:
- Personalised service – We listen to your plans and tailor our support to suit your journey
- No hassle – We manage the technical side, check every detail, and ensure nothing is missed
- Urgent help – If time is short, we’ll move quickly to get your carnet ready
- Clear advice – No jargon, just straightforward updates and honest guidance
- Ongoing support – From the first step to your return, we’re here to assist
You look after the goods. We’ll take care of the paperwork.
Information Overview
A carnet is an international customs document that lets you temporarily move goods across borders without paying duties or taxes. It acts like a passport for your equipment or samples, and makes customs checks faster and easier.
There are two main types:
- ATA carnets, which are used for professional equipment, commercial samples and exhibition goods
- CPD carnets, which are used for temporarily moving vehicles, often for motorsport or touring
Carnets can be used by businesses and individuals. If you’re travelling with tools, instruments, vehicles or other professional equipment, a carnet can help. This includes companies, freelancers, performers, event organisers and sports teams.
Carnets are used for things like:
- Taking goods to trade shows or exhibitions
- Touring with music, film or stage equipment
- Carrying samples to show to clients abroad
- Transporting race vehicles or technical gear for short-term use
- Moving goods for cultural or educational events
Most carnets are valid for up to twelve months from the date of issue. You can use them for multiple trips within that time, as long as the goods and destinations match what is listed on the carnet.
Carnets are accepted in over seventy countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, European Union, Japan, Australia and many others. Each country may have slightly different rules about what goods they accept, so it’s important to check.
The process is simple:
- You apply with a list of goods, including serial numbers and values
- The carnet is issued and presented at customs when you leave the UK
- Customs stamp it when you enter and leave each country
- You show it again on your return to the UK to close it off
As long as all items return in the same condition, you won’t pay any taxes or duties.
At Carnet Wizard Ltd, we offer fast-track options. If you have a last-minute trip coming up, get in touch as soon as possible and we’ll do our best to help.
We take care of the whole process for you. This includes:
- Checking your goods are eligible
- Completing and submitting the application
- Getting the carnet approved quickly
- Explaining how to use it step by step
- Offering support during and after your trip
Our service is friendly, personal and focused on getting everything right the first time. You focus on your journey, and we’ll sort the paperwork.