We can confirm that from 1st January 2021, ATA carnets are required and recommended for temporary export to EU countries.
Not much in UK history has proven as controversial as our decision to leave the EU.
Controversy can bring doubtful information, such as online entries offering a “Brexit Carnet”. There is no such thing, whilst there could be superficial changes, the ATA carnet system operates under a global convention, not via the EU.
We still note that the situation remains unclear, political decisions could alter intended arrangements. The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in conjunction with HMRC, have however planned in principle.
The intentions are:
Agreed Withdrawal – If the current Withdrawal Agreement, or a similar deal is voted into being before Article 50 expires, not much will change.
A transition period will come into effect until early 2021 at least. ATA Carnet procedures and the documents used should remain as they are at present, unless the UK leaves without a deal.
No Deal Withdrawal – A no deal would leave the UK to operate on World Trade Organisation terms. Whilst confirmation is technically needed, the ATA carnet system is expected to be available for UK – EU temporary exports and imports.
Once within the EU, you would still in effect be within one country. A new ATA Carnet document, with the UK reclassified as a non EU member has been prepared, with amendments to reflect the change of status.
The security rate against value of goods is expected to be 40% across the EU. As with all aspects of an evolving situation, seeking clarification before travelling can do no harm.
Useful Contacts
Our well briefed team are available to help during business hours, on 01753 682 222. They will be up to date, on major, or smaller changes.
HMRC can be contacted via the Salford ATA Carnet Unit on 0300 057 9060, or the Imports & Exports Helpline on 0300 200 3700.
The latter can offer local contacts, as does a page on our sister company website, carnet contacts, ports and airports. We can’t guarantee this is up to date in changing times but a few of the mobile numbers have proven invaluable.
Change Scenarios
If the UK leaves without a deal, there will be shipments, or hand carried items, caught within changing times. The following scenarios assume a carnet journey before no deal and completion afterwards:
- 1. Goods shipped to a third (non EU) country on an ATA carnet and returning overland via the EU. In this situation, a set of transit vouchers will be required to cross the EU, or importation/re-exportation vouchers for a working visit.
- 2. Items destined for a third country are being sent via the EU on an ATA carnet and are still in transit at the time of no deal. For this case, our understanding is that the carnet will be allowed to stand and the journey completed.
- 3. Goods entering the EU without a carnet before no deal but returning after a no deal. In principle, duties may be payable. You could use proof of UK purchase to reclaim on return, or a duplicate list procedure for hand carried goods
In position 3, you may also be able to prove UK origin through your accounts, or inventories, or original shipping documents. HMRC acknowledge this will apply quite short term and are likely to use common sense.
That will hopefully be true in most scenarios, perhaps host countries will help by issuing any vouchers required, or simply waive the need for an about turn.
In conjunction with HMRC, the London Chamber have produced a pdf on what may happen if we leave 11th April 2019, on World Trade Organisation terms. This remains similar to information above, you are welcome to download, or read.
Whatever the case, you should be able to request support and information from your ATA carnet provider. Our staff are closely watching the situation unfold and will be happy to offer up to date advice.
