The ATA Carnet—your “Passport for Goods”—empowers UK businesses, professionals, and creatives to move goods temporarily into 87+ countries without paying import duties or taxes. With a single document, you’ll breeze through customs for trade shows, client demos, or equipment transport—saving valuable time and money versus standard import routes.
Who benefits from an ATA Carnet?
Exhibitors: Hassle-free entry for trade fairs and exhibitions across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
Sales Teams: Present commercial samples without customs delays.
Professionals: Film crews, musicians, engineers, and anyone moving equipment internationally for short-term projects.
Key benefits:
Simplified customs: No repetitive paperwork at every border.
Major savings: Avoid duty and VAT on eligible temporary imports.
Flexible coverage: One carnet covers multiple trips and destinations for up to a year.
Fast turnaround: Same-day processing available for urgent UK departures—avoid last-minute delays at major hubs like Heathrow or Manchester.
Local expertise: Our UK-based team navigates complex rules and double-checks your itinerary for seamless customs clearance, wherever you travel.
Transparent pricing: No hidden fees—every cost detailed upfront.
Proven results: Trusted by leading UK exporters.
“The guys at Carnet Wizard are wonderful. Exemplary Customer service, guiding you through the whole process. I can’t thank them enough.” – J Stow
ATA Carnets are accepted in more than 87 countries and territories worldwide.
Availability can change, and some destinations have local conditions (e.g., sector limits or split shipment rules). We’ll confirm the latest requirements for your specific itinerary.
Europe
Most EU member states, plus Norway, Switzerland, Türkiye.
Americas
USA, Canada, Mexico*, Chile.
Asia & Oceania
Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, China (limited categories).
*Some countries apply special conditions. We’ll clarify before you travel.
Eligible:
Commercial samples for sales visits
Professional equipment (cameras, laptops, demo rigs, tools, instruments)
Goods for UK or overseas fairs, exhibitions, and trade shows
Not eligible:
Perishables, consumables, or promotional giveaways
Items to be sold, donated, or significantly altered abroad
Explosives, restricted goods, or postal shipments
Not sure if your goods qualify? Contact our UK team—we’ll confirm before you travel.
Beat customs queues and meet your next deadline—get your ATA Carnet sorted by local experts today.
Request a Quote | +44 (0) 204 582 5193 | info@carnetwizard.com
Validity periods: 2, 6 or 12 months from issue. Note: Exhibition / trade fair goods may have shorter windows in some places.
Multiple trips: Yes – use the same carnet for repeated journeys and multiple destinations while valid.
Extensions: Direct extensions are not typical. Some customs allow a replacement carnet before expiry to continue coverage.
Split shipments Often allowed; some jurisdictions restrict them. Check with us for your route.
Border officers may limit a stay on inspection. We plan your inserts to match your schedule.
1. Tell us about your trip (destinations, dates, purpose) and share your goods list (descriptions, serials, values, weights).
2. We review & advise on eligibility, countries, inserts and any special conditions.
3. Issue & print — we prepare your carnet and arrange collection or courier.
4. Travel with confidence — we brief you on stamping at each border and returning the carnet.
Border stamping checklist
Before you go
• Check goods list (serials, quantities match)
• Carry the carnet and ID
• Plan customs desks at departure/arrival
At each border
• Present carnet to customs for the correct counterfoil
• Get stamps on exit and entry
• Keep all vouchers in order
When you return
• Ensure UK re import stamp is completed
• Return the carnet to us as instructed
• Retain copies for your records
Costs & timing
What affects price?
• Type and value of goods
• Number of countries and trip duration
• Carnet type (ATA vs EC/CPD/China Taiwan)
• Courier / same day options
Turnaround
We can usually issue quickly once your details are complete.
Same day options may be available for urgent trips.
Want a firm quote?
Frequently asked questions
What is an ATA Carnet in simple terms?
A single document that lets you take goods temporarily into participating countries without paying import duty/VAT, as long as you bring them back within the allowed time.
Who typically needs a carnet?
Exhibitors, touring creatives, sports teams, engineers and technicians, sales teams with samples, scientific and medical teams, and film/TV crews.
How long is an ATA Carnet valid?
Duration periods 2,6 or 12 months from issue. Some categories or countries set shorter limits. We align your carnet to your schedule.
Can I add items after issue?
No – items can’t be added to the General List once issued. You’ll need a new carnet if your goods change.
Are split shipments allowed?
Generally yes, but some jurisdictions restrict split consignments. Tell us if you plan to split so we can advise.
Can I extend a carnet?
You can’t usually extend the original document. In some cases, customs accept a replacement carnet applied for before expiry to continue coverage.
Do I still need export declarations?
Depending on your route and transport, you may still need standard export formalities. We’ll brief you on paperwork alongside your carnet.
ATA Carnet what to expect
Wondering what the carnet itself looks like?
An ATA Carnet is a multi-page, booklet-style document, often A4-sized, issued in a distinctive cover. Inside, you’ll find:
Cover sheet with the carnet number, holder details, validity dates, and listing the issuing chamber of commerce.
General List: A detailed inventory of your goods, including descriptions, serial numbers, values, and quantities.
Voucher slips and counterfoils: Each trip requires customs officials to process the relevant coloured sheets—yellow for the country of origin, blue for transit, and white for foreign destinations.
Stamps and signatures are placed here as proof of export and re-entry.
Each section is clearly marked for use at different borders, making it obvious where customs officers should stamp or sign.
Ready to move – without duty & VAT headaches?
Carnet Wizard prepares carnets for UK businesses of every size, with clear guidance and rapid issuing.
Carnet Wizard Limited – UK ATA Carnet specialists.
An ATA Carnet is an international customs document that allows goods to be temporarily imported into participating countries without paying customs duties or taxes. It acts like a passport for goods, simplifying customs clearance and reducing costs for businesses, exhibitors, and professionals
Our experts provide detailed guidance through every step of the carnet process, from application to renewal.
If you are traveling internationally with goods or equipment that you plan to temporarily import, you may need an ATA Carnet. This customs document allows you to bring items into a foreign country without paying duties or taxes, as long as you plan to return them to your home country.
ATA Carnets are valid in 87 countries, including all European Union member states, USA, Canada, China, Japan, Australia and the United Arab Emirates. ATA Carnets facilitate the temporary cross-border movement of goods by companies, event organisers and professionals without having to pay any duties or taxes.
The cost of an ATA Carnet varies depending on the value of the goods being transported and the specific services required. At Carnet Wizard Limited, we offer competitive and transparent pricing tailored to your needs. Please contact us for a personalized quote.
Count on our knowledgeable team to deliver reliable and timely support, so you can focus on your business.
Posted on Martin AllanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service and patience guiding a complete novice through the Carnet and GMR requirements. All my questions and queries were answered promptly and accurately. The additional information regarding customs procedures and what to expect at the Sevington inland border facility were much appreciated. Well done Carnet Wizard.Posted on Georgie ClarkeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Would highly recommend, really helpful through the whole process and the documents arrive with a handy step-by-step guide so if you're not doing carnet's super regularly and need a little reminder everything's right there. Massive thanks to both Siraj and Perm for all the patience and help. I will definitely use again. Thanks very much.Posted on Ali ForoughiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I got in touch with Carnet Wizard to help me getting a new carnet for my photography equipment. I previously had a bad experience using another company so Siraj was super helpful and walked me through the necessary steps. Throughout the process they patiently guided me as I'm generally not very good with paperwork. I felt very supported and Siraj and Perm always came back to me in a timely manner which was hugely appreciated. I look forward to using their services whenever I need to do a Carnet :)Posted on Jonathan StowTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The guys at Carnet Wizard are wonderful. Exemplary Customer service, guiding you through the whole process. I can't thank them enough.Posted on Ashkan YZTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was our first time using a Carnet and the team at Carnet Wizard made it so easy and stress free. They guided us through every step of the process to ensure we had a successful trip. We’ll be using them again in future, highly recommendPosted on Roxanne SedgbeerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Utterly brilliant service, Siraj went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly, despite the ferry companies best efforts to complicate things! Totally new process for us, so we did not have a clue what we needed to do and what paperwork was required. Siraj made everything super simple and took care of it all. Will 100% use again and cannot recommend them highly enough.Posted on James SnowlingTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really Is one of the most fantastic customs doc support we have ever had . That’s for keeping small businesses going 👍🏻👍🏻Posted on Joanne HildredTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really quick and easy, very helpful, would highly recommend if you also need a carnet at very short notice. Lovely stuffPosted on James MarcinkoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic company to deal with! Very helpful and extra speedy service. Special thank you to Perm who was super informative! Will be using again for future ATA’sVerified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help with all your customs and logistics needs.
