What is a Carnet & how does it work?
At Carnet Wizard, we specialise in guiding customers through the Carnet process with clarity and ease. This page explains what ATA and CPD carnets are, how they work, who can benefit, and how to apply efficiently.
It’s a helpful guide for businesses, touring professionals, and individuals needing support with temporary exports under the Carnet system.
What is a Carnet?
A carnet is an internationally recognised customs document that allows goods to be temporarily exported and re-imported without paying import taxes or duties. It acts as a passport for goods, simplifying border crossings and removing the need for separate customs forms.
There are two main types of carnets:
- ATA carnet: Used for commercial samples, professional equipment, and goods for exhibitions
- CPD carnet: Used specifically for motor vehicles when travelling abroad
Carnets are accepted in over seventy countries and are designed to make international travel with goods more efficient.
What can carnets be used for?
Carnets are used for goods that are not intended for sale. Common examples 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’re ideal for anyone who needs to move goods overseas temporarily and return them in the same condition.
Typical users include:
- Companies sending tools, samples, or equipment for overseas meetings and events
- Freelancers like photographers or engineers travelling with gear
- Musicians, performers, and stage crews on tour
- Sports teams and cultural groups transporting instruments or kits
- Motorsport teams and vehicle owners using CPD carnets for cars, bikes, or trailers
Key conditions of use:
- The ATA Carnet in London 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.
Following carnet conditions helps avoid delays and ensures your goods return without issues at customs.
If you need help understanding the process, Carnet Wizard is here to guide you every step of the way.
How it works
A carnet allows you to move goods across international borders temporarily using just one document. As long as the goods are returned within the carnet’s validity period, no duties or taxes are payable. But what’s the process, and how do you get started?
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, the EU, the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Africa. While each country has its own rules on what’s allowed, the carnet system is well-established and widely trusted.
Working with Carnet Wizard Ltd:
Working with Carnet Wizard means:
- Expert advice tailored to your journey
- All paperwork handled accurately and efficiently
- Reduced risk of customs delays or errors
- Fast service available for urgent departures
Benefits:
Benefits of using a Carnet:
There are several advantages to using a carnet:
No import duty or tax to pay
One document covers all trips within its validity
Faster customs clearance at each border
No need for separate financial guarantees
Confidence that your goods are documented properly
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 out a carnet may not be the most exciting part of your plans, but it is a crucial one. Carnet Wizard takes care of the hard parts so you can focus on everything else, knowing it’s all in hand.
How we help:
- Tailored support – We take time to understand your trip and match our service to your needs
- No paperwork stress – We handle all the technical details and make sure nothing is missed
- Quick turnaround – If your departure is near, we’ll prioritise getting your carnet ready
- Clear communication – No jargon, just honest updates and straightforward advice
- End-to-end guidance – From your first enquiry to your final customs check, we’re here when you need us
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.