Home » Brexit: impact on ATA carnet and customs clearance

Brexit: impact on ATA carnet and customs clearance

Brexit could cause many difficulties for companies exporting goods to the UK or having suppliers in the UK, particularly during border controls. In the case of a temporary export of goods, the ATA Carnet proves to be a handy solution.

However, given the current situation, users of ATA carnets have to take into account various elements, such as Inland Border Facilities, to ensure smooth customs clearance.

Brexit is likely to complicate customs clearance for Belgian companies. The ATA carnet makes life easier for them.

Since January 2021, trade with the UK will be accompanied by customs formalities and border controls. This is normal, since the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union, and therefore its Customs Union too.

This is a groundbreaking change, and our special page on Brexit lists the best sources of information on Brexit. One of the solutions we can offer you is the use of an ATA Carnet and the many advantages it offers when passing through customs.

Using an ATA Carnet in the UK

Check whether you need to use the Goods Vehicle MovementService (GVMS) !

Who needs to apply for GVMS? Anyone who transports their goods through a UK location using the Goods Vehicle Movement Service must register for this service to get through Customs with these goods.

If you use an ATA -Carnet, the number of the Carnet must be mentioned in the registration.

More details on who should use GVMS : https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-how-to-move-goods-through-ports-that-use-the-goods-vehicle-movement-service

More details about registration in GVMS : https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-for-the-goods-vehicle-movement-service

ATA carnet: general requirements

General requirements

Any company using an ATA Carnet must of course ensure that it has all the necessary information and appropriate customs documents in its possession. It must also ensure that any user of the ATA Carnet knows what documents are required and where, when and how they will be presented at customs.

To request your ATA Carnet, go to e-ata.eu. If you need help, please contact your Chamber of Commerce.

Order your ATA Carnet

The ATA Carnet allows the temporary import and export of non-perishable goods free of duties and taxes for a maximum period of one year.

The United Kingdom accepts it for a variety of uses, to cover the temporary export of goods for trade fairs and exhibitions, professional equipment, commercial samples or vehicles.

Please see our general page on the ATA Carnet for more information.

Brexit-related requirements

  • The ATA Carnet must be written in English.
  • ATA Carnets are normally accepted at all ports and airports where customs facilities are available for the clearance of goods, passengers and baggage.
  • However, from 1 January 2021, if you bring goods with an ATA Carnet through the port of Dover or the Eurotunnel, you will have to go to an Inland Border Facility to have your ATA Carnet processed. These facilites have been created to reduce the pressure on ports. They can can process ATA Carnets and other formalities such as CITES, TIR and CTC documents.

Check the list below to see where these Inland Border facilities are located.

Download the list in PDF

Entering the UK

By the port of Dover (open 24/7)

Lord Warden Square
Dover
CT17 9DN

Mersham
Ashford
TN25 6GE

Use Ashford Waterbrook inland border facility if Sevington inland border facility isn’t available.

Ashford International Truck Stop
Waterbrook Avenue
Ashford
TN24 0GB

Birmingham inland border facility
Birmingham International Airport
BHX Car Park 6
B26 3QY

By the Eurotunnel (open 24/7)

Folkestone Services
Junction 11
M20
Hythe
CT21 4BL

Birmingham inland border facility
Birmingham International Airport
BHX Car Park 6
B26 3QY

Leaving the UK

By the port of Dover or the Eurotunnel (open 24/7)

North Weald Airfield
Merlin Way
North Weald Bassett
Epping
CM16 6GB

International Way
Ebbsfleet Valley
DA10 1EB

Mersham
Ashford
TN25 6GE

Use Ashford Waterbrook inland border facility if Sevington inland border facility isn’t available.

All drivers have the option to use the inland border facilities at Birmingham and Warrington

Birmingham inland border facility
Birmingham International Airport
BHX Car Park 6
B26 3QY

Warrington inland border facility
Barley Castle Lane
Appleton Thorn
Warrington
WA4 4SR

If diversions are in place on the major roads leading to the Port of Dover, you will need to go to:

Manston Airport
The Cargo Centre
Spitfire Way
Ramsgate
Kent
CT12 5FF

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