Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what advice they are giving regarding carnets to those working in the fashion industry and who travel to Europe for work purposes, particularly in regard to clothing items; and what plans they have to make such advice more detailed.

Now that the UK has left the EU Customs Union and Single Market, there are new customs processes that businesses and individuals need to follow when moving goods from Great Britain into the EU and vice versa. These new processes apply to all goods being moved on a temporary basis. HMRC are supporting traders to adjust to changes in their customs obligations with extensive engagement, communications campaigns, guidance, and educational resources, working in collaboration with other Government departments.

ATA Carnets are one option businesses and individuals can use to move goods temporarily between the UK and EU. An ATA Carnet simplifies customs formalities by allowing a single document to be used for clearing goods through customs in the countries that are part of the ATA Carnet system. This removes the requirement for individual declarations of goods and allows goods to be imported or exported without payment of duty.

Examples of goods that can be covered by ATA Carnets include commercial samples, clothing, and jewellery as well as professional equipment such as photography equipment, stage equipment and lighting. In the UK, ATA Carnets are administered by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry. There is an issuing cost, and Carnet holders are required to provide a security which relates to the value of the goods being temporarily exported. More information can be found on their website.

As an alternative to an ATA Carnet, businesses and individuals may be able to use the EU’s Temporary Admission procedure, when moving goods temporarily into the EU. This allows goods to enter the EU on a temporary basis without payment of duties subject to relevant conditions being met. The management of EU import and export procedures is the responsibility of the customs authorities of the Member States, so it is important that businesses and individuals confirm any conditions or procedures that may apply, such as the time limit that goods may remain in the EU without the payment of duty. Further information can be found on the EU’s website.