Extending the use of goods abroad when covered by an ATA Carnet
Find out what you should do if you want to use the goods abroad after the expiry date on the carnet.
You cannot change the expiry date on your carnet. You’ll need to apply for a replacement carnet as soon as you know that you’ll need to use the goods abroad after the expiry date — do not wait until the carnet has expired.
Check if you can get a replacement ATA Carnet
You need to find out if you can use a replacement carnet in the country your goods are in, by contacting the customs authority where your goods are located. If your goods are located in the UK, contact the National ATA Carnet Unit.
You need to:
- tell them how much longer you want to use the goods in their country
- check if they’ll accept a replacement carnet — ask for their advice in writing
If they’ll accept a replacement carnet, contact the office that issued your original carnet and ask if they will give you a replacement.
If you can get a replacement ATA Carnet
When you receive the replacement, send it to the customs authority where your goods are located with the original carnet. If your goods are located in the UK:
- this will be the National ATA Carnet Unit
- you’ll also need to include a covering letter with the UK address where the carnet should be returned to
The customs authority will return both carnets to you once they’ve updated them.
If you cannot get a replacement ATA Carnet
You’ll need to either:
- re-export the goods
- pay the customs charges due to release them to free circulation
In some cases, you may be able to transfer the goods to special procedures for relief from customs charges.
For more information about extending the use of your goods covered by a carnet, read the ATA Carnet technical handbook.