ATA Carnets and the HMRC
In cases where there could be potential issues with an ATA Carnet arranged through us, because it hasn’t been filled out correctly, etc., we just encourage people to get in touch with our hotlines and our team so as soon as possible we can help them.
Our support desk is available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday between 8 am and 5 pm. Having supplied many ATA carnets, we have learned there isn’t much that our team can’t handle when it comes to assisting you with all your needs related to the ATA Carnet! If you would prefer assistance about ATA Carnets and the HMRC or other aspects of Customs requirements when traveling overseas for trade, you can get in touch with them by calling 0300 322 9434 between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm (Monday through Friday) or through email at: atacarnetunit@hmrc.gov.uk
ATA Carnet can be Prone to Failure
Some people become anxious when they use an ATA carnet for the first time. But we want to let you know that the procedure isn’t complicated at all, everything is colour-coded and even if you encounter a problem, you will always have us and UK customs officers to assist you whenever you need it.
The following points are key to avoiding glitches:
- ATA carnets are similar to a passport for your goods. You need to submit this to customs and have them endorse it at all appropriate borders.
- Each item needs a clear description so that it can be identified. You cannot modify or add to the list of items in your carnet after it has been issued.
- If you need to change the use of anything or if it has been lost, destroyed, or stolen, always inform customs in the country where it occurred.
Carnets that are lost, stolen, or that have expired before departure should be contacted by the carnet holder as well as customs.
Any goods that are covered by special restrictions or have banned substances must be declared to the country of destination regardless of whether you have an ATA Carnet or any other document issued. Documents in and of themselves do not override the laws upon arrival
Because problems can arise during almost any transaction, no matter which nation you’re trading in. Some carnet users are not familiar with this and end up encountering delays because of it. A good example of a carnet user responsibility is knowing that although most goods can be taken across the European Union borders within the context of a carnet, certain countries have the “duty drawback” where you do not get back all the import tax incurred for those goods. It is your responsibility to know which countries DO NOT involve duty drawbacks.
Disagreement about ATA Carnets and the HMRC
Most countries offer a process to appeal decisions made by authorities. For example, the UK allows diplomats to appeal certain customs decisions. This is fundamentally different from how ATA Carnet appeals are handled in that you have an option to take your case up with an independent review board overseen by the UK government. The board consists of officials who have no connection to the case at hand. The ATA Carnet system is entirely different; the appeals process functions under rules set forward by Polish authorities and those appeals are carried out separately by staff employed directly by Polish authorities or their contracted counterparts rather than any official organisation overseen by either the EU or member states themselves.
HMRC are signatories to alternative dispute resolution (mediation) and as such, they offer an online route to apply. Alternatively, you could go to an independent tribunal, which is here to help settle any argument that might or has already arisen between you and the tax authority over what you owe them (or should not owe them).
An organised carnet rarely encounters problems, which should be emphasised. Feel free to contact our support team at Cargo Clear if you have any questions or concerns.
