Take goods temporarily out of the UK
You may need permission to temporarily move or export goods outside the UK, for example if you take sales samples to a trade show.
Last updated: 18 June 2021
You may need permission to temporarily move or export goods outside the UK, for example if you take sales samples to a trade show.
Temporarily export goods out of the UK
Most countries have a limit on the value of goods you can bring in duty free.
If you鈥檙e taking goods to another country temporarily for business reasons and you think you鈥檒l be over the duty free limit, you can usually get an ATA Carnet to avoid paying duty. This includes things like:
- samples to show at trade fairs or sales meetings
- publicity materials
- recorded film and audio
- equipment you need for work like laptops, cameras or sound equipment
- goods for educational, scientific or cultural purposes
- personal effects and sports goods
If you鈥檙e taking a vehicle, get a CPD Carnet instead.
Licences for controlled goods
Check if your goods are controlled and you .
Temporary licences are available for some types of controlled goods, for example:
Get an ATA Carnet
You can use an ATA Carnet in .
Countries have their own rules about what goods you can bring in with an ATA Carnet.
If you cannot use an ATA Carnet (or do not want to pay the fee), use a to temporarily export your goods instead.
If you do not get an ATA Carnet or Duplicate List
You鈥檒l need to declare your goods and pay duties every time your goods go through customs.
You鈥檒l also need to follow the full customs rules and processes for exports and imports.
You can check the rules on:
How to apply
You can apply for an ATA Carnet:
If you鈥檙e using a freight forwarder, they鈥檒l usually fill this in for you.
It usually costs 拢325.96 and you鈥檒l need to pay a security deposit.
If you鈥檙e sending goods to Taiwan, apply for a instead.
ATA Carnets are usually valid for 1 year. Ask the overseas customs authority if you need to extend it. You鈥檒l need their written approval before you apply for a replacement Carnet.
Using an ATA Carnet
Call the helpline when you鈥檙e planning your journey.
They鈥檒l check that a customs officer can stamp your Carnet at the port or airport your goods are being shipped from.
HMRC imports and exports helpline
Telephone: 0300 322 9434
Textphone: 0300 200 3719
Outside the UK: +44 29 2050 1261
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
When you return to the UK
Go through the red channel at customs if you鈥檙e bringing the goods back in your baggage.
Get help with ATA Carnets
Contact the ATA Carnet Unit if you have a question.
National ATA Carnet Unit
atacarnetunit@hmrc.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 322 7064
If you do not use an ATA Carnet
Use a Duplicate List to temporarily export goods if:
- the country you鈥檙e exporting to does not recognise the ATA Carnet
- you do not want to pay for an ATA Carnet
As with an ATA Carnet, you do not have to pay customs duty or tax. There鈥檚 no fee, but it鈥檚 more complicated than exporting something with an ATA Carnet.
How to export goods using a Duplicate List
Before you export the goods, prepare a list on company stationery. Include:
- a description of the goods
- how many there are
- serial numbers, if the goods have them
- value of the goods
At customs, you鈥檒l need to provide:
- 2 copies of the list
- a completed (PDF, 638 KB)
Contact the helpline in advance to make the arrangements.
HMRC imports and exports helpline
Telephone: 0300 322 9434
Textphone: 0300 200 3719
Outside the UK: +44 29 2050 1261
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm