As global markets evolve, Staffordshire businesses are expanding their reach beyond local borders, whether it’s by exhibiting at international trade shows or offering on-site services abroad. With this change in international activity, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has seen an increased demand for a simple yet effective tool that can ease the complexities of cross-border trade: the ATA Carnet. In our latest guest blog, Staffordshire Chambers’ Head of International Trade, Allison Tomlinson, explains what an ATA Carnet is, and when you need one.
“For those unfamiliar with it, an ATA Carnet is essentially a “passport for goods”.
It enables businesses to temporarily export goods like trade show materials, commercial samples and specialist equipment to over 40 countries – without the headache of paying import duties or taxes, provided the items return to the UK within 12 months.
And it’s clear to use that there’s a growing appetite for these sort of services. We recently hosted a USA Trade Day at Commerce House, where we welcomed businesses from a real range of sectors to explore potential opportunities in one of the world’s biggest markets. It was that popular that we have decided to host two further events, Dubai Day and South East Asia & India Day, again supporting local businesses in their efforts to go global.
As businesses look to enter new markets, the ATA Carnet service is supporting that growth, helping businesses to move their goods freely without getting bogged down in border red tape.
What makes the ATA Carnet service even more appealing is its simplicity. It’s a fast and straight-forward application with same-day processing.
For companies looking to expand their footprint abroad, the ATA Carnet is an invaluable resource -offering a cost-effective way to get goods where they need to go without the hassle of customs complications.
Are you wondering if your business could benefit from an ATA Carnet? Reach out to the Chamber’s international trade team for tailored advice or to begin your application today.
For more details, contact the export mailbox at [email protected].
