ATA carnets are widely known, although the change in our relationship with Europe means more businesses need to understand how they work.
Whether new, or experienced users, people do often let us know how they fared with their carnet, or post a report online. Those entries can be worth reading, to hear of real world use and pick up a few ideas.
A recent post from a German band was interesting, coming via France to the UK, rather than the other way around. They had little previous knowledge of carnet use and we wanted to see what mattered to them.
They highlighted the benefits of an accurate list of goods to be taken, including serial numbers, or other identification and the value of items. The band didn’t know the values so looked them up on eBay, an interesting approach.
Their thoughts extended to including items on the list to suit future trips using their carnet, they are valid for multiple journeys over 12 months. Overall, their experience of travelling with a carnet was positive and trouble free.
Wider Highlighted Use
A UK company offering specialist recording services gained a contract to support an international pharmaceutical conference. They would be providing live streaming and a bespoke package for delegate collaboration.
They travelled to Los Angeles on an ATA carnet and were pleased, stating that the carnet saved cost and hassle, a satisfied customer.
An artist and their partner who live between the UK and EU, regularly need to transport artwork back and forth for exhibitions. They also curate shows in the UK for EU artists, from ceramics and sculpture, to sound art.
Brexit has meant changed plans but they are becoming experienced ATA carnet users and have found them to be an effective, user friendly system.
The art world have become more avid carnet users. We know of a UK textile designer transporting samples for an EU trade fair, a London gallery holding an exhibition in Rome and a Milan gallery bringing contemporary art to London.
The performing arts are carnet users, as with a UK opera company who journeyed to the US to perform a work by Janacek. They were so pleased with their carnet, they now check in advance to see if countries they are going to accept them.
Cost Versus Benefit
ATA carnets are used by large businesses, such as the film companies we support. They are understandably interested in avoiding delay as much as cost.
For a smaller company, or sole trader, cost and admin can be factors but they understand the need, if they receive due benefit. As with any business tool, an ATA carnet should provide the most optimal solution.
Their post Brexit use from the UK to Europe has demonstrated this, where unlike other treaty points, the established, international carnet system has worked flawlessly. We genuinely do not know of any issues.
Whether you are going to Europe, the US, or most of the developed world, ATA carnets are there to eliminate concerns. Should you need any advice on carnet use, our support team will be pleased to assist.