Don’t Let a Company Name Mismatch Delay Your ATA Carnet Application

When applying for an ATA Carnet, timing is often critical - particularly if you are travelling with goods for an exhibition, trade fair or overseas project. One of the most common (and preventable) causes of delay is a mismatch in company details. 

To avoid your application being placed on hold, the company name registered on your eCert account must match exactly the name recorded at Companies House. 

Why Is This Important? 

An ATA Carnet is issued under strict financial liability. Before approval, the issuing Chamber must verify the legal identity of the applicant business. 

If the company name on your eCert registration differs - even slightly - from the official Companies House record, additional checks will be required. This can delay approval, which is particularly problematic if travel dates are approaching. 

Common discrepancies include: 

• Using a trading name instead of the registered legal name 

• Missing “Limited” or “Ltd” 

• Minor spelling differences 

• Recently changed company names not yet updated on eCert 

• Punctuation variations 

While these may appear minor, for indemnity and compliance purposes the legal name must match precisely. 

What You Should Do Before Applying 

• Check your registered company name on Companies House 

• Confirm your eCert account reflects the identical name 

• Contact the Chamber if amendments are required before submitting your Carnet application 

Taking a few minutes to verify your details can prevent unnecessary stress and last-minute delays. 

Join Our Upcoming ATA Carnet Workshop – 18th March 

If you are new to ATA Carnets or would like to ensure your documentation is completed correctly the first time, join our ATA Carnet Workshop on 18 March. 

Whether you are exporting exhibition goods, professional equipment or commercial samples, this workshop will help you avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary delays. 

Book your place for 18 March via our events page or contact our International Trade Team to register. 

Email: exportdocs@gmchamber.co.uk    

Tel: 0161 393 4314