EU Work Travel: ATA Carnet Vouchers

ATA Carnet - What vouchers will I need when I am working in various EU Countries 

When you're working in various EU countries with an ATA Carnet, you'll need specific vouchers to document your goods' movements. The ATA Carnet acts as a "passport for goods," simplifying customs procedures by replacing standard import and export documentation. The vouchers are the key to this process, and using them correctly is crucial to avoid fees and penalties. 

The Voucher System 

Your ATA Carnet contains sets of vouchers, each with a corresponding counterfoil, that are color-coded for different types of customs transactions: 

• Yellow Vouchers: These are for use with your home country (United Kingdom)'s customs officials. You'll need a yellow exportation voucher when you leave the UK and a yellow re-importation voucher when you return with your goods. A customs official will stamp and keep the voucher while stamping the counterfoil, which serves as your record. 

• White Vouchers: These are used for customs transactions in foreign countries. You'll need a white importation voucher when you enter a new country and a white re-exportation voucher when you leave. Like with the yellow vouchers, customs will keep the voucher and stamp your counterfoil. 

• Blue Vouchers: These are for goods in transit through a country. You would use blue vouchers if, for example, you were driving through France on your way to a non-EU country like Switzerland. 

Using Vouchers in the EU 

The European Union is treated as a single customs territory. This means that once your goods have been officially imported into the EU (e.g., in France), you can travel freely between other EU member states without needing additional white vouchers. You will only need another set of white vouchers (a re-exportation and importation pair) when you exit the EU to go to a non-EU country and then re-enter the EU, or when you ultimately leave the EU to return to the UK. 

Failing to present the correct vouchers at each border crossing can result in unexpected duties and fines. Ensure you have a sufficient number of vouchers for your entire itinerary. 

The Chamber offers expert ATA Carnet preparation services and training courses to help you navigate these complexities. To ensure your goods move smoothly and avoid costly mistakes, contact us today to learn more and book your place at our upcoming ATA Carnet Step-by-Step Workshop this October 14^th! 

Email: exportdocs@gmchamber.co.uk  

Call: 0161 393 4314 or 0161 489 3170  

Visit our website for more information: Welcome | Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce