UK governing body Motorsport UK has set out guidance for the transport of race cars to Europe, following the conclusion of a trade deal between the UK government and European Union (EU). The organization states that to the best of its understanding, an ATA Carnet will be required to temporarily move motorsport vehicles and equipment across the border.
An ATA Carnet is an international customs document that operates like a passport for goods. It allows the temporary importation of goods into countries that are part of the ATA Carnet system (the EU and 40+ additional countries) and avoids shippers having to pay unnecessary taxes or duties.
Carnets cover all goods that are leaving the UK and returning within a 12-month period. They do not cover disposable goods (oil, fluids) that will be used while out of the country or items that will not be returning to the UK.
The ATA Carnet simplifies the customs procedure into a single document and makes the importation process much quicker and easier to handle. To avoid unnecessary border delays and customs checks the carnet should be acquired in advance of travel.
Motorsport UK notes that there are two parts to the carnet:
- The processing/arrangement fee of the paperwork (VATable); and
- The premium (non-VATable).
The governing body says it has secured a deal with the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) for Motorsport UK members, providing a fixed price processing/arrangement fee of £240 (US$328) +VAT. Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce is appointed as part of a network of Chambers across the UK to issue ATA Carnets.
The second part of the fee is the Premium. This can either be a refundable deposit of 40% of the vehicle’s value, or a non-refundable insurance premium to cover the 40% proportion of the premium.
A vehicle can be transported back and forth regularly throughout the duration of one carnet. A walkthrough of the process for Motorsport UK members is available here.
