Business West supports the TV and film industry to keep the camera rolling overseas

© Kyle Loftus

Since the end of the Brexit transition period, firms are facing several changes when trading with Europe. The film and TV industry can now choose to use an ATA Carnet when transporting goods temporarily into EU countries or transferring them through the EU to non-EU or other countries. Business West is providing a bespoke service to support film production companies to understand the new process and get their equipment safely to its destination.

An ATA Carnet is a customs document that is needed when importing professional equipment, commercial samples, or goods for international fairs & exhibitions, temporarily into countries that are part of the ATA Carnet system. It means that filming equipment can pass through each country’s customs borders duty free and provides the respective countries with a guarantee that duties will be paid if the conditions under which the goods are allowed into the country are breached.

A Carnet is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. During this time, it can be used an unlimited number of times for exits and entries into member countries. However, goods need to be returned to the UK within 12 months.

At Business West, our International Trade team provide a bespoke service including simplification of customs procedures and completion of all Carnet vouchers. Find out more here.

We're aware the changes may have come as a shock to some companies and are now an extra cost to factor into the day-to-day running costs of your business. We’re offering a heavily discounted price just for the television and film industry.

ATA Carnets for EU countries will cost £235 + VAT to issue, down from £335 + VAT*. All of the ATA Carnets that we issue can be used for multiple trips and are valid for a period of up to one year.

This is a special offer for the first six months of 2021 to help businesses in the TV and film industry. Companies will need to apply before 31st July 2021 and you can find out more here.

Catherine Stephens, Head of International Trade Services at Business West said: “If production companies are shipping their equipment into the EU, an ATA Carnet will provide assurance that the goods will pass through duty free.

“Companies can take control of the situation by ensuring all the paperwork is in place to eliminate delays and avoidable costs.”

A Carnet must be presented each time the equipment is imported, exported, or travels through a country. The list of countries that accept ATA Carnets can be found here.

Commenting on the support they have received in completing Carnets, Lynn Sinclair, Head of Production said: “Business West has been very helpful, and the team are often able to turn around Carnets in less than 24 hours which is crucial for us with last-minute changes to kit and equipment. It makes our lives a lot easier knowing we can send over the information at the last minute.”

When asked about the advice she would give to companies looking to use Carnets she added: “It’s important to make sure the Carnet information is accurate as everyone has heard of a horror story where a Carnet has been incorrectly executed and the production company has had to pay a huge fee. Business West ensured all the information was accurate, which meant we avoided paying duties and our kit arrived on time.”

To find the answers to frequently asked questions on ATA Carnets, visit our recent blog.

Sponsored by Business West.