ATA Carnets: A Comprehensive Guide for Musicians

ATA Carnets: A Comprehensive Guide for Musicians

The UK-EU trade deal, signed at the end of 2020, lacked specific measures to support the creative services sector. Consequently, musicians planning to perform in the EU must now ensure that they have the necessary visa or work permit if they intend to bring along their musical instruments or equipment during their travels.

If you are intending to take your instrument to a foreign country for a temporary period, such as when working or performing overseas, and then bring it back home, the easiest approach to handling customs declarations is to obtain an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission Carnet). 

According to the guidance provided by the UK government, there is an option available for transporting musical instruments or equipment that are considered "accompanied". This means they are carried in an individual's personal baggage or vehicle and are under the individual's responsibility throughout the journey. 

By utilizing temporary admission, one can go through the green "nothing to declare" channel and avoid paying duty on these items. This option applies to both personal and business use. 

However, if the instruments are not accompanied, meaning they are transported as freight, customs formalities will be necessary. This can be done through a declaration or by using a carnet. In such cases, a carnet will simplify the process of dealing with customs when entering and exiting the EU. This is especially advantageous when attempting to overcome language barriers and working to time constraints.

For more information on ATA Carnets, please contact Rossi Shipping Ltd on 07716 074779 or email us on info@rossishipping.com 

Rossi Shipping take care of all the aspects of the ATA Carnet for a simplified customs clearance.