What is a temporary admission and how can it help us transport goods more efficiently?

Temporary admission is an essential customs procedure used when temporarily importing goods into Great Britain, Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland. Under official UK government guidelines, goods under temporary clearance must not undergo any alteration except for normal wear and tear arising from their intended use.

The goods we intend to transport must therefore comply with certain standards:

Temporary admission is particularly beneficial for carriers handling one-off consignments, especially for goods whose value does not exceed €6,000. The procedure for obtaining a temporary admission depends on the location to which the goods are imported.

Who can apply for a temporary admission?

Only the person who uses the goods in question or organises their use on his or her behalf is entitled to apply for a temporary admission. Usually such a person is listed as the consignee. Assuming the situation where the consignee is not the user or the person for whom the goods are intended, it is necessary to ensure that the person applying for the authorisation is properly identified during the import process.

Eligibility for a temporary admission depends on a number of factors, such as the industry, type and value of the goods. It is worth noting that freight forwarders, customs agents  do not usually qualify for temporary clearance, nor does the transport of goods worth more than €6,000. In such cases, applying for an ATA carnet may be an alternative, especially for nonperishable goods, although it is worth bearing in mind that this process can be more expensive and time-consuming.

What is an ATA carnet?

The ATA carnet is an international customs document that simplifies temporary customs clearance procedures for goods intended for canvassing, exhibitions and professional equipment. This special document eliminates complex customs formalities, allowing the user to avoid the need to fill in documents such as SADs or customs declarations, and to avoid deposits at borders. The ATA carnet was developed by the Customs Cooperation Council, in cooperation with the International Office of the Chambers of Commerce, operating at the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris. However, it is important to note that the ATA carnet cannot be used for the transport of foodstuffs, or goods for repair or modernisation.

In case you are encountering difficulty in choosing between using the ATA carnet and the temporary admission, we would like to emphasise that we are available to you. Our team of experts is ready to assist and support you in the decision-making process, bearing in mind the nature and type of goods being transported, as well as the specifics of your commercial activity.

During the consultation, our experienced brokers will act as your partners, helping you to understand the benefits and potential limitations associated with both options. By carefully considering your individual needs, we will provide comprehensive support in making a decision that results in the most effective and beneficial solution for your business.

Our mission is not only to provide expert advice, but also to understand the unique requirements of your business. Contact us so that together we can find the optimal solution, tailored to the specific goods being transported and the special requirements of your commercial activity.
If you have any problems or would like to find out more, please do not hesitate to consult our experienced team of brokers to assist you.