Entertainers: Customs

The Government has committed to supporting touring artists. We introduced digital ATA carnets on 1st June 2026, making the UK one of the first countries to do so alongside the EU, Switzerland and Norway. Digitising carnets replaces a paper-based process with a secure digital format, making them simpler for importers and exporters, including touring artists, musicians, performers and crews to use. Digital carnets can be accessed on mobile devices, making them practical for people moving goods frequently or at short notice.

The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and its operational unit, the UK National ATA Carnet Organisation, is responsible for the issue of ATA Carnets in the UK. Issuing Chambers charge their own fees to cover their administration costs. The cost of an ATA Carnet also reflects the cost of providing a guarantee through an International Guarantee Chain, which covers any customs charges potentially due on goods in the countries to be visited.

ATA Carnets are an optional facilitation, and it is a commercial decision for businesses and individuals whether to use them.

If a business or individual does not wish to absorb the cost of a carnet there are other options for temporarily moving goods out and back into the UK which may be more cost-effective, depending on the specific circumstances. Many countries provide relief from import duties for items imported temporarily and, where available, this can be used in conjunction with the UK’s Returned Goods Relief to relieve import duties on goods which are temporarily exported from the UK and subsequently re-imported. More information can be found on GOV.UK.