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Carnet de Passage

Carnet de Passage en Douanes (CPD)

Introduction

A Carnet de Passages en Douanes is an internationally recognised Customs document entitling the holder to TEMPORARILY import a vehicle duty-free into certain countries, which normally require a deposit against import charges for such vehicles (generally countries outside Europe). The Carnet is used within the legal framework of the UN Customs Conventions of 1954 & 1956, and the ‘Convention on Temporary Admission’ (1990), the so called ‘Istanbul Convention’.

The Carnet is issued under the auspices of two international touring organisations – the AIT and the FIA. Major automobile and touring clubs throughout the world are affiliated to one or both of these organisations and a number are authorised to issue Carnets within the AIT/FIA customs documents network. This includes CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation Services) who are approved by the FIA as an issuing administrator of the Carnet de Passages en Douanes in the United Kingdom.

A Carnet is valid for a maximum of one year. A Carnet holder whose journey goes beyond one year may, in certain circumstances, obtain a second Carnet or, in some countries, an extension. In order to facilitate this, the Carnet holder must contact the local motoring organisation and seek further advice from CARS.

Description

The Carnet is a booklet made up of either 5, 10 or 25 pages. A 5-page Carnet allows the holder to temporarily import into 5 countries or on 5 different occasions. A 10 or 25 page Carnet covers the temporary importation procedure up to 10 or 25 times.

Each page is divided into three sections; the lower section is removed by Customs on entry into a country; the middle section is removed on exit; the top, counter-foil section, is stamped once on entry and once on exit. A country re-visited during the return journey will require a new page to be stamped.

It is vital that the holder gets these endorsements as they prove that a vehicle has complied with the temporary import conditions and discharge responsibility for any possible future import charges. Countries not covered by a particular Carnet are noted in a list of exclusions on each page and back cover of the booklet.

Issuing Procedure

On issuing a Carnet, a Carnet holder becomes directly responsible for the payment of customs duties and taxes if the regulations concerning temporary import are infringed.

In order to take on this responsibility, CARS requires the applicant to meet a number of conditions: they must be able to give a full postal address and provide a legible copy of their passport, vehicle registration document/certificate and driving licence (paper form and photocard).

The applicant must also provide a security amount in the form of either a non-refundable insurance indemnity or a part-refundable deposit guarantee. A percentage of the deposit guarantee will be charged to cover administration and bank fees.

Discharge of the Carnet

On completion of a journey the Carnet-holder must return the document by secure post to:

CARS Carnet Services
The Old Airfield Site
Bury Road
Chedburgh
Suffolk
IP29 4UQ

When returning the Carnet from overseas this should be via courier/secure post with advance notice by email of dispatch (carnetservices@carseurope.net) so we can confirm safe receipt.

The Carnet will be checked to ensure it has been stamped correctly in and out of each country visited to ensure no further claims can be made by any Customs authority. After verification, any refunds applicable will be returned. The Carnet remains the property of CARS – please refer to point 6 on the ‘Directions for Use’ section on the CPD document for further information.

The last page of the Carnet (“Certificate of Location”) must be completed and witnessed by an official authority (Customs, Police or Judiciary) either in the UK or the country of final import. Failure to do this may delay the release of the security to the Carnet holder who can still be held liable for customs duties.

If a vehicle is stolen or written-off during the journey, a police report must be obtained as soon as possible. A Customs acknowledgement must also be obtained confirming that the CPD is discharged and no duties or taxes will be due in that country as a result of the theft / loss. CARS should also be notified at this time. A Carnet does not cover the duties and taxes payable in the event of loss or theft of a vehicle.

A carnet must be returned to CARS as soon as the Carnet expires, or when the vehicle has returned to the UK (whichever is sooner), unless prior contact or arrangements have been made.

If the Carnet is not returned to CARS and the Carnet holder fails to comply with the temporary importation regulations and procedures, CARS reserves the right to refuse refunding of monies and the holder will be liable for any duties and taxes applicable.

Conditions of Temporary Import

The Carnet is a legal document allowing temporary importation only and, as such, penalties for its misuse are severe. Conditions of issue, including the general regulations regarding temporary importation, are shown on the inside back cover of the Carnet. The main conditions are:

  • A temporarily imported vehicle cannot be sold, loaned, abandoned, hired, or otherwise disposed of without the prior agreement of the local Customs authority and CARS.
  • Carnet can only be extended with the prior agreement of the local Customs authority and CARS.
  • The Carnet holder is responsible for ensuring the Carnet is properly endorsed at each border crossing.
  • The Carnet cannot be used in any country where the holder is normally resident or in any country specifically excluded from that Carnet.

Full Terms and Conditions can be found on the Carnet de Passage Application Form.

Get A Quote

A new Carnet de Passage en Douane section has been introduced on the FIA public website. You can access this by clicking on the following link:

www.fia.com/travel-documents

The FIA website is a fundamental platform to ensure a wider visibility of the Carnet de Passage at an international level.

On this site you will find information on:

  • the CPD and the Triptych
  • the advantages of the CPD system
  • where to get your CPD
  • how the CPD system functions
  • CPD brochures (in Arabic, English, French and Spanish)
Apply for a Carnet de Passage

FAQ

  • Who administers the CPD system?

    The Alliance Internationale de Tourisme, founded in 1898, and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile founded in 1904 are the two international non-governmental organisations that control the CPD process on behalf of more than 220 affiliated motoring clubs and associations in some 130 countries around the world, in compliance with the UN Conventions and the Istanbul Convention. The AIT provides material support to the FIA and manages the international AIT /FIA customs document network with the aim of facilitating international travel and touring.

  • I am already overseas with my vehicle; how do I get a Carnet?

    You should call the CARS Carnet department on +44 (0)1284 333 812, or email us at carnetservices@carseurope.net to discuss your plans.

    A completed Carnet application form/terms & conditions, a copy of your passport, driving licence (paper & photo card version) and vehicle registration certificate should be emailed to CARS Carnet Services. A quotation will then be prepared & sent via email.

    Fees can be paid by credit/debit card (additional charges may apply when using certain cards) or directly into the CARS bank account. The Carnet will be dispatched by courier at your request (the cost of the courier will be added to your quotation).

  • I will be away for the more than 1 year, how do I renew?

    Depending on your plans, CARS will either issue a new Carnet to cover further countries, or it may be possible to extend the Carnet locally with of the countries’ Customs authority and overseas motoring club.

    It is advisable to discuss your travel plans with CARS before your departure to ensure you are aware of any restrictions and to enable the Carnet team assist you with the correct advice and to make the necessary notes and arrangements to manage your Carnet requirements.

    Further fees will apply for the extension / renewal. Please be aware the Carnet De Passage is for the use of temporary import of a vehicle and a renewal is not guaranteed.

  • How do I use the Carnet?

    Each page is divided into three sections; the lower section is removed by Customs on entry into a country; the middle section is removed on exit; the top, counter-foil section, is stamped once on entry and once on exit. A country re-visited during a return journey will require a new page to be stamped.

    It is vital that the holder gets these endorsements, particularly on exit, as they prove that a vehicle has complied with temporary import conditions and discharge responsibility for any possible future import charges providing the Carnet is correctly discharged from each territory where the Carnet is used during your journey.

  • How do I pay for my Carnet?

    Payment can be made with either a credit or debit card by calling CARS Carnet department on +44 (0)1284 333 812 (additional charges may apply when using certain cards).

    Alternatively, a bank transfer can be made to CARS bank account. Bank details will be supplied on the bottom of the invoice. Payment must be received in full prior to CARS sending out your Carnet.

  • What is the price of a Carnet?

    5 page – GBP 217.00, 10 page – GBP 232.00 or 25 page GBP 257.00 (From January 2020). Each page represents an entry and exit from a country. Therefore, for an overland journey across Africa a 25-page document would be required.

    The applicant must also provide a security amount in the form of either a non-refundable insurance indemnity or a part-refundable deposit guarantee (a percentage of the deposit guarantee will be charged to cover administration and bank fees) to cover the temporary import of the vehicle against the duties and taxes applicable.

  • How do I apply?

    Complete and sign CARS Carnet application form/terms & conditions and submit to CARS Carnets, along with copies of your passport, driving licence & vehicle registration certificate. All must be legible, up to date and in the name and address of the applicant. There is no need to send any fees at this point.

    The application can be found here…

    CARS and its insurers reserve the right to decline Carnet issue according to risk and vehicle suitability for the journey to be undertaken.

  • How long does it take to receive a Carnet de Passage en Douane after application?

    It takes approximately four weeks after the receipt of a correctly completed application form and all supporting documents to process a CPD application.

  • How long is a Carnet de Passage en Douane valid?

    The CPD is valid for 12 months, but each country has its own rules on the period and the amount of time you can spend in that country. The period of temporary importation is fixed by the laws and regulations of the country visited. These must be strictly respected to avoid any incidents or claims as a result of breaking local laws. Therefore the duration spent in the country is out of CARS control.

    CARS can advise on particular countries’ requirements at the time of application. However, these are liable to change at any time. We are unfortunately unable to guarantee current information. It is advised that you check each country’s rules on temporary importation prior to travelling as the CPD and CARS is not liable for any changes the country makes or if entry is refused.

    In accordance with the Carnet handbook, your Carnet start date will be the date on which it is dispatched from our office. Please take this into consideration when making your travel arrangements. Please contact us if you are not happy for the Carnet to be dispatched on receipt of your payment.

  • What are the benefits of a Carnet de Passage en Douane?

    The CPD is an easy-to-recognise document that does away with the need to pay cash amounts to border officials to import your vehicle, discouraging the violation of temporary importation laws and helping to curb arbitrary procedures by customs officers. The document offers a link to the vehicle, owner or driver if a vehicle is not re-exported or if any other problems arise. It also helps to ensure that travellers and their vehicles can cross national borders.

  • What is a Carnet de Passage en Douane?

    The CPD international customs document allows you to temporarily import your vehicle into certain countries. This means you don’t have to pay the import duties of the country you are driving through or staying in temporarily.

    The CPD is used within the legal framework of the United Nations Customs Convention of 1954 and 1956 on the temporary importation of private and commercial road vehicles and the ‘Convention on Temporary Admission’ (1990). The CPD provides security for the payment of any customs duties and any import taxes chargeable should the vehicle not be re-exported.