Last week’s UK vote to leave the European Union has spurred many questions regarding the country’s future trade and treaty commitments, including the ATA Carnet system for temporary imports. At this time, the UK remains a member of the EU, and the process for leaving the bloc has not yet begun. We have no indication of any changes affecting the use of ATA Carnets in the UK, or in the EU as a whole, for the foreseeable future.

The earliest Brexit could take effect is two years after a treaty mechanism has been triggered. The latter part of 2018 is considered the most likely date at the moment.

“In the meantime members of the chain can continue to issue ATA Carnets for the UK as part of the EU in exactly the same way as they do now.  The UK will continue issuing exactly as present as well.” said Peter Bishop, deputy chief executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

As the U.S. National Guaranteeing Association for the global ATA Carnet system, USCIB is monitoring the situation closely, working with ICC and affected parties including our ATA Carnet Service Providers. We will provide updates as new information becomes available.