Navigating Art Exhibitions in the EU with an ATA Carnet Post-Brexit

The world of art is inherently global, with masterpieces often embarking on journeys across continents for temporary exhibitions, enriching cultural dialogues and captivating new audiences. For galleries, museums, and artists in the UK, the landscape for exhibiting within the European Union has certainly shifted post-Brexit. However, a powerful tool remains to facilitate these movements: the ATA Carnet. This international customs document acts as a passport for goods, simplifying temporary imports and exports by eliminating the need for customs duties and taxes, provided the items are re-exported within a specified timeframe.

The ATA Carnet: Your Artwork’s Passport

Think of the ATA Carnet as a multi-page passport, designed explicitly for your artwork. It covers a wide range of goods, from commercial samples and professional equipment to, crucially for the art world, exhibition or display items. For temporary art exhibitions in the EU, the ATA Carnet is invaluable as it streamlines customs procedures, saving time, money, and administrative burden. Without it, each border crossing would necessitate individual customs declarations, potentially incurring duties and VAT.

Applying for Your ATA Carnet through the British Chambers of Commerce

In the UK, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) network is the sole issuing body for ATA Carnets. The application process, while requiring attention to detail, is straightforward when you have all the necessary information.

1. Gathering Your Information:

Before you begin the online application, ensure you have the following at hand:

• Details of the applicant: This will be your gallery, museum, or yourself as an artist.
• Details of the goods: A comprehensive list of each artwork, including its description (e.g., “Oil Painting on Canvas,” “Bronze Sculpture”), dimensions, weight, and most importantly, its declared value. Accuracy here is paramount, as this value determines the guarantee required.
• The purpose of the goods: Clearly state “Exhibition/Display” and the specific exhibition details if known.
• Countries of use: List all EU member states where the artwork will be exhibited or transit through.
• Departure and return dates: Approximate dates for the artwork’s journey.

2. The Online Application:

The BCC operates an online application portal. You’ll typically register an account, then fill out the detailed electronic form. The system is designed to guide you through each section. Pay close attention to:

• VanOne Insurance Form: This is where you itemise each piece of artwork. Be meticulous in your descriptions and ensure the values are accurate – a template is available. 
• Security Guarantee: The BCC requires a security guarantee, typically equal to 40% of the total value of the goods. This can be in the form of a bank guarantee or, for individual artists or more petite galleries, an insurance bond provided by a specialist insurer recommended by the BCC. This guarantee covers any potential duties and taxes that would be payable if the goods are not re-exported in accordance with the Carnet’s terms.

3. Submission and Processing:

Once you’ve completed the online application and arranged your security guarantee, you submit it electronically. The BCC team will then review your application. They may contact you for clarification or additional information.

Apply for your ATA Carnet with London Chamber Commerce and Industry.

4. Receiving Your ATA Carnet:

Upon approval, you will be notified, and your ATA Carnet will be issued. It’s a physical document, a booklet, with various colored pages designated for different customs operations (export, import, transit, re-export, re-import). You can typically choose to have it collected or sent via courier.

Key Considerations for Your EU Exhibition

• Validity: An ATA Carnet is generally valid for 12 months from its date of issue.
• Documentation: Always carry the ATA Carnet with the artwork. Each time the artwork crosses a border into or out of an EU country, the relevant customs officials will stamp and sign the appropriate vouchers within the Carnet. It is crucial to ensure every section is correctly endorsed. Failure to do so can lead to demands for payment of duties and taxes later.
• Return Journey: The final re-importation into the UK must also be adequately endorsed in the Carnet to discharge your liability under the security guarantee.
• Expert Advice: For complex or high-value shipments, speak with the VanOne expert freight and customs team by phone.

Navigating the post-Brexit landscape for international art exhibitions in the EU requires diligence, but the ATA Carnet remains a cornerstone of facilitating these vital cultural exchanges. By understanding the application process through the British Chambers of Commerce and adhering to proper customs procedures, UK artists and institutions can continue to share their work seamlessly across European borders.

Published By Michael Heisenberg
Last updated on 15th December 2025