In every issue Aileen Prendergast will be answering a recent question from our Trade Procedures Helpdesk. This time she examines temporary export procedures.
Q. We are attending an exhibition in Russia and understand that an ATA carnet cannot be used to import the materials on a temporary basis. Is there an alternative procedure that would allow us to do this?
A. Although Russia is a signatory to the ATA Convention, in practice only a very limited number of customs posts are able to deal with ATA carnets. However, a system known as the Duplicate List can be employed. This allows materials such as exhibition goods, samples etc to clear UK customs on exit and re-entry, as accompanying baggage, avoiding the payment of UK duties and taxes. In addition to this, you will need to make a declaration of temporary import to avoid Russian duties when you enter the country and a deposit may be required, which will be refunded once you have proved that the goods have been re-exported from Russia. We advise that you use a Russian Customs specialist to undertake this paperwork on your behalf. Full details of both the ATA carnet and the Duplicate List system can be found in our briefing on Temporary Exportation from the UK at www.sitpro.org.uk/trade/tempexport.html. Further information about exporting to Russia can be found in the Croner Country Factsheet, which is also available from the SITPRO website.
If you need help with a trade procedures query, call Aileen at the SITPRO Helpdesk on
020 7215 8150 or email aileen.prendergast@sitpro.org.uk 
.
Return to SITPRO News: Issue 49, February/March 2004