If you’ve been told you need an ATA Carnet for your next international job, the first question is usually the same: how much is this going to cost me?
The honest answer is: it depends. But not in a vague, unhelpful way. There are three distinct costs involved, and once you understand each one, the maths is straightforward. Here’s exactly what you’re looking at.
The three costs of an ATA Carnet in the UK
1. The issue fee
This is the fee you pay to your British Chamber of Commerce to process and issue the carnet document itself.
Current standard rates in the UK run from around £340 plus VAT for a straightforward application. If you need it processed quickly, express services are available — but expect to pay an additional £150–200 on top for the privilege.
The issue fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your trip goes ahead, so don’t apply until you’re confident the job is confirmed.
2. The security deposit
This is where the real money comes in, and it’s the part that catches most people off guard.
When you apply for an ATA Carnet, you’re required to place a security deposit with the issuing body equal to approximately 40% of the total declared value of your equipment. This exists to protect the country you’re visiting in case you don’t bring the kit back.
So if you’re travelling with £80,000 worth of camera gear, lighting rigs, and staging equipment, you’re looking at a deposit of around £32,000 — held until the carnet is discharged after your trip.
For most production companies and event teams, tying up that much working capital isn’t practical. Which brings us to option three.
3. Carnet insurance (the smarter option for most)
Rather than placing the full cash deposit, most regular carnet users take out an insurance-backed bond instead. You pay a premium — typically 1–2% of the total equipment value — and the insurer guarantees the deposit on your behalf.
Using the same example: £80,000 of kit, 1.5% premium = £1,200 insurance cost instead of £32,000 sitting in a holding account.
For anyone crossing borders more than once or twice a year, this is almost always the better route.
What does a typical ATA Carnet cost in total?
To put some real numbers on it, here’s what a typical event or film job might look like:
Equipment value: £60,000 Issue fee: £340 + VAT Insurance bond premium (1.5%): £900
Total out-of-pocket cost: roughly £1,240 plus VAT.
That’s not nothing, but set against the import duties and VAT you’d potentially face without one — and the customs delays that could derail your schedule — it’s a straightforward business decision.
What affects the cost?
A few things can push the price up:
- Equipment value. The higher the declared value, the higher the deposit or insurance premium. Accurate valuations matter — overvaluing costs you more, undervaluing can cause problems at the border.
- Number of countries. A carnet covering multiple countries on a touring schedule is more complex to administer and may attract a higher fee.
- Processing speed. If you’ve left it late, express processing adds cost. Build carnet applications into your planning timeline early — ideally two to three weeks before travel.
- Amendments. If your kit list changes after the carnet is issued, amendments are possible but take time and add admin. Get the list right first time.
What doesn’t affect the cost (but affects whether it works)
The carnet fee is the easy part. What trips people up isn’t the cost — it’s the paperwork on the day.
Every border crossing requires a stamp: in and out, every time, without exception. Miss a stamp, leave a piece of kit behind, or travel with goods you’re selling rather than temporarily using, and the security deposit becomes forfeit. That’s when a £340 document becomes a very expensive mistake.
If you’re moving freight rather than hand-carrying equipment, your logistics partner needs to know the carnet is in play and how to handle it. Not all hauliers do. The ones who work regularly in events and film will have handled carnets many times and know exactly what’s required at each border.
Do you definitely need one?
Not always. For very small quantities of personally carried equipment and some countries, a simplified customs declaration may suffice. But if you’re moving a vehicle load of event or film kit across EU or international borders, a carnet is almost always the right call.
If you’re unsure whether your specific job requires one, speak to your UK Chamber of Commerce or a logistics provider who works regularly in your sector. It’s a five-minute conversation that can save a significant headache.
Planning a cross-border event or production?
We’ve handled ATA carnets for events across Europe and beyond — from corporate shows in Amsterdam to film shoots in the UAE. If you want to talk through what’s involved for your specific job, we’re happy to help, whether you book with us or not.
Get in touch with the team or read our full no-nonsense guide to ATA Carnets for a broader overview of how they work.