What are the key benefits of using an ATA Carnet to take your hot air balloon abroad?

  • ATA Carnets simplify customs procedures and reduce border delays, making travel much easier 
  • ATA Carnets help you to avoid paying import tax and duties, making your journey more affordable
  • ATA Carnets are valid for up to a year, and within this period you are able to import and export your balloons and equipment as many times as you need to
  • ATA Carnets can be used in over 80 countries, including all EU countries, the complete list of which can be seen here

ATA Carnet for balloons and aircraft

An ATA Carnet is often recommended for use when transporting balloons, aircraft, and associated equipment abroad. It is a physical document that you take with your goods when you are temporarily moving them out of the UK and into other countries, and it significantly reduces the difficulties and costs associated with taking balloons overseas. 

Business West provides a bespoke service to support hot air ballooning companies taking their balloons abroad.

Apply for an ATA Carnet today

Apply for an ATA Carnet via our online portal eCert

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What is an ATA Carnet?

An ATA Carnet is a physical customs document that aids the temporary export of goods from the UK and into other countries that are part of the ATA Carnet scheme (see the full list of countries here). ATA Carnets are often used by hot air ballooning professionals who are taking their balloons abroad, as they allow for hot air ballooning equipment to pass through customs tax and duty-free. 

ATA Carnets are cost-effective

Compared to the cost of the balloon and associated equipment, an ATA Carnet is cost-cost effective. For example*, if your balloon and equipment are worth around £10,000 your ATA Carnet will cost approximately £470 + VAT. If your balloon and equipment are worth £15,000 your ATA Carnet will cost just over £500+VAT and for a £50,000 balloon the ATA Carnet would be £720+VAT (*approximate guide to costs).

Our expert team can help you 

At Business West, our fast, secure and reliable electronic ATA Carnet service can help you to process the documentation you need efficiently and effectively. Apply for an ATA Carnet now on our easy-to-use export documentation platform ecert.