My journey into trade documentation: How I learned to love the humble Carnet
If you’d told me four years ago that I’d be able to explain the ins and outs of an ATA Carnet, I might have raised an eyebrow. When I joined Business West, I came from a Business-to-Business marketing background with some experience in international trade; I’d advised businesses on how to promote themselves overseas, but trade documents? That was a whole new world.
At the time, I didn’t know one end of a Carnet from another. As for Certificates of Origin and Letters of Credit, let’s just say my understanding was limited. But over three years on, I’ve learned the ropes and found a real fascination for this often-overlooked part of global trade.
It helps that I work with a team that is the best in the business. Their knowledge is encyclopaedic, their attention to detail second to none, and their customer service? Well, 99% of our customers would recommend them. As a marketer, that kind of endorsement makes it a joy to shout about what they do.
Right now, we’re in peak Carnet season. Stage productions, film crews, musicians, and creative businesses are on the move. UK exporters are preparing to take their samples abroad, and others are getting ready for international exhibitions and trade fairs. It’s a fast-paced, occasionally chaotic (US-tariffs anyone?!), but genuinely exciting time in the world of trade documentation.
And the future? That’s even more exciting.
We’re actively working with UKNATACO (the UK National ATA Carnet Organisation) on the evolution of Carnets, and digital is leading the way. From trialling and rolling out digital Carnets (back in October 2023, we completed the World’s first complete digital ATA Carnet journey) to investigating how AI could help us streamline some of our processes, innovation is front and centre. One of Business West’s core values is to be at the forefront of innovation, and projects like these are a big part of that commitment.
What do I love most about my job? The variety. No two days are the same. One day, I might be writing about trade documents for the music industry; the next, I’m editing an online training video to bring complex topics to life, or working on a project to help businesses understand the finer points of Rules of Origin. I get to be creative. I get to collaborate. And I get to work alongside brilliant people who genuinely care about supporting businesses to trade internationally.
So, no - I didn’t always know what a Carnet was. But now? I’ll happily tell you all about the humble Carnet, and how it’s evolving for the digital age.
Find out more about our ATA Carnet services:
Photograph: me with some of the brilliant and knowledgeable Business West Carnet team