CARNET DE PASSAGES EN DOUANES
BACKGROUND
A Carnet de Passages en Douanes is an
internationally recognised Customs document entitling the holder to TEMPORARILY
import a vehicle duty-free into countries which
normally require a deposit against import charges for such vehicles (generally
countries outside Europe). The Carnet is used within the framework of the UN
Customs Conventions of 1954 & 1956.
The Carnet is issued under the auspices of two international touring
organisations - the AIT and the FIA. Major automobile and touring clubs throughout the
world are affiliated to one or both of these organisations and a number are
authorised to issue Carnets within the AIT/FIA customs documents network. This
includes RAC who are affiliated to the FIA. Each Carnet is valid for a maximum of one year. A Carnet holder whose journey goes
beyond one year may, obtain a second Carnet or an extension, by contacting the
local motoring organisation and seeking further advice from RAC.
DESCRIPTION
The Carnet is a booklet made up of either 5,10 or 25 pages. A 5 page Carnet allows the holder to
temporarily import into 5 countries or on 5 different occasions. A 10 or 25
page Carnet covers the temporary importation procedure up to 10 or 25
times. Each page is divided into three
sections; the lower section is removed by Customs on entry into a country; the
middle section is removed on exit; the top, counter-foil section, is stamped
once on entry and once on exit. A
country re-visited during the return journey will require a new page to be
stamped. It is vital that the
holder gets these endorsements as they prove that a vehicle has complied with
temporary import conditions and discharge responsibility for any possible
future import charges. Countries
not covered by a particular Carnet are noted in a list of exclusions.
ISSUING PROCEDURE
On issuing a Carnet, a motoring organisation becomes directly
responsible for the payment of customs duties and taxes if the regulations
concerning temporary import are infringed.
In order to take on this responsibility, RAC requires the
applicant to meet a number of conditions:
they must be able to give a UK address and provide a copy of their
passport and vehicle registration document/ certificate.
The applicant must also provide a security, calculated on vehicle
value/countries of visit - the options are:
- a bank guarantee, signed by a UK clearing bank (building society accounts
generally not acceptable);
- an insurance indemnity with the company R L Davison. 10% premium payable of overall
security with 50% of
the premium refunded on return of a correctly discharged
Carnet ;
- a refundable cash deposit (maximum amount accepted is £10,000)
|
SECURITY
RATE TABLE @ OCTOBER 2006 |
|||
|
Egypt |
800% |
Africa (excluding Egypt/Kenya) |
150% |
|
Iran, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka,
Nepal |
500% |
Japan/New Zealand |
150% |
|
Kenya/Libya/Middle East & Far
East (e.g. Singapore/Malaysia) |
200% |
Australia |
150% |
|
South
America |
300% |
|
|
Contd.
Generally, RAC requires a minimum of ONE MONTH notice to allow for
processing/issue of a Carnet.
Once RAC receives the completed Carnet application form, a quotation will be
provided, without obligation.
Carnet fees are indicated on a separate sheet.
DISCHARGE OF THE CARNET
On completion of a journey the
Carnet-holder must return the document by secure post to RAC in Bristol.
The Carnet will be checked to ensure it has been stamped correctly in
and out of each country visited to ensure no further claims can be made by
foreign Customs. After verification, the security will be released as
appropriate. A carnet remains the property of RAC.
If for any reason the last page used does not bear an exit stamp, the
last page of the Carnet (ÒCertificate of LocationÓ) must be completed and
witnessed by an official authority (Customs, Police or Judiciary) either in the
UK or the country of final import.
Failure to do this may delay the release of the security to the Carnet
holder who can still be held liable for customs duties.
...
If a vehicle is stolen or written-off during the journey, a police
report and Customs acknowledgement must be obtained as soon as possible. RAC
should be notified as soon as possible.
Failure to do this will almost certainly result in the Carnet holder
being held liable for customs duties.
A carnet must be returned to RAC
within 3 months of the expiry date, unless prior contact or arrangements have been made regarding issue of
a further carnet.
If the Carnet is not returned to RAC and the carnet holder fails to
comply with the temporary importation regulations & procedures, RAC
reserves the right to withhold release of a bank guarantee or refund of monies
to cover costs incurred.
CONDITIONS OF TEMPORARY IMPORT
The Carnet is a legal document allowing temporary importation only and,
as such, penalties for its misuse are severe. Conditions of issue, including the general regulations
regarding temporary importation, are shown on the inside back cover of the
Carnet. The main conditions are:
l A temporarily imported vehicle cannot be sold, loaned,
abandoned, hire, or otherwise disposed of without the prior agreement of the
local Customs authority and the local motoring organisation.
l The
Carnet can only be extended with the prior agreement of the local Customs
authority and the local motoring organisation.
l The
Carnet-holder is responsible for ensuring the Carnet is properly endorsed at
each border crossing.
l The
Carnet cannot be used in any country where the holder is normally resident, nor in any country specifically excluded from that Carnet.
Prepared by RAC Carnets, RAC Motoring Services, Great Park Road, Bradley
Stoke, Bristol, BS32 4QN.
Tel. 01454 208304, or email carnets@rac.co.uk
RAC/INF/CARNET/May 2007