In May 2023 the London Accordion Orchestra travelled to Germany for a joint concert with Musikfreunde Neuaubing-Pasing e.V.

With the instruments travelling separately to the musicians, we assisted with the ATA Carnet process with the support of the fantastic team at London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) to ensure the instruments travelled out – and back – safely and with the correct customs documentation in place.

WHAT IS AN ATA CARNET?
The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that permits duty-free and tax-free temporary export-import of goods for up to one year. It contains pre-prepared unified customs declaration forms to be used at each customs border offices and serves as a guarantee to customs duties and taxes.

With an ATA Carnet, exhibitors, salespeople, artists, athletes, TV crews, technicians, event participants, musicians and business travellers may travel through customs without paying import duties or taxes at each customs border office. In addition, they only need to use one document for multiple destinations and trips throughout its one-year validity and can make advanced customs arrangements at predetermined costs.