We’ve undertaken many filming and live streaming assignments outside of the UK, these include filming at SIBOS in Amsterdam and at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
There is one document that is crucial when heading abroad with filming equipment and that is a carnet. A carnet is a document used in international trade and travel, specifically for the temporary importation of professional equipment, including filming equipment, into foreign countries. The carnet serves as a guarantee that the equipment will be re-exported out of the country and not be sold or left behind.
When traveling with a carnet and professional equipment, you will need to present the carnet to customs authorities at the points of entry and exit in each country you visit. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how it generally works:
Departure: When you leave the UK, you must declare the equipment listed on your carnet to the customs officer. The customs officer will inspect the equipment and confirm that everything listed on the carnet is leaving the country.
Carnet Verification: The customs officer will check the carnet’s details, including the serial numbers of the equipment, their value, and the duration you intend to keep them in the country. They will stamp and validate the carnet if everything is in order.
Arrival: When you arrive at a border crossing or customs checkpoint in a European country, you’ll need to declare the equipment listed on the carnet to the customs officer. They will again inspect the equipment and verify it against the details provided in the carnet.
Carnet Verification: The customs officer will repeat the process of the custom officer in the UK (they don’t always check the equipment over when you arrive into a country but can). They will stamp and validate the carnet if everything is in order.
Departure: When you leave the country, you must return to the customs checkpoint and present the carnet again. The customs officer will inspect the equipment once more and confirm that everything listed on the carnet is leaving the country. They may stamp the carnet again to record the departure.
Repeat for Each Country: You will need to follow this process at each country’s border where you are entering or exiting with the equipment. Make sure to keep the carnet safe and secure throughout your journey.
Arrival: Lastly when you return to the UK make sure you once again declare the equipment to the customs officer. They will again inspect the equipment and verify it against the details provided in the carnet and provide the last stamp.
By presenting the carnet at each customs checkpoint, you are essentially getting temporary importation permission for your equipment, allowing you to avoid paying import duties and taxes. If you fail to present the carnet or if there are discrepancies with the listed equipment, you may be subject to customs duties and other penalties.
Remember that regulations may vary from country to country, so it’s crucial to research and understand the specific requirements of each country you’re visiting.
Now, it isn’t always straight forward and can be easy to miss something, we’re all human and mistakes can and do happen. Thankfully there are usually ways to ensure you can get back on track with the carnet and not end up with a fine and it’s important to have the contact details to hand for the carnet company incase you need to query anything.
Our team handle all carnet requirements for filming equipment we take on overseas assignments. If you’re looking for event filming or live streaming services for an event outside the UK please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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