Carnet de
Passage en
Douanes (CPD)
What is an Carnet de Passages en Douanes?
A Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD) is an internationally recognised customs document that allows the temporary, duty-free importation of a vehicle into certain countries, typically those outside of Europe that would otherwise require a deposit against potential import charges.
The Carnet operates under the legal framework of the UN Customs Conventions of 1954 and 1956, as well as the Convention on Temporary Admission (1990), commonly known as the Istanbul Convention.
Who Issues the Carnet?
The Carnet is issued under the authority of two international touring organisations: AIT (Alliance Internationale de Tourisme) and FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile).
Many major automobile and touring clubs around the world are affiliated with one or both of these organisations and are authorised to issue Carnets through the AIT/FIA customs documents network.
CARS is approved by the FIA as an issuing administrator of the Carnet de Passages en Douanes in the United Kingdom.
Validity and Extensions
A Carnet is valid for a maximum of one year. If your journey extends beyond that period, you may, in certain countries, be eligible to obtain a second Carnet or request an extension.
To arrange this, Carnet holders must contact the relevant local motoring organisation and seek further guidance from CARS. Contact our team.
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Read Our FAQ
Carnet Booklet
Structure and Usage
The Carnet is a booklet consisting of 5, 10, or 25 pages, depending on the travel requirements.
- A 5-page Carnet allows for temporary import into 5 different countries or for 5 separate occasions.
- A 10- or 25-page Carnet allows for up to 10 or 25 entries, respectively.
Each page is divided into three sections:
- The lower section is removed by customs upon entry into a country
- The middle section is removed upon exit
- The top section (the counterfoil) is stamped once on entry and once on exit
If the vehicle re-enters a country on the return journey, a new page must be used and stamped again.
Issuing Procedure
When a Carnet is issued, the holder becomes directly responsible for the payment of customs duties and taxes if any regulations related to temporary importation are violated.
To assume this responsibility, applicants must meet several requirements. Applicants must provide:
- A full postal address
- A legible copy of their passport
- Vehicle registration document or certificate
- Driving licence (both paper counterpart and photocard, if applicable)
Discharge of the Carnet
At Completion of the Journey
The Carnet-holder must return the document upon completion of the journey. You’ll need to mail it by secure post to:
CARS – Carnet Returns
The Old Airfield Site
Bury Road, Chedburgh, Suffolk
United Kingdom IP29 4UQ
If returning the Carnet from outside the UK, it must be sent via courier or secure post, with advance notice of dispatch sent by email to carnets@carsworldwide.com. This allows us to confirm safe receipt.
Verification and Refunds
Once received, the Carnet will be reviewed to ensure it has been correctly stamped for entry and exit in each country visited. This step is essential to confirm that no further claims can be made by any customs authority. After verification, any applicable refunds will be processed.
Please note: the Carnet remains the property of CARS. Refer to point 6 in the Directions for Use section of the CPD document for further information.
Certificate of Location
In the Event of Loss or Theft
If your vehicle is stolen or written off during a journey, you’ll need to:
- You must obtain a police report
- A customs acknowledgement must also be obtained, confirming that the Carnet is discharged and no duties or taxes are due as a result.
- Notify CARS immediately.
Please note that a Carnet does not cover any duties or taxes incurred due to the loss or theft of a vehicle.
Return Timeline
The Carnet must be returned to CARS as soon as it expires, or once the vehicle has returned to the UK, whichever occurs first, unless prior arrangements have been made.
Failure to return the Carnet or comply with temporary importation procedures may result in forfeiture of any refunds, and the holder will remain liable for all applicable duties and taxes.
The Carnet is a legal document that permits temporary importation only. As such, misuse can result in severe penalties. The conditions of issue, along with general regulations for temporary importation, are detailed on the inside back cover of the Carnet.
The main conditions are:
- A temporarily imported vehicle cannot be sold, loaned, abandoned, hired, or otherwise disposed of without the prior agreement of the local Customs authority and CARS.
- Carnet can only be extended with the prior agreement of the local Customs authority and CARS.
- The Carnet holder is responsible for ensuring the Carnet is properly endorsed at each border crossing.
Full terms and conditions are available on the Carnet de Passage Application Form.
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