Written question asked by Lord Aberdare (Crossbench) on Monday, 8 February 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 February 2021. It was answered by Lord Agnew of Oulton (Conservative) on Monday, 22 February 2021 on behalf of the Treasury.

Musical Instruments: Customs

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether Admission Temporaire Carnets will be required for portable musical instruments carried by musicians for professional purposes when travelling (1) between the UK and the EU, and (2) between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Answer: ATA carnets are an option for moving goods temporarily between the UK and the EU; Temporary Admission is another. Whether to use an ATA carnet is generally a commercial decision based on cost effectiveness and the individual’s or business’s circumstances. A carnet is generally not necessary for musicians travelling between GB and NI or between GB and the EU with accompanied instruments (carried or taken with the individual in personal baggage or a vehicle). In this case a person can make a “declaration by conduct” which is simply the act of moving through a ‘Green Channel’ at a port or airport.

Secondary information