If you are temporarily taking goods (such as hand tools) out of the UK with a value over £1500, then you need to have an ATA Carnet. Below this value, you can just make a Temporary Admission oral declaration.
ATA Carnet
Sometimes referred to as a 'passport for goods', an ATA Carnet is an international document that allows the temporary export and import of non-perishable goods for up to one year. This includes things such as tools of the trade, exhibition equipment and commercial samples.
Check out our How To Use an ATA Carnet guide.
If you are taking consumables like nails, screws and welding rods you need clearance but can claim Returned Goods Relief (RGR) on goods coming back.
Temporary Admission
For Temporary Admission, the inventory of hand tools must be listed including quantities, descriptions and values. Total value must not exceed €5,000.
Examples of hand tools
- Hammers, mallets
- Screwdrivers (flat, Phillips sets)
- Wrenches, spanners (adjustable)
- Pliers (needle-nose, cutting)
- Hand saws, hacksaws
- Chisels, files
- Bolt cutters, wire strippers
- Tape measures, spirit levels
- Cordless drill + bits
- Toolboxes/bags
NOT classed as hand tools
- Generators
- Supplies/materials (e.g. nails, paint etc)
