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ATA Carnet technical handbook

From:
HM Revenue & Customs
Published
1 June 2026
Updated:
1 June 2026 - See all updates

Ports, border facilities and logistics

Information on the ports, border facilities and logistics of ATA Carnets.

Inland Border Facility 

An Inland Border Facility (IBF) is a UK Government site where customs and documentary checks are carried out away from busy ports. These facilities act as a Government Office of Departure and destination for goods moving under the Common Transit Convention (CTC). They can also process:

  • ATA Carnets
  • TIR Carnets
  • CITES permits

They help maintain the flow of trade while ensuring compliance with customs requirements when checks cannot be completed at the port.

Hauliers may be instructed by HMRC to attend an IBF for inspections. Failure to comply can result in penalties.

Currently, IBFs such as Sevington and Holyhead serve key routes like Dover and Eurotunnel.

You can find full official guidance, including what to do when attending an IBF, on Attending an inland border facility.

Ports and terminals that stamp ATA Carnets 

Most UK ports and airports can stamp a Carnet however, pre‑notification and local procedures vary such as: 

Dover and Eurotunnel

Carnets for personal vehicles or vans must be processed at an IBF both outbound and inbound. Hauliers must use the prenotification facility and obtain a goods movement reference (GMR) for both leaving and returning.

IBFs can only process carnets for Dover, Euroshuttle and Holyhead. For other ports, you need to go directly to the port’s customs facility. 

Eurostar — St Pancras

There are no customs officers available for the 6 am departure.

Carnet holders should notify Border Force in advance by calling +44 (0)20 7841 6410. 

Holyhead to Dublin ferry

Pre-notify UK and Irish customs at least 24 hours before travel. Carnets are stamped at the Roadking Truckstop (Parc Cybi, Holyhead) when leaving the UK.

On arrival in Dublin, go to the goods to declare area.

On departing Ireland:

  • cars and vans go to T7 or New Custom House
  • freight users go to terminal 11

A Pre Boarding Notification (PBN) is mandatory for Republic of Ireland sailings. You can obtain a PBN by emailing CustomsPBN@revenue.ie with your Carnet details and sailing information. 

Northern Ireland ports

Pre‑notification is not required at the following ports as they are available for processing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

  • Belfast — DAERA facility, Duncrue Street
  • Larne — Shed 66
  • Warrenpoint

Contact the Border Force port team by email bfportteam@homeoffice.gov.uk to confirm officer availability. 

Northern Ireland airports

Notify Border Force in advance to ensure an officer is available to process Carnets at:

  • Belfast City (available 4am to 10pm)
  • Belfast International (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

At other UK airports, pre‑notification is not usually required. Use the VAT reclaim desk before checking in and the red channel on arrival.

You can read a full list of all other UK Border Force custom offices. 

Goods Vehicle Movement Service and goods movement references 

Some ports use the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS). Hauliers using these ports must create a goods movement reference (GMR) before travelling.

You always need to use GVMS for roll on roll off (RoRo) movements at:

  • Dover
  • Eurotunnel
  • Fishguard
  • Heysham
  • Holyhead
  • Liverpool
  • Pembroke
  • Newhaven

GVMS may also be required at other ports depending on the carrier. 

Read how to Create a goods movement reference.

GMRs are also needed for movements from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. Check with your carrier or port operator whether GVMS is mandatory for your crossing. 

Using a Carnet on roll on, roll off routes 

Moving goods by RoRo ferry or the Channel Tunnel

Before leaving Great Britain you must:

  • obtain the Carnet from the trader
  • have the Carnet stamped at the UK office of departure (usually the IBF)
  • make sure the driver is named in box B or has a signed authorisation letter
  • check that the safety and security export declaration requirements have been met

At the EU border, present the Carnet to EU customs and ensure the voucher and counterfoil are stamped. 

After arrival in the EU, give the Carnet to the consignee so it is available for the return journey.

For goods moving from the EU to Great Britain, the driver must:

  • obtain the Carnet from the trader before departure
  • present it to EU customs for stamping
  • follow the UK port’s local procedures on arrival