Yorkshire manufacturer welcomes Brazil’s move toward export system
MOVES by Brazil to embrace the international ATA Carnet scheme, which facilitates temporary exports, before the FIFA World Cup later this year have been welcomed by a West Yorkshire manufacturing export business.
Production and live-to-air broadcast audio mixing consoles manufacturer, Calrec Audio in Hebden Bridge, says that if Brazil introduces the ATA Carnet system as indicated, it will give a significant boost to the company’s overseas sales activity.
ATA Carnets, are effectively passports for non-consumable or perishable goods which replace the need for usual customs documentation and allow goods to be fast-tracked into countries belonging to the scheme without having to pay duties or local tax.
Carnets cover professional equipment, commercial samples and material for trade fairs and exhibitions. They are valid for a year, can be used for multiple trips and avoid delays and extra costs for exporters. A total of 70 countries operate the system and more than 175,000 ATA Carnets are issued yearly for thousands of international consignments worth more than US$ 25bn.
Calrec Audio import/export supervisor, Marianne Bauregger, said: “It is a very good thing that Brazil is considering joining the ATA Carnet scheme, especially with the World Cup being held there this year. If Brazil introduces the scheme, it will also be very beneficial for many British businesses for trade exhibitions and use of professional equipment.
“We have attended several trade exhibitions in Brazil and found the process bureaucratic, expensive and time consuming. Introducing the ATA Carnet system would encourage us to consider more trade exhibitions, and give us the ability to ship demo equipment at shorter notice, and without having to wait for the next trade show.
“We are confident that this would give us a competitive edge, especially as we have recently launched two new products which are ideal for the Brazilian market.”
Calrec Audio, which also exports to the USA, Canada, Mexico, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Russia, employs 150 people in Hebden Bridge, has a £17m turnover and regularly uses ATA Carnets to attend overseas trade shows.
Tim Bailey, director of Yorkshire-based international trade specialist, Chamber International, which issues ATA Carnets to a wide range of businesses, including Calrec Audio, said: “Brazil announced its intention to sign-up to the Carnet Convention in time for the FIFA World Cup 2014 in August and we have monitored the situation ever since.
“If it does happen, the benefits in terms of increased trade facilitation to UK businesses, particularly those supporting the tournament, will be tremendous. Speedy customs clearance is crucial to businesses like Calrec Audio.
“On a wider commercial basis, the energy sector will also be helped by Brazil adopting ATA Carnets by enabling the oil, gas, and other energy industries to benefit from the use of goods imported under ATA Carnet regime.”
Chamber International is the only official ATA Carnet issuing body for Yorkshire & Humber. The name ATA Carnets is derived from the French and English phrases “Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission.”
