Temporary export to DRC

Question

We need to temporay export some electrical test equipment for two days to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and they are not listed for ATA Carnet, what do we need to do.

Answer

I suggest you speak to the VAT, Excise and Customs Helpline on 0300 200 3700. To see if you can be allowed to use a temporary export CPC and / or a returned goods relief CPC for the import

Answer

Hi
The ATA Carnet is an international convention and DR Congo does not subscribe to this system. Sending goods out of the UK and return is not difficult but getting items into DR Congo is – also you should be aware that DR Congo is subject to EU/USA Sanctions.

If the electrical test equipment originates from the USA you will require US export permission for it to go there. Also, depending on the type of equipment (high tech) and end-use you may need a UK export licence too.

Do check all of this out before sending the items out of the UK.

DR Congo do not have a formal temporary import procedures so you or your customer will have to pay customs charges or arrival of the goods which are generally not refundable

Happy to assist further ([email protected])

Answer

Dear Peter

Information on the Customs requirements for exporting are given in HMRC Public Notice 275. All notices can be found on our website www.hmrc.gov.uk under Quick Links > Library > Official Statistics – Publications – Notices, Info Sheets & Other Reference Materials > Import, Export & International Trade. The Public Notices are in numerical order.

You may be eligible to re-import the goods under the ‘Returned Goods Relief’ (RGR) procedure, provided that you are able to meet certain conditions, and have acceptable evidence of original export.

Further information can be obtained from Public Notice 236 ‘Customs: Importing returned goods free of duty and tax’. The list of the conditions to be met can be found in sections 5 and 6. A copy of Notice 236 can be obtained from our website by following the links above.

HM Revenue & Customs
Customs International Trade & Excise
www.hmrc.gov.uk/contactus

Export Action Plan