Transporting horses internationally from the UK can be a complex process, but with specialist knowledge of the strict customs regulations and the right documentation, it becomes much smoother. Whether travelling for competition, breeding, sales, or exhibitions, the correct documentation is essential. One of the most important documents for temporary export is the ATA Carnet.
At Rossi Shipping, we specialise in international horse transport to and from the UK, providing professional, compliant, and reliable equine shipping services to ensure your horses move safely and without unnecessary delays.
An ATA Carnet is an international customs document that allows for the temporary export and re-import of goods without paying customs duties or taxes. For horses, this means you can transport them for competitions, exhibitions, breeding, or sales to countries that accept the Carnet, without undergoing complex customs procedures at each border.
Think of it as a “passport for your horse,” streamlining international travel while keeping customs formalities minimal.
The ATA Carnet accompanies the horse throughout its journey and is presented to customs authorities when leaving the UK, entering the destination country, exiting that country, and returning to the UK. Each movement is recorded and validated, confirming the horse is only abroad temporarily.
Horses traveling abroad are considered commercial goods under international customs law. Even if your trip is temporary, you still need to comply with the import/export regulations of the destination country.
The ATA Carnet:
For anyone involved in international horse transport, an ATA Carnet is a practical and cost-effective solution.
Even when travel is temporary, horses are classed as commercial goods under customs legislation. An ATA Carnet provides assurance to customs authorities and protects owners from unexpected charges.
Without an ATA Carnet, importing a horse into another country may trigger VAT and customs duties. The Carnet eliminates these costs, provided the horse returns to the UK within the validity period.
Using an ATA Carnet significantly reduces paperwork at borders, making international travel more efficient and predictable—particularly important for competition schedules and time-sensitive events.
The Carnet acts as a financial guarantee to customs authorities, ensuring that any duties would be covered if the horse were not re-imported. This safeguard is essential for compliant equine shipping services.
Obtaining an ATA Carnet for horses in the UK follows a structured process that must be completed correctly to avoid delays.
Applicants must provide full details of the horse, travel itinerary, and intended purpose of export.
A security deposit or guarantee is required, typically calculated as a percentage of the potential customs duties. This is refundable once the Carnet is correctly discharged.
The Carnet must be endorsed by UK customs at departure and again upon return. Each destination country will also stamp the document on entry and exit, confirming compliance.
At Rossi Shipping, we specialise in the international documentation required for the transportation of horses, so to avoid complicated surprises and unnecessary delays and to keep things simple... GET IN TOUCH TODAY!
ATA Carnets are accepted in over 80 countries worldwide, making them ideal for international equestrian travel.
Most European countries, as well as destinations across Asia, the Americas, and parts of the Middle East, accept ATA Carnets for horses. This broad acceptance supports seamless international horse transport.
While the ATA Carnet covers customs procedures, horses may still require veterinary health certificates, vaccinations, blood tests, or quarantine depending on the destination country. These requirements must be planned in advance.
At Rossi Shipping, we understand that transporting horses internationally is about more than documentation - it’s about welfare, timing, and compliance.
Our experienced team provides full support with ATA Carnet applications, ensuring all details are accurate and compliant with customs regulations.
We work closely with veterinary authorities to arrange health certification, testing, and documentation required for international travel.
Whether by road, air, or sea, Rossi Shipping delivers professional equine shipping services, managing transport logistics and customs clearance at every stage of the journey.
Using Rossi Shipping it is possible to receive a completed Carnet through the post, within 24 hours!
In order to initiate the process of providing a fully prepared ATA Carnet, we require specific information from the client.
This includes the completed authorisation form, granting Rossi Shipping permission to obtain the carnet on their behalf. Additionally, we need the client's goods itinerary and copies of the livestock's passports to verify details.
Once we have these necessary details, we can expedite the carnet issuance according to our client's desired timeline.
We have been granted permission for use of in-house printing capabilities, to handle urgent carnets efficiently.
For carnet requests submitted before 15:00 PM, we can process, print, and issue the carnet on the same day for next day delivery, to arrive before 13.00pm.
If necessary, we are able to travel to yards to ensure passports are in order and to arrange existing carnets for a seamless experience with our client
Yes, you generally need an ATA Carnet to temporarily export a horse for events or training, as horses are treated as commercial goods, and the Carnet acts as a "passport for goods" to avoid significant import duties and customs delays in other countries, especially within the ATA Carnet scheme.
It simplifies customs by guaranteeing you'll re-export the horse, preventing unexpected charges and lengthy declarations at borders.
The easiest way to apply for an ATA Carnet for a horse (an equine ATA Carnet) is to contact a specialist in this field, as simple mistakes can be costly in both time and money.
Contact Rossi Shipping today and let them take away any stress.
A horse under temporary import with an ATA Carnet can generally stay in the country for up to one year (12 months) from the carnet's issue date.
Maximum stay periods are fixed and enforced. Overstaying, even unintentionally, can trigger fines, taxes, or future entry restrictions.
Find out more by contacting export experts Rossi Shipping.
An ATA Carnet simplifies customs procedures and eliminates import duties/taxes for a temporarily exported horse, but it does not remove the need for health related permits and documentation.
You will still require specific animal health certificates and comply with all veterinary, quarantine, and identification regulations of the destination country and for re-entry.
Find out more by contacting export experts Rossi Shipping.
Yes, horses usually need quarantine/isolation on arrival, even with an ATA Carnet, as the carnet is acting as a horse passport and handles customs duties (not health) and requires separate health certificates, vet checks, specific tests (like EIA), vaccinations, and potential pre-export isolation/residency to prevent disease, depending on the destination country.
Find out more by contacting export experts Rossi Shipping
An ATA Carnet acts like a horse passport and are often required to prevent full taxation.
Errors here are a common cause of costly delays and expenses so it is recommended to use a reputable shipping and customs expert like Rossi Shipping.
Some ports of entry require pre-notification for live animals and may route carnet shipments differently.
Failure to pre-advise can result in extended holds despite valid documentation.
This is why it is crucial to seek expert advice, such as Rossi Shipping.
Yes, when temporarily exporting a horse, there are significant restrictions and specific requirements on the accompanying feed, bedding, and equipment, primarily driven by biosecurity, animal health regulations, and customs rules of the destination country.
Post-trip reconciliation is essential. Unresolved or missing counterfoils can result in retroactive duties, VAT, and penalties being assessed months later.
This is why it is always recommended to use a shipping and customs expert like Rossi Shipping.
ATA Carnet for Horses UK: Simplifying International Horse Transport.
How do I get an ATA Carnet?
Rossi Shipping are the best equine ATA Carnet specialist experts in the UK.
ATA Carnet for Horses UK: Simplifying International Horse Transport.
How do I get an ATA Carnet?
Rossi Shipping are the best specialists for equine ATA Carnet documentation. Experts in transporting horses internationally.
Rossi Shipping Ltd.
1 The Estate offices,
Ashfield Grange,
Great Ashfield,
Bury St. Edmunds,
Suffolk, IP31 3HA.
