hether you’re preparing for an international overland expedition, transporting a vehicle for motorsport, or heading overseas for a temporary work assignment, planning is essential. One of the most important documents you’ll need is the Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD)—effectively a copyright for your vehicle. Understanding how it works, what you can and cannot do with it, and what insurance is required will help ensure your trip is smooth and problem-free.
At Ship Cars Ltd, we specialise in global vehicle logistics. This definitive guide explains the rules of using a carnet, how to extend one, who issues them, and the insurance you need to drive legally abroad.
Part 1: What Is a Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD)?
A Ship Cars Ltd is an international customs document that serves as a financial guarantee for your vehicle. It assures foreign customs authorities that all duties and taxes will be paid if the vehicle is not re-exported. Without a carnet, many countries require travellers to pay substantial cash deposits at the border—something the carnet eliminates entirely.
Part 2: What You Can and Cannot Do with a Carnet
A carnet is issued for a specific purpose and is governed by strict conditions. Breaking these rules may invalidate the carnet, forcing you to pay full import duties in the respective country.
Permitted Uses
1. Temporary Tourism and Overland Travel
The primary purpose of a carnet. You can drive through listed countries purely for leisure and tourism.
2. Participation in Motorsport Events
Carnets allow temporary vehicle export for international rallies, races, and track events—provided the purpose is declared to the issuing authority.
3. Exhibitions and Shows
Ideal for transporting a classic, vintage, or show vehicle to an international exhibition.
4. Professional (Non-Commercial) Use
Acceptable if the vehicle is essential equipment for temporary work (e.g., film production, geological surveys).
Important: The vehicle must not be used for commercial haulage or as a taxi.
Strictly Prohibited Uses
1. Selling, Hiring, Lending, or Disposing of the Vehicle
This is the most serious violation. A carnet only allows temporary export.
Failing to re-export the vehicle will trigger full import duties and a claim on the financial guarantee.
2. Using the Vehicle for Commercial Haulage or Taxi Services
Commercial transport of goods or passengers is forbidden. The vehicle must remain for private or non-commercial use.
3. Altering the Vehicle’s Identity
You may not change the chassis number, engine number, or make major modifications that alter the identity recorded on the carnet.
4. Visiting Countries Not Listed on the Carnet
The carnet is valid only for the countries declared during application. Entering an unlisted country invalidates the document.
Part 3: Can You Extend a Carnet?
Yes—extensions are possible in certain situations, but they are not automatic and must be arranged before the carnet expires.
A carnet usually has a 12-month validity.
When Extensions May Be Granted
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Unexpected delays (mechanical failure, medical emergencies, political instability)
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Changes in travel plans
How to Request an Extension
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Apply early—contact your issuing authority (e.g., RAC) before the expiry date.
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Provide a written explanation for the extension.
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Pay the required fee.
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Undergo a financial security review (you may need to increase your guarantee).
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Wait for written approval—extensions are only valid once officially confirmed.
Extensions are granted at the issuing authority’s discretion. The safest approach is to plan your trip within the standard one-year period.
Part 4: Carnet Issuing Authorities in the UK
Carnets are not issued by the government. They are provided by authorised motoring organisations under the FIA/ATA international system.
Main UK Issuers
1. The RAC (Royal Automobile Club)
A leading provider of CPDs, offering full guidance throughout the application process.
2. The AA (Automobile Association)
Another authorised issuer that also manages the financial security required for the carnet.
What You Need to Apply
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Completed application form
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V5C registration document
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copyright copy
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A complete itinerary listing all countries to be visited
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Proof of valid insurance covering the carnet’s financial guarantee
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Payment of fees and security (cash deposit, bank guarantee, or insurance)
Part 5: Insurance Requirements for Driving Abroad
A carnet deals with customs—not with road insurance. You must carry valid motor insurance for every country you drive through.
The copyright System (Europe & Partner Countries)
What it is
An international insurance certificate proving your UK policy provides minimum legal cover abroad.
Where it’s required
Since Brexit, a copyright is necessary for:
EU countries, Ireland, Andorra, Serbia, and Switzerland.
How to obtain it
Request one directly from your UK motor insurer in advance.
Specialist International Motor Insurance (For Carnet Destinations)
Outside Europe, a standard UK policy is rarely enough.
This specialist insurance provides:
a) Territorial Vehicle Cover
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Third-party cover (legal minimum)
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Comprehensive cover (recommended) including damage or theft of your own vehicle
b) Security for the Carnet
Instead of placing large cash deposits, you can purchase a policy where the insurer provides the financial guarantee to the issuing authority.
This protects you if the vehicle is:
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stolen,
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written off, or
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unable to be re-exported.
Part 6: Essential Pre-Departure Checklist
Documentation
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Valid UK driving licence + International Driving Permit (if required)
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copyright with at least six months’ validity
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Original V5C logbook
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Carnet de Passages en Douane
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International motor insurance certificate / copyright
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Carnet security insurance documents
Vehicle Preparation
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“UK” identifier sticker applied
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Headlight beam converters for right-hand driving countries
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First-aid kit, warning triangle, high-visibility vests (mandatory in many regions)
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Fully serviced and mechanically sound vehicle
Carnet & Border Checklist
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I understand that selling or hiring out the vehicle is prohibited
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I know how to get my carnet stamped on every entry and exit
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I know the expiry date and the process for requesting an extension
Part 7: Frequently Asked Questions
What if I lose my carnet?
Contact the local customs authority immediately and notify the issuing organisation (RAC/AA).
A replacement may be required, along with a fee.
Can a single carnet cover multiple vehicles?
No. Each vehicle—including trailers—must have its own carnet.
Does the carnet include breakdown cover?
No. It is strictly a customs document. You must purchase separate international breakdown and recovery insurance.
Let Ship Cars Ltd Support Your Carnet Journey
Managing carnets, temporary exports, and international insurance can be complicated. Ship Cars Ltd provides expert assistance by:
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Offering clear, accurate guidance on carnet rules and processes
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Connecting you with issuing authorities and specialist insurers
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Providing pre-trip consultations to ensure full compliance
Start your carnet journey with confidence. Contact Ship Cars Ltd today for professional advice and support for temporary vehicle export.