Temporary Admission Customs Support
Goods brought into the UK for temporary use may qualify for full or partial relief from import duty, provided the conditions are met and the goods are re-exported or otherwise discharged correctly. Cartwright CS helps businesses and private clients plan the movement, prepare the customs declaration and keep the evidence needed to close the procedure.
We are Cartwright Customs Services
Cartwright CS Ltd is a UK customs broker and customs agent based in Southampton, Hampshire. We support businesses, freight forwarders, hauliers and private clients with customs declarations, border documents and practical coordination across the UK and Europe.
Our approach is simple: gather the right information early, explain what is needed in plain English and keep the customs paperwork connected to the real movement of the goods.
What this service covers
- Checking whether the goods and intended use may qualify
- Support with ‘authorisation by customs declaration’ where available
- Working with existing Temporary Admission authorisations
- CDS import and re-export declaration support
- Identifying time limits, identification requirements and permitted use
- Advice on records and evidence needed for discharge
- Coordination with ports, carriers, hauliers and freight forwarders
- Eligibility, authorisation and documentary requirements depend on the goods, route and circumstances of each movement.
Who we help
- Exhibitors and event organisers
- Film, television and production companies
- Businesses importing professional equipment or demonstration goods
- Owners of goods brought in for trials, testing or approved temporary use
- Freight forwarders handling time-sensitive temporary imports
- Private individuals bringing their effects, vehicles, or yachts into UK on a Temporary basis
Why this service matters
Temporary Admission is conditional relief, not a general exemption. The goods, user, purpose and period of import must fit the rules. Selling, altering, using or retaining the goods outside those conditions can create a customs debt.
How Cartwright CS helps
We review the facts before arrival, help select the appropriate authorisation route and prepare the customs entry so the declared procedure matches the real use of the goods. We also explain the re-export and record-keeping steps at the start, when they are easiest to control.
Common challenges we solve
- Goods arriving before eligibility has been checked
- No reliable method of identifying the goods on re-export
- Confusion between Temporary Admission and an ATA carnet
- Missing re-export deadlines
- A change of use, owner or destination while goods are in the UK
- Temporary goods being declared as a permanent import
How the process works
- Send the goods list, values, ownership details, intended use and dates.
- We check the likely eligibility, conditions and authorisation route.
- We identify any security, evidence or additional approvals required.
- The import declaration is prepared and submitted.
- You keep the goods within the approved use and maintain records.
- We support the re-export or other permitted discharge of the procedure.
Why choose Cartwright CS
Temporary Admission is a conditional customs procedure, not a blanket exemption. We assess the reason for import, permitted use, identity of the goods and intended period in the UK before advising on the declaration and evidence needed.
We also explain the re-export or other authorised discharge steps at the outset, particularly for exhibitions, events and equipment brought to the UK for a limited purpose.
Location and coverage
We are based in Southampton, close to Southampton and Portsmouth, and support customs movements across the UK. Depending on the service and route, we can assist with movements through Southampton, Portsmouth, Dover, Felixstowe, Tilbury, London Gateway, Liverpool, Grangemouth, Immingham, Harwich and other UK locations, as well as coordinated European movements.
Frequently asked questions
What is Temporary Admission?
It is a special customs procedure allowing eligible non-UK goods to be used temporarily in the UK with full or partial relief from import charges.
Is relief automatic?
No. Eligibility and conditions depend on the goods, use, user, ownership and applicable relief category.
How long can goods stay?
The authorised period depends on the goods and purpose. The deadline shown for the procedure must be monitored.
Can the goods be sold in the UK?
Not without dealing with the customs position first. A sale or change of use may require release to free circulation and payment of charges. Some Temporary Admission relief procedures do not allow this at all.
Could I use an ATA carnet instead?
Possibly. The best option depends on the goods, countries, journey and intended use.
Planning a temporary import into the UK?
Contact Cartwright CS before shipment so the relief and discharge route can be checked properly.