Advice needed on extending Carnet
 

Hi all

We are traveling from London to Cape Town and plan to ship our Iveco back to England from South Africa. We took out a Carnet with RAC which expires after one year in September 2013. We would like to extend our Carnet by one or two months. Does anyone know what the process is for extending a Carnet and what the costs are? Also, how long does the process take?

Many thanks.

Abi and Gerry

I extended my carnet when in Australia. Like you I only wanted a couple of months’ extra time. But as the cost was the same I actually extended for a further 12 months. This seemed easiest all round.

You will need to go to the carnet issuing authority where you want the extension, which in your case will be (a) The Automobile Association of South Africa. They have to agree to the extension.

(b) South African Customs must also agree, but this is usually just a 'rubber stamping' exercise.

Finally the issuing carnet authority – in your case – (c) the RAC in the UK also must consent to the extension.

If (a) (b) and (c) above all say 'yes' then you’re home and dry.

Some typical form filling required, in my case an 'APPLICATION FOR EXTENSION OF PERIOD OF TEMPORARY IMPORTATION', which you will no doubt also need to do.

There is likely to be costs involved too. For me back in 2011 these were:

Australian AA – AU$100
New Zealand AA (carnet issuer) – NZ$100
Aussie Customs – Nil/no charge

Timescale? Bring all the above together and you can get your extension the same day.

All the best

Keith

Same as Keith - 2011 - extended my stay in the Namibia/SA/Bots customs union by applying to the SA customs, paying 550 Rand (Land Rover) and I had to write a 'proper' letter explaining why I needed to stay longer - said mechanical repairs, obtaining a Angolan visa and to experience more of South Africa.

Mostly done via email....