UK Carnet extension headaches
 

Just wanted to share I've just had with the UK RAC Carnets department post some new changes they've made to the carnet extension process.

I'm back from my trip for 2 months and was intending to return to Africa mid July with an intention to finish my trip by early October. Unfortunately my 12month carnet was due to expire on 31st August, so I rang the RAC this morning to ask how to go about getting an extension.

Sadly I was informed by a member of staff that extensions are no longer possible in any scenario, so the only option for me would be to buy a WHOLE new carnet, going through the ENTIRE application process all over again. The deposit etc for my old carnet would only be returned to me once the old carnet is sent back to the RAC, which meaning my money gets tied up in TWO carnets at the same time for at least a few months (which I really can't afford!!). Plus, fees and costs have recently been "revised" so I can only imagine that means that the whole thing will cost even more than it did originally. Also, given I have to effectively have to make a fresh application, it'll take at least a month to process, meaning I'll have to delay my flight if I go down this route. Apparently there is no way to get my application fast-tracked etc.

Given I can't spare the time or the money, I'm just going to have to fly back early and make sure I'm all done by 31st August - a real shame as I'd hoped to continue on with my journey without coming up against a firm deadline, whereas now my adventure is going to be compressed into a shorter timeframe than I'd hoped.

I've given my feedback to RAC that this new procedure will provide a major obstacle to most overlanders on a budget and that (from me at least) they'll be missing out on any fees they might have taken for extension etc but thought it was worth sharing in case anyone else is thinking of extending. Also, if anyone reading this has another idea how I can get around this problem - please do let me know!

cheers,
Claire

Can you get to a country for which a carnet isn't required? Exit on your old carnet and enter the new country on a TIP. Send the old carnet back to the RAC for release once you've crossed the border. Apply for the new carnet now to get the ball rolling (ask for a delayed start date). Get the new one couriered out and start it when you enter the next country. If you are able/happy to stay somewhere a carnet isn't required for a few weeks then it should work.

Are you currently on a bank guarantee? If so, are the RAC happy to let you continue on one. I thought this had been withdrawn which is why I was asking.

I had the same issue recently. I am in AUstralia and I was advised that in order to get a an extension. I would need to pay a whole new insurance premium + cost of carnet. essentially going through the process again. luckily I had my vehicle granted for full importation into australia. I had my carnet endorsed by customs and sent back to the uk to get it lodged there. since they have refunded my 350 quid, but there is a delay with the insurance premium which will be approx another 625.. they said the request has been raised to get refunded. delay due to re-organisation of processes... anyway once its all settled I will give me whole experience in another thread i started ages ago...

still waiting on insurance money return from RAC
 

Hi

I've imported my bike in to Australia for the moment. I sent my carnet document back to RAC in March. I'm still awaiting a refund on the Insurance. Just as well I don't desperately need the money! 4 months and still waiting.

I found the whole carnet thing to be a real pain. I'm glad to hear the Americas don't need a carnet, thats next on my list.

hi Steven,
how difficult was it to permanently import your bike? I am a UK citizen but intend to permanently import the bike as I will enter on a working visa and intend to stay a few years.
Cheers

import
 

Hi

Not sure if its totally legal here but I went simply got customs agent in Darwin to import for me. They organised everything, I paid GST plus some fees and I was able to ride the bike here. Cost around $1100, 700 of that was GST which I will get back when I export it again. I was told all kinds of other stuff by customs people but essentially that was it. I do have a registered business here in Australia and used that to import. whether that made the difference Im not sure. I could claim the GST back through the business but decided not to for now. I do believe they require a VIA Vehicle import approval but no one asked me to do this. I then got 3rd party insurance via local insurance company.

I've been told that I need to take it to a vehicle check place to buy 3rd party and have the bike registered but I never did this. I know of a few people who haven't either.

hey Steven,
That sounds wonderfully simple to me, all I've read is horror stories. You wouldn't happen to have contact details for that agent so that I can make enquiries? PM me if you would prefer.
cheers, Ben.

customs agent
 

Hi

Company is Pentagon Freight Services.
They charged me:
GST $743.57 -
based on 10% of carnet value (i didnt have carnet to cover Aus but they used this as value. They did ask me originally for copy of receipt fro when I'd bought it, but this was 5 years before and didnt have copy.Suggest get valuation from bike shop perhaps.
Entry charge - $70
Import entry - $10
Quarantine fee - $139
Agency fee - $200

total of 1184. You get the GST back when you export.
email pentagon@pfslogistics.com.au
www.pentagonfreight.com.au
Tel +61 8 8997 0600

Guys were really helpful and only charged $200, originally quoted 300.

Hope this helps.
Regards
Steven

Thanks Steven, extremely helpful info. I've sent the an email pleading my case. I hope to be importing around Feb/march time, still a bit to go yet! Thanks again and maybe I'll see you in Oz!