Carnet de Passage en Douanes (CPD)

The Carnet de Passage en Douanes - also known as a CPD - is an international customs document that is used like a passport for vehicles, which allows them to be temporarily imported into countries without having to pay duties or taxes.

Read our driving in Europe guide to learn more.

What is a CPD? And when will you need one?

The CPD is used for vehicles that are traveling abroad temporarily and allows the vehicle to enter a foreign country for a limited time without the need for customs duties or taxes.

The document is recognised in over 80 countries and territories worldwide, mainly in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.

In most cases it is valid between six months to a year, although extensions may be possible depending on the country's regulations.

A CPD often requires a financial guarantee in the form of a deposit or bond to ensure the vehicle leaves the country within the designated time. The amount varies depending on the country and the value of the vehicle.

RAC and Carnet de Passage en Douanes (CPD)

In 2015, the RAC took the difficult decision to stop running its international vehicle passport ‘Carnet de Passage en Douanes’ service which enabled vehicles to be temporarily ‘imported’ into a country avoiding local duties and taxes.

The RAC was previously the only organisation in the UK sanctioned by the FIA – Federation Internationale de l’Automobile – to issue Carnet de Passage en Douanes international customs documents.

The RAC’s decision to close the service has been brought about by a dramatic fall in the number of carnets issued in recent few years making the service unviable to run.

We would like to thank the many customers who have purchased carnets for their vehicles from us over the years and wish them continued good luck in their future travels.

Questions & Answers

Who governs the issuing of Carnet de Passage en Douanes?

The Alliance Internationale de Tourisme, founded in 1898, and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile 1904  are the two international non-governmental organisations that control the carnet process on behalf of more than 220 affiliated motoring clubs and associations in some 130 countries around the world.

The AIT provides material support to the FIA and manages the international AIT /FIA customs document network with the aim of facilitating international travel and touring.

A comprehensive multi-lateral guarantee agreement forms the legal and contractual link between the members of the AIT/FIA network. This agreement sets down the responsibilities and obligations of the guaranteeing and issuing members.

The guarantee agreement also includes specific instructions regarding application forms for carnets, how to complete the carnets, their use and correct discharge and how to proceed in case of loss, theft, or non-discharge of a carnet (on leaving a country the carnet document needs to be stamped to provide the necessary proof of re-exportation).

Why was the RAC the only motoring organisation in the UK that was able to issue Carnet de Passage en Douane?

The RAC issued carnets for more than 30 years and was the only issuer of carnets following the withdrawal of the other issuing club a number of years ago.

Where do I go for carnet information and sales now?

A Carnet de Passage en Douane section has been introduced on the FIA public website. The FIA website is a fundamental platform to ensure a wider visibility of the carnet at an international level.