The Photography Show is the UK's largest photography trade and consumer event, drawing 30,000 visitors to NEC Birmingham each March. US camera manufacturers, lens brands, and accessory companies exhibit alongside global brands. Since Brexit, the UK has its own customs territory — US companies bringing professional camera equipment, lenses, and studio gear need an ATA Carnet for duty-free entry. NEC Birmingham's direct connection to Birmingham Airport makes this one of the most logistically efficient shows for equipment-heavy exhibitors.
US and other non-UK exhibitors at The Photography Show need an ATA Carnet covering professional equipment and exhibition goods. The UK accepts carnets for all standard ATA categories including camera bodies, lenses, lighting systems, and studio equipment. The carnet is valid for 12 months and covers any UK destination — useful if your team also shoots or exhibits elsewhere in the UK during the same trip.
The Photography Show is held in United Kingdom. Review the specific ATA Carnet requirements, accepted uses, and entry procedures for United Kingdom before you travel.
Full United Kingdom Carnet Guide6 weeks before the show (January)
Begin equipment list. Camera bodies and lenses require serial numbers and accurate USD values. List each body and lens individually — UK Border Force inspects against the general list.
4 weeks before
Submit carnet application. The UK left the EU in 2021 — US companies now need a UK-specific carnet entry just as they would for any non-EU country.
2 weeks before
Receive carnet. For hand-carry camera equipment, keep the carnet in your carry-on. For shipped freight, authorize your UK freight forwarder to present it at BHX or LHR cargo.
Arrival at BHX or LHR
Present carnet to UK Border Force at the airport. Officers stamp importation counterfoil. NEC Birmingham is a 5-minute drive from BHX.
Show days (approximately 4 days)
Keep carnet accessible at your stand. UK Border Force may verify camera equipment at the show.
Departure from UK
Obtain UK Border Force re-exportation stamps before equipment leaves the UK. Essential for carnet discharge.
Within 2 weeks of return
Return completed carnet to EasyCarnet for USCIB or Canadian Chamber discharge.
Birmingham Airport (BHX)
Closest gateway — UK Border Force at BHX processes carnets; NEC Birmingham is a 5-minute drive from the terminal
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Major international gateway with more direct US routes; 1.5 hours by road or rail to NEC Birmingham via M40/M42
NEC Birmingham
The Photography Show venue; directly connected to Birmingham Airport by Skylink monorail — the most airport-adjacent major exhibition centre in Europe
Ready to apply?
Starting at $499 for equipment under $10k. Same-day processing available.
Start ApplicationStarting at $499 for equipment valued under $10k. Same-day processing available for last-minute bookings.