Bradford firms are being given a helping hand by the extension of a scheme run by the district's Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber is extending the range of vouchers issued for temporary exports called carnets - the French for booklets of vouchers.

The system allows bosses travelling abroad to take equipment with them by placing a deposit with their Chamber of Commerce instead of being held up by having to pay import duty and local taxes while out of the country.

When the goods are returned to the UK, the deposit can be reclaimed. The system was set up as part of a series of trade agreements starting in 1952 which covered 56 countries.

Now new members have joined including China, Macedonia, Morocco, Tunisia and Andorra.

Equipment is not the only thing involved in the temporary export procedure. Tim Bailey, documentation manager at the Chamber, said today: "Carnets were issued to the Grimethorpe Colliery Band when they attended overseas premieres of the film Brassed Off.

"One of the more unusual carnet requests was for a horse called Duke which took part in a carriage driving competition in the USA last year."

The documentation office which Mr Bailey runs is based at the Chamber's headquarters in Phoenix House, Bradford.

He added: "Carnets provide an excellent way of reducing the cost of doing business internationally."

For further information contact Mr Bailey on 01274 772777.

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