Carnets

We can assist you with organising your Carnet by supplying you with a document containing weight, measurements, country of origin and value. No charge is made for this service however you must give us 48 hours notice and the job must be confirmed.

For further information about Carnets please download: ATA and CPD Carnets pdf.

What is an ATA Carnet?

The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that permits duty-free and tax-free temporary import of goods for up to one year. The initials “ATA” are an acronym of the French and English words “Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission.”

ATA Carnets cover:

  • commercial samples;
  • professional equipment;
  • goods for presentation or use at trade fairs, shows, exhibitions and the like.

That means almost anything: computers, repair tools, photographic and film equipment, musical instruments, industrial machinery, vehicles, jewellery, clothing, medical appliances and aircraft, race horses, old masters, prehistoric relics, ballet costumes and rock group sound systems are just some of the items that can cross borders duty-free and tax-free, thanks to ATA Carnets.

Note: ATA Carnets do NOT cover perishable or consumable items or goods for processing or repair.

What the Carnet can do?

Armed with their ATA Carnet, sales reps, exhibitors and other business travellers can:

  • make advance customs arrangements at predetermined cost
  • visit more than one country
  • use their ATA Carnet for several trips during its one-year validity
  • return to their home country with their goods and without problems or delays

How the system is organized?

The ATA Carnet system is a perfect illustration of how close cooperation between business and customs can facilitate and stimulate international trade.

Each country in the system has a single guaranteeing body approved by the national customs authorities and the ICC World Chambers Federation(Until June 2001, the International Bureau of Chambers of Commerce).

The national guaranteeing association is entitled to issue Carnets and to authorize local chambers on the national territory to deliver them on its behalf. In major trading nations, dozens of local chambers have that authority.

The ATA international guarantee chain provides reciprocal guarantees assuring customs administrations that duties and taxes due in case of misuse will be paid.

The World Customs Organization (WCO) administers the international customs conventions under which the ATA Carnet system operates.

Within the ICC World Chambers Federation, the World ATA Carnet Council(WATAC) runs the ATA system and its international guarantee chain. The Council is made up of representatives from all 58 countries and territories where Carnets are issued and accepted.

The Council has set up regional task forces to promote the ATA Carnet in Africa, Asia and Pacific, Latin America, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

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