ATA Carnet

An ATA Carnet (pronounced “car-nay”) is an international customs document that functions as a passport for goods. It allows temporary duty-free and tax-free import of items like trade show equipment, professional tools, and commercial samples for up to one year.

What ATA Means

ATA combines:

• Admission Temporaire (French)
• Temporary Admission (English)

Both mean “temporary admission.”

What Carnets Are For

Approved Uses

• Trade show exhibits and samples
• Professional equipment
• Goods for demonstration
• Sports equipment for competition
• Theatrical and musical equipment
• Scientific instruments

NOT Approved For

• Items for sale or disposal
• Consumable goods
• Items to be processed
• Permanent imports
• Prohibited items

How Carnets Work

Basic Process

1. Apply for carnet in home country
2. Goods listed in carnet document
3. Customs stamps carnet at each border
4. Goods return to home country
5. Carnet closed out

Document Flow

Export from USA:
├─ US Customs stamps (exit)
│
Import to Germany:
├─ German Customs stamps (entry)
│
Export from Germany:
├─ German Customs stamps (exit)
│
Return to USA:
└─ US Customs stamps (re-entry)

Carnet Coverage

Member Countries

87+ countries including:

• United States
• European Union (all members)
• United Kingdom
• Canada
• Japan
• Australia
• China
• Many more

Validity

• Up to 12 months from issue
• Multiple trips allowed
• Multiple countries in one trip
• Cannot be extended

Getting a Carnet

In the United States

• Issued by U.S. Council for International Business (USCIB)
• Or authorized carnet service companies
• Apply with goods list and values
• Pay fee and security

Application Requirements

• Detailed list of goods
• Value of each item
• Purpose of travel
• Countries to visit
• Company information

Processing Time

• Standard: 5-7 business days
• Rush: 24-48 hours (additional fee)
• Same-day possible (premium fee)

Carnet Costs

Fee Components

Typical Costs (US)

Goods value: $50,000

Processing fee: $250-$400
Security deposit: 40% of value = $20,000
  OR
Bond premium: 1-2% of security = $200-$400

Total without bond: ~$20,400
Total with bond: ~$450-$800

Using Your Carnet

At Each Border

When entering a country:

1. Present carnet to customs
2. Declare goods match list
3. Customs stamps entry voucher
4. Detaches voucher

When exiting:

1. Present carnet to customs
2. Confirm goods are leaving
3. Customs stamps exit voucher
4. Detaches voucher

Important Rules

• ALWAYS get stamps (entry AND exit)
• Items must match list exactly
• Cannot sell or leave items behind
• Return on time

Carnet Problems

Common Issues

If You Miss a Stamp

1. Contact carnet issuer immediately
2. Gather proof of export (receipts, travel records)
3. File regularization request
4. May take months to resolve
5. Duties may still be claimed

Carnet Alternatives

When Carnet Isn’t Best

Temporary Import Bond

• Arranged per country
• Requires local broker
• More paperwork
• But works in non-carnet countries

Carnet Best Practices

Before Travel

1. Verify all countries are members
2. List every item accurately
3. Include photos
4. Get carnet well in advance
5. Understand the rules

During Travel

1. Always have carnet with goods
2. Get EVERY stamp (entry and exit)
3. Keep vouchers organized
4. Photograph stamps
5. Don’t modify goods list

After Travel

1. Close carnet properly
2. Return to issuer on time
3. Keep records for 3 years
4. Address any missing stamps
5. Get security deposit back