ATA Carnet is an international customs document that allows a shipper to import goods without paying import duties and taxes. It’s used when goods are imported temporarily, like for retail sampling or an event.

How do you get an ATA Carnet?

Sometimes called a “Merchandise Passport”, an ATA Carnet is regulated by two organisations: the World Customs Organisation and the International Chamber of Commerce’s World Chambers Federation.

This system is accepted by 80 countries, with new ones being added to the list all the time.

The document allows retailers to show their products in foreign markets and promote international trade.

Typically, an ATA Carnet is valid for up to one year. For exhibition items the ATA Carnet is valid for six months.

Advantages of ATA Carnet

The advantages of ATA Carnet are:

• No import duties and taxes
• Simpler customs procedures as just one document is needed for customs transactions
• Unlimited imports/exports.

Merchandise covered by ATA Carnet

ATA Carnet covers the following merchandise:

• Commercial samples;
• Professional equipment;
• Goods for exhibitions.