Have you ever faced high duties and taxes when taking goods across borders temporarily? Many businesses struggle with extra costs and paperwork when transporting equipment, samples, or exhibition materials internationally. The ATA Carnet solves this problem by allowing duty-free and tax-free temporary movement of goods, making international logistics faster and simpler.
Understanding how a carnet works is crucial for exporters, trade show participants, and professionals who regularly ship equipment abroad. In this blog, you will learn what a carnet is, who needs it, how to apply, its benefits, and the countries that accept it.
By mastering the carnet process, you can save time, reduce costs, and streamline your temporary exports. Let’s jump in!
Table of Contents
What is a Carnet, specifically an ATA Carnet?
An ATA Carnet, often called a “passport for goods,” is an international customs document that allows businesses and individuals to move goods temporarily across borders without paying duties or taxes. It works under a global guarantee system — if the goods are not re-exported within the allowed period, then duties and taxes become payable.
This system is accepted in many countries, making it easier to carry professional equipment, samples, or goods for trade shows without delays at customs. Instead of filling out multiple forms or paying fees at each border, one Carnet covers all participating destinations.
For companies, artists, or professionals traveling with equipment, the ATA Carnet saves time, reduces paperwork, and ensures smoother cross-border movement. Whether you are sending tools, instruments, or promotional material, it keeps the process predictable and avoids unexpected costs.
What does an ATA Carnet allow you to do?
- Duty-free temporary export
A carnet lets businesses or individuals send goods abroad without paying customs duties or import taxes, as long as the items are re-exported within the allowed time. - Single document for multiple trips
Instead of filing new customs papers every time, the same carnet works for several countries and multiple entries or exits, making cross-border movement faster. - Fewer customs delays
Since customs officers recognize the carnet internationally, shipments clear more smoothly and avoid repeated inspections that usually slow down the process. - Simplified paperwork
With one standardized document, exporters don’t need to prepare separate forms for each destination, cutting down on confusion and reducing errors in customs handling.
Who is required to use an ATA Carnet?
- Sales professionals
A carnet is useful for sales professionals who need to carry product samples across borders for client meetings or business demonstrations. It helps them travel smoothly without facing customs issues or paying duties on goods meant only for display. - Exhibitors
Exhibitors attending trade fairs or international shows require a carnet to move booths, equipment, or sample products. This ensures quick entry and exit at customs, saving time during busy event schedules. - Film crews and photographers
Film crews and professional photographers often travel with cameras, sound systems, lighting, and props. A carnet makes it easier to transport this gear internationally for shoots without unnecessary delays. - Musicians and performing artists
Musicians and performers carrying instruments, sound systems, or stage equipment for concerts and tours need a carnet. It avoids extra paperwork and ensures their equipment moves hassle-free across countries. - Sports teams
Sports teams frequently travel with large sets of sporting equipment. A carnet helps them transport these items for competitions or training abroad without paying temporary import taxes.
What are the different types of Carnets available?
- ATA Carnet
An ATA Carnet is the most recognized type, designed for the temporary movement of goods across international borders. It is commonly used for items like professional equipment, commercial samples, and products displayed at trade fairs or exhibitions. This document acts as a single customs clearance tool, making it easier for businesses and individuals to carry goods without paying duties or taxes during their temporary stay abroad. - TECRO/AIT Carnet
The TECRO/AIT Carnet applies specifically to the movement of goods between the United States and Taiwan. It works in a similar way to the ATA Carnet by allowing temporary imports without duties or taxes, but it exists as a separate agreement due to Taiwan’s distinct political status. This type of carnet ensures smoother cross-border travel for goods used in business activities, events, and exhibitions between the two regions.
What are the benefits of using a Carnet or an ATA Carnet?
- Cost savings
Using a carnet helps avoid paying high import duties and taxes on temporary imports. While there is a fee and a security deposit, these are usually far lower than the charges that would apply without it. - Simplified customs process
A single carnet replaces the need for multiple customs documents. This makes clearance faster and reduces the chance of paperwork errors across different countries. - Time efficiency
With fewer forms and easier approvals, delays at border points are minimized. This helps businesses and travelers move goods across countries without unnecessary waiting. - Budget predictability
Carnet costs such as processing fees and security bonds are fixed and known in advance. This makes it easier to plan travel budgets without unexpected customs expenses. - Convenience for multiple trips
A carnet remains valid for up to one year and can be used for multiple entries and exits. It also allows partial and split shipments, so one carnet can cover several trips with different goods and purposes.
What types of goods are covered under a Carnet?
- Commercial Samples
Goods like prototypes, models, or creative works that are shown to potential buyers or partners abroad come under this category. These items are only for display or demonstration and cannot be sold in the foreign market. - Professional Equipment
Tools and gear used by professionals in different industries are also allowed. This includes media equipment such as cameras and sound systems, instruments for musicians, scientific or medical devices, and equipment needed for engineering, construction, or cultural projects. - Exhibition and Fair Goods
Items used for trade shows, exhibitions, or cultural events are covered under carnet. This may include display stands, promotional materials, demonstration units, or equipment needed to run the stall or performance, provided they are not meant for sale.
Which goods are not covered under a Carnet?
- Perishable items
Fresh food, drinks, flowers, and agricultural products are not allowed under a carnet. Since these items are meant to be consumed or distributed abroad, they don’t qualify for temporary import. - Goods sent for processing or repair
If an item is being shipped overseas to be altered, manufactured, or repaired, it cannot be moved using a carnet. The system only applies to goods that remain unchanged during their stay abroad. - Products meant for sale or hire
Carnets are strictly for temporary imports. Items intended to be sold, rented, or hired in another country are not eligible, as they do not meet the requirement of being re-exported in the same condition.
How does an ATA Carnet work for temporary imports and exports?
A carnet functions like a passport for goods, letting items move temporarily across international borders without paying duties or taxes. Once issued by an authorized agency, it is presented to customs in the departure country, where officials verify and stamp the document to record the export.
At each foreign destination, the same carnet is shown to customs for entry and exit, streamlining clearance without needing separate import or export paperwork. When returning home, the goods and carnet are presented again for re-entry clearance.
Carnets are typically valid for up to one year and can be used for multiple trips to different countries during that period. Proper use of a carnet reduces customs delays, saves on fees, and simplifies cross-border logistics. Misuse, such as failing to re-export the goods on time, can result in penalties and duty payments.
What documents are required to obtain an ATA Carnet?
- Application and Undertaking Form
You must submit a completed application with details about yourself, the intended use of the goods, the countries you plan to visit, and travel dates. This form acts as the official request for the carnet. - Detailed Inventory or Invoice
A full list of all items covered by the carnet is required. Include descriptions, quantities, serial numbers (if applicable), weight, value (usually retail), and country of origin for each item. Accurate details help customs process your goods smoothly. - Payment of Fees
Carnet processing fees must be paid when applying. Fees depend on the total value of goods and the number of countries you will visit. Payment ensures the carnet is issued and recognized internationally. - Security or Guarantee
A security deposit or surety bond is required to guarantee the temporary duty-free status of the goods. This can be cash, certified check, or an authorized bond depending on the issuing authority. It protects customs in case rules are not followed.
How can you apply for a Carnet?
- Identify Your National Guaranteeing Association (NGA)
Start by finding the authorized issuing body in your country that handles ATA Carnets. This organization manages applications, fees, and guarantees for temporary duty-free shipments. - Complete the Application Form
Fill out the carnet application form with accurate personal and company details, travel plans, and intended use of the goods. Ensure all information matches your detailed list of items for customs purposes. - Prepare a Detailed Inventory or Proforma Invoice
List all items to be included in the carnet with descriptions, quantities, weights, serial numbers, values, and countries of origin. Include exporter and consignee details along with the intended destination countries. - Provide Payment and Security
Include the applicable processing fees and required security deposit or surety bond. These payments ensure the carnet is valid and recognized internationally. - Submit Required Documents
Attach all supporting documents such as the signed undertaking, proof of fee payment, security deposit, and authorization letters if an agent is applying on your behalf. Accurate documents prevent delays at customs. - Submit Application to NGA
Send the completed application, along with all fees and documents, to your National Guaranteeing Association. Once approved, the carnet will be issued and ready for use at international borders.
What is the standard format of a Carnet?
- Green Covers
The carnet has front and back green covers displaying critical details like the carnet number, holder’s name, issuing association, validity period, intended use, and the overall list of goods. The front cover serves as the official summary recognized by customs. - Counterfoils
Counterfoils are stubs left inside the carnet after customs remove vouchers. They act as the holder’s record of customs actions, such as exports, imports, and transits. Each counterfoil is color-coded to match its corresponding voucher for easy tracking. - Vouchers
Vouchers are detachable pages submitted to customs at each stage of transport. Yellow vouchers track export and re-import to the home country, white vouchers cover import and re-export in foreign countries, and blue vouchers handle customs transit when goods pass through a member country without temporary import clearance.
What is the difference between an ATA Carnet and a Temporary Importation Bond (TIB)?
| Feature | ATA Carnet | Temporary Importation Bond (TIB) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Valid for multiple countries and multiple trips within one year. | Valid for a single country and a single entry. |
| Document | Uses a single, standardized international document recognized worldwide. | Requires country-specific customs forms and a bond, such as CBP Form 7501 in the US. |
| Process | Simplified, internationally recognized procedure for smooth customs clearance. | Standard customs entry and clearance process, more formal and country-specific. |
| Cost | Involves an issuing fee and security bond, typically a fraction of the goods’ value. | Includes bond premiums and broker fees, which can be higher depending on the shipment. |
| Use Case | Best for frequent travelers, multi-country trips, trade shows, and exhibitions. | Suitable for one-off imports into a single country, such as for repair, testing, or temporary display. |
| Flexibility | High – allows multiple entries and exits across member countries easily. | Low – restricted to a single specific import into the designated country. |
Conclusion
The ATA Carnet makes moving goods temporarily across borders simple and cost-effective. Acting like a passport for commercial samples, professional equipment, and exhibition materials, it removes the need to pay duties or taxes while cutting down on paperwork.
Using a carnet helps businesses save money, avoid delays, and ensure smooth customs clearance across multiple countries. Knowing how to apply for a carnet and which goods qualify allows exporters and professionals to plan international shipments with confidence.
For anyone handling temporary exports, understanding and using an ATA Carnet can streamline operations, reduce administrative hurdles, and make international logistics more predictable and efficient.
