Blair Consular Services specialist ATA Carnet Department 2019

An ATA Carnet is an international Customs document, which facilitates the temporary import of certain goods into the countries which participate in the ATA Carnet scheme.

The document is used to eliminate import taxes or duties, and to simplify Customs procedures by streamlining the export documentation required. All items imported using an ATA Carnet must be re-exported within the validity period of the ATA Carnet, which is usually one year from the date of issue, depending on the country of importation.

Goods which can be covered on an ATA Carnet

The majority of goods which are not consumable or perishable can be covered by an ATA Carnet. Goods which can be covered have been separated into three guidance categories:

Professional Equipment such as camera equipment
Goods for Presentation such as display stands
Commercial Samples such as models, prototypes

What are the benefits of using an ATA Carnet?

Rather than creating various import/export documentation for goods which are being exported on a temporary basis, countries who partake in the Carnet scheme allow the smooth entry and exit of non-perishable goods with the use of an ATA Carnet.

An ATA Carnet can be used multiple times within the validity period, allowing the goods to be moved multiple times without additional cost
Lower costs, due to reduction or removal of import duties or tax
Trips can be made to multiple countries
Importing the goods back to the original exporting country is a simplified process

What does “ATA Carnet” mean?

“ATA” is an acronym of the French and English words “Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission”. Carnets are also regularly referred to as a “Merchandise passport” or a “Passport for goods”.

Who is responsible for the correct implementation of ATA Carnets?

The system was initially started as a Customs enterprise; however it is now managed by the World ATA Carnet Council. In each participating country, a guaranteeing organisation manages the system in its home country. The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry acts as the guaranteeing organisation for the whole of the U.K. The London Chamber of Commerce is based in-house at the Blair Consular Head Office in Ashford, Middlesex, enabling us to liaise directly on behalf of our clients.