Brazil operates ATA Carnet system ahead of Olympics

Following the ICC Governing Bodies’ meetings in Sao Paulo last month, the Confederation of National Industry (CNI) and Brazilian Customs (RFB) signed an agreement by which CNI was appointed as the national guaranteeing and issuing associations of ATA Carnets in the country. This makes CNI the 75th organization to join the ICC World Chambers Federation (WCF) international guarantee chain. Officially entering into force on 28 June 2016, Brazil is the third Latin American country, after Chile and Mexico, to utilize the ATA Carnet system.

Cindy Duncan Chair of the ICC WCF World ATA Carnet Council (WATAC) said: “This is a major achievement for Brazil that will allow the country to reposition itself as a stronger player in the global economic arena and reduce trade barriers. It comes just in time for the 2016 Summer Olympics and shows the country’s commitment to promoting economic growth and openness.”

This is a major achievement for Brazil that will allow the country to reposition itself as a stronger player in the global economic arena and reduce trade barriers.

Highly awaited by the ATA network, the adoption of the ATA Carnet system has been in the works for several years. In an effort to be fully prepared, RFB and CNI held a five-day training in August 2015 conducted by Portuguese Customs, the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and the United States Commercial Attache in Brazil. The intensive programme provided guidance on temporary admission in the framework of the Istanbul Convention, as well as an in-depth approach to the ATA system.

Also known as “merchandise passports,” Carnets are internationally recognized customs documents that are important for businesses engaged in international commerce. They are issued for all kinds of goods, including professional equipment, commercial samples as well as goods for exhibitions and fairs and are valid for one year. The system is overseen by ICC WCF and the World Customs Organization (WCO).