Keeping the Games moving with ATA Carnets

The ATA Carnet is a customs document that streamlines the customs process by unifying declaration forms and predetermining costs. Its efficiency was highlighted during the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, when over 118,000 pieces of equipment valued at US$ 94 million were imported using ATA Carnets. 

Now, as thousands of athletes, media representatives, exhibitors and others prepare their journeys to France for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the ATA Carnet is enabling the duty- and tax-free temporary import of a wide range of equipment and items to keep trade and the 2024 games moving. 

Covering almost any type of items – from sports gear for athletes, to professional equipment for broadcasters – the ATA Carnet works like a passport for goods, allowing smooth customs clearance without the need for a guarantee, bond, or cash deposit at borders. Applications for ATA Carnets are lodged in the export country, with a directory available on the ICC website. 

The global ATA Carnet mechanism is managed by the ICC World Chambers Federation in partnership with the World Customs Organization (WCO), ensuring smooth operations and expanding the ATA Carnet’s reach globally. ATA Carnets are currently available in over 80 countries with the Philippines set to become the 81st member of the guaranteeing chain in July this year.  

The ATA Carnet continues to be a trade tool frontrunner, with a global transition underway to digitise the ATA Carnet process. In February this year, a pair of designer microphones were flown from New York to London for a live events awards ceremony using the very first US eATA Carnet. Now, as an indispensable tool for the 2024 Olympics, the ATA Carnet is enabling efficient and cost-effective customs clearance, leaving participants worry free and focused on going for gold! 

From Team ICC, we’re wishing everyone, everywhere a peaceful and successful Olympics 2024.