Ukraine joins ATA Carnet system

The ATA Carnet system illustrates how close cooperation between business and customs can smooth – and ultimately increase – global trade.

ATA Carnets reduce costs to exporters and simplify customs procedures, by allowing duty- and tax-free temporary imports of a variety of goods for business use for up to one year. The system also permits exporters to use one document for all customs transactions in foreign countries.

These “passports for goods” provide a practical support service for traders, exhibitors, sales professionals and other international business travelers. In 2006, around 160 000 ATA Carnets were issued worldwide for goods valued at almost US$ 15 billion.

Meetings and workshops took place in Kiev for all stakeholders last May in preparation for introducing ATA Carnets in Ukraine, led by Peter Bishop, Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce/WCF World ATA Carnet Council (WATAC) and Deputy Chief Executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Antonin Kerner, Senior Director of the Trade Promotion Division at the Czech Chamber of Commerce.

“Ukraine’s membership provides wins all round,” said Peter Bishop. “The country’s untapped potential for fashion shoots and film production is now likely to be realized.”

“Looking ahead, Ukraine’s participation in the ATA Carnet scheme will ease the country’s co-hosting of the 2012 European Football Championships,” he added.

Ukraine’s accession to the ATA Carnet system comes at a time when the World Trade Organization is about to approve the country’s bid for membership, after 14 years of negotiations. Ukraine is the second largest market among the former countries of the Soviet Union.