ATA Carnet
Use of ATA Carnet approved for FIFA World Cup broadcast equipment
Customs authorities in Qatar have approved the use of ATA Carnet, an international customs document that permits duty-free and tax-free temporary import of goods, for professional products such as broadcasting equipment on an exceptional basis during the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup.
While Qatar implemented the ATA regime in 2018 with an initial application limited to goods displayed or used at exhibitions and trade fairs, professional equipment such as broadcasting equipment was originally unable to be imported into Qatar under the cover of ATA Carnets for temporary admission.
Considering the need of the media industry during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and in an effort driven by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) played a key role negotiating with the Qatari customs authorities resulting in agreement/measures to expand the ATA scope to include professional equipment on an exceptional basis during the competition – from October till the end of December 2022.
The final date of re-exportation will be stipulated by Qatari customs officials at the time of entry, taking into consideration the time needed to import and re-export from Qatar.
Ruedi Bolliger, Chair of the ICC World ATA Carnet Council (WATAC): “On behalf of all members of the World ATA Carnet Council, I would like to express our gratitude and appreciation for the tremendous contribution made by the Qatar chamber in enabling broadcasters from all member countries to have the necessary equipment moved in and out of Qatar using ATA carnets, the most convenient customs formality for temporary admission.”
Established under the ATA Convention and the Istanbul Convention as a trade facilitation tool, ATA is a system allowing the free movement of goods across frontiers and their temporary admission into a customs territory with relief from duties and taxes. The goods are covered by a single document known as the ATA Carnet that is secured by an international guarantee chain administered by ICC’s World Chambers Federation.
More than 118,000 pieces of equipment were recently imported temporarily into China for 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics thanks to the use of ATA carnets.
