World Expo: Getting ready as an exhibitor 

In recent years, World Expo organisers and pavilion hosts have designed immersive exhibition experiences and transported pioneering technology, like flying cars, across borders.  

As the opening in Osaka approaches, preparations for a range of events, trade shows or global fairs in other corners of the world are underway. 

Your guide to securing an ATA Carnet 

If you are planning to temporarily import professional equipment, samples or exhibition materials for similar happenings, here’s everything you need to know to secure your ATA Carnet, your international customs documents for duty- and tax-free temporary import of goods. 

Step 1: Planning and inventory check

Start by making a detailed list of all the items needed for your presence at the World Expo or another global event—display stands, promotional materials, demo equipment and branded merchandise. 

Check these guidelines to know whether your items are eligible for an ATA Carnet. ATA Carnets cover almost everything (except consumables and giveaways) including:  

• goods for use at trade fairs, shows, exhibitions  
• professional equipment  
• commercial samples  
• personal effects and goods for sports purposes 

Step 2: Contacting your national ATA Carnet issuing body  

• Find your national guaranteeing association, short NGA, through a simple online search. NGAs are authorised by your Customs administration and affiliated with the international guarantee chain managed by the International Chamber of Commerce. 
• Get your Carnet application form and a list of requirements from your NGA. 
• Check with your local chamber of commerce if info sessions to clarify the process are available. 

Step 3: Submitting the ATA Carnet application  

• Fill out the application with: 
  • A complete list of goods (with serial numbers, values and descriptions). 
  • Your planned entry and exit dates. 
  • A security (either a deposit, guarantee made by a bank or an insurance company depending on the rules of the issuing body. The security will be discharged upon your return if the temporary admission is regularised correctly). 
• The issuing body processes your request within a few days and delivers your ATA Carnet to you. 

Step 4: Shipping and pre-departure logistics  

• Book a freight forwarder familiar with ATA Carnets to ensure smooth customs clearance. 
• Add the Carnet document to your shipment paperwork and make multiple copies. 
• Check the host country’s customs regulations to ensure compliance and avoid last-minute issues. Your freight forwarder might be able to help. 

Step 5: Using the ATA Carnet at the border 

• Upon arrival, present the Carnet document to local customs officials. 
• They stamp the importation counterfoil and detach the importation voucher, allowing your goods to enter duty-free. 
• After setting up your pavilion or booth, keep the Carnet in a secure place— you will need it again for re-export. 

Step 6: Re-exporting and refund 

• After the event, pack all your items and head to customs before leaving Japan. 
• Present your Carnet to have the exit stamped—this confirms you re-exported everything as required. 
• Once back home, return the Carnet to your issuing body and receive your security deposit refund. 

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In 2024, 204 224 ATA Carnets were issued worldwide, allowing goods worth $32 billion to pass through customs checkpoints – duty free and tax free for up to one year. Its efficiency was highlighted during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, when hundreds of thousands of pieces of equipment were imported for the Games using ATA Carnets.   

As the one and only globally unified customs document, the ATA Carnet is the backbone of global events, trade shows, sports competitions and more, allowing smooth customs clearance of professional equipment without the need for a guarantee, bond, or cash deposit at borders.