ATA Carnet

Speed through Customs with a unified document and temporary relief from import duty

Every year, approximately 190,000 ATA Carnets are issued worldwide covering goods valued at US$ 26 billion. 

What is an ATA Carnet?

Icc Ata Carnet

The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that permits duty-free and tax-free temporary import of goods for up to one year.

It contains pre-prepared unified customs declaration forms to be used at each customs border offices and serves as a guarantee to customs duties and taxes.

The initials “ATA” are an acronym of the French and English words “Admission Temporaire/ Temporary Admission”.

What are the benefits and advantages of ATA Carnet?

Established under the ATA Convention and the Istanbul Convention as a trade facilitation tool, ATA Carnets cut red tape by simplifying and unifying customs border crossing regulations for temporary import and export.

With the ATA Carnet, exhibitors, salespeople, artists, athletes, TV crews, technicians, event participants and business travellers may:

  • travel through customs without paying import duties, taxes at each customs border office
  • use one unified document for all declarations at home and abroad
  • use one document for multiple destinations and trips throughout its one-year validity
  • make advanced customs arrangements at predetermined costs

ATA Carnets cover almost everything, as defined in 11 annexes to the Istanbul Convention. ATA Carnets are mainly issued to cover:

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

Customs authorities accept ATA Carnets in accordance with the scope of application that they ratified. The goods must not go through any changes while situated in the country of temporary importation. ATA Carnets do not cover perishable or consumable items, goods for processing or repair, or certain means of transportation defined under Annex C of the Istanbul Convention.

ATA Carnets are widely welcomed by countries wishing to boost international cooperation and take full advantage of the global economy. ATA Carnets are accepted in approximately 80 countries/customs territories. The full list is available here ATA Carnet in your country.

ATA Carnet

ATA carnet at work

The ATA Carnet system is a prime example of how close cooperation between business and customs can facilitate and stimulate international trade.

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ATA Carnet

ATA carnet in your country

ATA Carnet system is currently implemented in approximately 80 countries/customs territories. ATA Carnets are issued at national level, to contact the guaranteeing association in your country/customs territory, please consult the following directory.

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eATA Carnet Project

An ongoing initiative led by ICC, in cooperation with the World Customs Organization, paving the way for the digital future of trade with electronic ATA Carnets.

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