What Is a Carnet? A Complete Guide to ATA Carnets for Temporary Exports

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What is an ATA Carnet?

What Is a Carnet? Everything You Need to Know About ATA Carnets

If you’re asking yourself, “what is a carnet”, you’ve come to the right place! An ATA Carnet is an international customs document that provides duty- and tax-free clearance for temporary exports into foreign countries. Often called a “passport for goods,” the ATA Carnet allows exporters to bring goods into over 100 destinations without paying import duties or taxes—and without posting a financial guarantee like a temporary import bond or bank guarantee.

The ATA Carnet simplifies customs clearance in both the U.S. and abroad, reducing costs and expediting shipments. It’s valid for multiple trips over a one-year period and can be used for a wide range of goods—whether hand-carried or shipped via cargo.

What Are the Benefits of an ATA Carnet?

Understanding what a carnet is also means recognizing its value to international businesses. Here are the key advantages:

Reduces Costs to Exporters: ATA Carnets eliminate value-added taxes (VAT), duties and the posting of some form of security normally required at time of importation.
Simplifies Customs Procedures: ATA Carnet is an international harmonized customs document. This means that it is internationally recognized in 100 countries and standardized across all languages. It is one document for all customs transactions.
No Surprises: Most importantly arrangements are made in advance of travel so no unexpected surprises when arriving in the foreign country.
S. Registration: ATA Carnet acts as a U.S. Customs registration form (CBP 4455), when traveling to non-ATA Carnet countries you can use your ATA Carnet in place of the CBP form 4455 to register your goods for duty free re-importation back into the United States.
Unlimited Entries and Departures: ATA Carnets are valid for up to one year and exporters can travel as often as you like to as many ATA Carnet member countries as necessary during that period.
Split and Partial Shipments are Possible: Since you don’t have to take all of the merchandise listed on your General List on each trip, one ATA Carnet can cover the needs of several trips for different purposes.

What Can Go on an ATA Carnet?

The ATA Carnet is used for the temporary exportation of virtually all types of commercial goods, whether for demonstration, exhibition, or professional use. Eligible items typically fall into three categories:

Commercial Samples
Goods imported temporarily to demonstrate and solicit business—for example, medical devices, fashion items, jewelry, or industrial components showcased at a trade show.
Professional Equipment
Tools of the trade such as cameras, broadcasting gear, surgical tools, musical instruments, engineering or surveying equipment, and even race cars or boats used in events abroad.
Exhibitions, Fairs, and Cultural Events
Goods exhibited at trade shows, world fairs, charitable events, or those promoting education, science, arts, or religion.

Important Limitations

While a carnet covers a broad range of merchandise, it’s designed strictly for temporary exports. You cannot include consumable goods like food or promotional handouts, nor personal vehicles intended for road use abroad.

*Remember, however, that an ATA Carnet does NOT take the place of Participating Government Agency (PGA) requirements, licenses and permits. U.S. and foreign Government regulations specific to each respective country must be followed for both the export and imports. For full details on additional Participating Government Agency requirements read the ATA Carnet FAQs.

How to Obtain a Carnet

Once you understand what a carnet is and how it benefits your business, the next step is applying for one. Fortunately, obtaining an ATA Carnet is quick and easy. With pre-travel arrangements, upfront fees, and broad international recognition, it’s one of the most efficient ways to streamline global business travel and trade.

Whether you’re traveling for a trade show, delivering equipment for a temporary job, or showcasing goods abroad, the ATA Carnet is your passport to smoother, duty-free customs clearance.

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