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ATA Carnet

Duty-Free Customs Clearance

What is an ATA Carnet?

An international customs document, the Merchandise Passport that facilitates temporary imports into foreign countries. (The ATA Carnet only covers goods returning to the US within 12 months.)

What are its benefits?

Reduces costs to the exporter. Eliminates value-added taxes (VAT), duties, and the posting of security normally required at the time of importation.

Simplifies customs procedures. Allows exporters to use a single document for all customs transactions, make arrangements for many countries in advance, and do so at a predetermined cost.

Facilitates reentry to the US. Eliminates the need to register goods with US Customs at the time of departure.

What merchandise is covered by the ATA Carnet?

Virtually all goods, including commercial samples, professional equipment, and items for tradeshows and exhibitions, including display booths. Ordinary goods such as computers, repair tools, photography and sound equipment, industrial machinery, vehicles, jewelry, wearing apparel, and diagnostic equipment. Extraordinary items, e.g., human skulls, Olympic horses, rare gems and jewels, Philharmonic orchestras, and vintage race cars.

For how long is an ATA Carnet valid?

Typically up to one year. It may be used for unlimited exits from the US and entries into foreign countries.

How long does it take to get an ATA Carnet?

Processing time for paper applications is five working days. Application software, ATACAS, provides next-day service. Expedited service is available for an extra charge.

Where may an ATA Carnet be used?

In over 50 nations:
Algeria, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Korea, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, United Kingdom
(This is a partial list. Call Carnet HQ for a complete list.)

History & Application

What are the origins of the ATA Carnet system?

To encourage world trade by reducing the obstacles caused by varying national customs regulations, the Customs Co-operation Council, now the World Customs Organization (WCO), adopted in December 1961, the Customs Convention on the ATA Carnet for the Temporary Admission of Goods. The initials ATA are an acronym of the French and English words admission temporaire/temporary admission.

Carnets are issued and guaranteed by nationals groups, which manage the ATA system under a set of conditions established by the International Bureau of Chambers of Commerce (IBCC), a division of the International Chambers of Commerce (ICC) in Paris.

The US Council for International Business was appointed by the Treasury Departments in 1968 to operate the ATA Carnet system in the United States. The Council issues over 13,000 Carnets a year covering goods valued at over one and one-half billion dollars.

How long does it take to get an ATA Carnet?

Processing time for paper applications is five working days. Application software, ATACAS, provides next-day service. Expedited service is available for an extra charge.

How do I apply for an ATA Carnet?

Contact Carnet Headquarters or dial the Carnet Application Hotline, 1-800-5-DUTYFREE.

The United States Council for International Business

• Advancing the global interest of American companies doing business internationally
• Administering the ATA Carnet system
• US affiliate of the
  • International Chamber of Commerce
  • Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD
  • International Organization of Employers

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