ATA Carnet

An ATA Carnet is a passport for merchandise. The Carnet enables your shipment to travel duty free into nearly 75 countries around the world.

It is used for temporary duty free customs clearance for commercial samples (CS), professional equipment (PE) and goods for exhibitions and fairs (EF).

Using a Carnet...

• Eliminates value-added taxes (VAT), duties and the posting of security normally required at the time of importation.
• Simplifies customs procedures and allows a temporary exporter to use a simple document for all customs transactions, make arrangements in advance and do so at a predetermined cost.
• Facilitates the shipments reentry into the U.S. by eliminating the need to register the goods with U.S. Customs at the time of departure.

Using a Carnet does not...

• Release an exporter of the obligation to comply with U.S. Government export controls. Some articles require an export license. An export license is a legal authorization for U.S. companies to export commodities that are controlled by U.S. regulations.
• Eliminate the need for a Shipper's Export Declaration. It is the exporter's responsibility to determine if a SED, U.S. Commerce Form 7525V, must be completed prior to departure.

To determine if you need an export license or Shipper's Export Declaration consult the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Administration, telephone 202-482-4811 or 949-660-0144.

The standard processing time for paper and faxed applications is five working days from the time the Carnet Service Bureau (CSB) receives the application. Expedited service is available.

For the Carnet and Carnet Bond applications as well as detailed instructions on completing the forms visit http://www.1800carnets.com/apply/paper.html