The ATA Carnet, also known as Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission, is an essential international customs document. It facilitates the temporary export of a wide range of goods and equipment to non-EU countries that are parties to the ATA Convention. Categories of goods covered by this document include:
- commercial samples,
- equipment and materials for carrying out professional activities or repairs,
- goods intended for fairs, exhibitions and other similar events.
If the goods are exceptionally sold to a foreign buyer, this transaction shall be formalised by means of a regular invoice. In this case, the holder of the ATA Carnet will be required to pay customs duties in the country of destination.
From the moment the ATA Carnet is accepted by customs within the community of departure, the document accompanies the goods in question throughout its journey, until the end of its intended use. Once the temporary export is concluded, the goods are normally re-imported.
The types of ATA Carnets
The applicant can choose between two different types of ATA Carnet formats, each designed to meet the different needs of companies involved in temporary exports:
- Base ATA Carnet, which allows the export of goods from the European Union up to a maximum of two times. Once the two opportunities have been used up, the Carnet is considered exhausted, regardless of the original expiry date.
- Standard ATA Carnet, which allows up to four export journeys and allows additional sheets to be added at any time. The maximum validity of this format is 12 months. Once it has been used up, the ATA Carnet Standard must be returned to the Chamber of Commerce.
Countries within which the ATA Carnet is accepted
Some of the countries that accept the ATA Carnet include:
- European Union (EU) countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
- European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries: Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein.
- Middle East and North African countries: Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Tunisia, Turkey.
- Countries of Asia: China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Indonesia, Thailand.
- Countries of the Americas: Canada, United States, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile.
- Other countries: Australia, New Zealand, South Africa.
It is important to note that the list of countries that accept the ATA Carnet may change over time. It is advisable to always consult the organisation issuing the ATA Carnet or the official website of the ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) for the most up-to-date list of participating countries.
ATA Carnet, what are the main advantages?
Some of the main advantages of the ATA Carnet are:
- Exemption from Charges: ATA Carnets allow exporters to reduce costs by eliminating both customs duties and value added tax (VAT).
- Ease of Crossing Borders: ATA Carnets greatly simplify transit across borders, reducing the amount of documentation required for customs clearance and optimising crossing times.
- Multiple Use: One ATA Carnet can be used for several journeys and in several countries, provided that the goods listed do not change significantly. This offers more flexibility and convenience for business trips or participation in international events.
Please note that holders of an ATA Carnet are not required to provide guarantees to customs.
If your company is planning to attend a trade fair abroad, intends to send trade samples, or would like more information on using the ATA Carnet, please do not hesitate to contact us!
We are available to provide answers to your needs and, if you wish, to give you a personalised quote.
