Carnet

A Carnet or ATA Carnet (pronounced kar-nay) is an international customs and temporary export-import document. It is used to clear customs in 87 countries and territories without paying duties and import taxes on merchandise that will be re-exported within 12 months*.  Carnets are also known as Merchandise Passports or Passports for Goods. ATA Carnets also serve as the U.S. Certificate of Registration of goods (CBP 4455) upon re-importation. There are two types of carnets issued: ATA and TECRO/AIT. TECRO/AIT carnets are used for temporary imports in Taiwan which only accepts the TECRO/AIT carnet.  ATA Carnets are used for the 87 other countries and territories that are members of the carnet system. Most merchandise can be listed on a Carnet. Virtually all types of goods and equipment can be transported under the ATA Carnet:
  • Commercial Samples
  • Professional Equipment (Tools of the Trade)
  • Goods for Fairs & Exhibitions (limited to 6 months)
  Consumable items such as agricultural products (food, seeds, fertilizer, pesticides), explosives, disposables and postal traffic cannot travel under an ATA Carnet. A carnet is valid for up to 1 year from its issue date except for Exhibitions and Fairs which is valid for 6 months from date of issue.* Known exceptions to these validity periods are:
  • Korea
  • Malaysia
  • Mexico
  • Singapore
A U.S. or foreign customs official always has the right to limit the validity period on a carnet upon inspection although to do so is highly unusual. The carnet can be used multiple times and in multiple countries during the period of validity. Split shipments are allowed however items cannot be added to the General List once the carnet is issued. Note: Mexico, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates DO NOT ALLOW split shipments.

Disclaimer
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