ATA Carnet

Definition and purpose

The ATA Carnet (Admission Temporaire / Temporary Admission) is an international customs document that allows goods to be temporarily imported into a foreign country without paying import duties and taxes. It serves as both a customs declaration and a financial guarantee.

Legal framework

The ATA system is based on:

• The Istanbul Convention (1990) on temporary admission
• The ATA Convention (1961)
• The network of chambers of commerce that issue and guarantee carnets (under the International Chamber of Commerce — ICC, via the World Chambers Federation)

Common uses

The ATA Carnet primarily covers:

• Commercial samples presented to potential customers
• Professional equipment (tools, audiovisual equipment, measuring instruments)
• Goods for fairs and exhibitions
• Educational and scientific material

Practical details

• The carnet is issued by the chamber of commerce of the country of origin
• Maximum validity of one year from the date of issue
• Goods must be re-exported in their original state within the prescribed period
• A security deposit (typically 30-50% of the goods' value) is required upon issuance
• If goods are not re-exported, the issuing chamber is liable to pay duties and taxes to the importing country