ATA Carnet Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
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What is a Carnet (or an ATA Carnet)?
An ATA Carnet is an international customs document often called The Merchandise Passport for Boomerang FreightSM. Carnets facilitate temporary imports into foreign countries. By presenting an ATA Carnet to foreign customs, you pass import duty free and import tax free into a carnet country for up to one year. ATA Carnets also serve as the registration of goods in the US upon re-importation.
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What are the Origins of the ATA Carnet System?
In December 1961, to encourage world trade, the Customs Co-Operation Council now known as the World Customs Organization (WCO) adopted , the "Customs Convention on the ATA Carnet for the Temporary Admission of Goods." The purposes was to reduce the obstacles caused by varying national customs regulations. The initials "ATA" are an acronym of the French and English words "Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission."
Carnets are issued and guaranteed by national groups, which administer the ATA system under a set of conditions established by the International Bureau of Chambers of Commerce (IBCC). The IBCC is sponsored by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris.
The U.S. Council for International Business was appointed by the Treasury Department in 1968 to manage the ATA Carnet system in the United States. Typically, the U.S. Council issues over 10,000 Carnets a year covering goods valued at over one billion dollars.
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What are the Advantages of Using an ATA Carnet?
When using the international customs document, The Merchandise Passport, it:
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What Merchandise Is Covered by an ATA Carnet?
Virtually all goods, personal and professional, including commercial samples and professional equipment, and goods intended for use at tradeshows and exhibitions. Whether you are a tour manager for the music industry, an international sales manager, a chief financial officer of a Fortune 1000 company, a photographer or a small business owner traveling with temporary exports, an ATA Carnet can make the journey easier and help control costs.
Ordinary goods such as computers, tools, cameras and video equipment, industrial machinery, musical instruments
automobiles, gems and jewelry, and wearing apparel are all acceptable merchandise.
Extraordinary items, for example, Van Gogh’s Self-portrait, Ringling Brothers Tigers, Cessna Jets, Paul McCartney’s Band, World Cup-class yachts, satellites, and the New York Philharmonic are also acceptable.
Carnets do not cover: consumable goods (food and agricultural products), disposable items, or postal traffic.
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Where Can an ATA Carnet Be Used?
In 70 countries and many territories around the world.
See complete list of countries and territories.
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How Much Does an ATA Carnet Cost?
Basic processing fees are determined by the value of the shipment. Basic processing fees range from $200 to $330. Additional costs may be incurred in obtaining security or other services. Once you submit your application online, a Carnet Consultant will contact you to discuss details and costs. In most cases, a surety bond is required and that fee is in addition to the basic processing fee. A budgeting worksheet for download is available to help you estimate your costs. Carnet Customer Service Representatives and Carnet Consultants can also assist you by phone in estimating carnet costs: CIB Carnet HelpLineSM (800) ATA-2900.
There are no hidden on-line charges or monthly membership costs.
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Must I Provide Security?
As the guaranteeing association, the U.S. Council for International Business is required to take security, usually 40% of the merchandise value, to cover any customs claim that might result from an improperly used carnet. Your carnet application can serve as a surety bond application at the time you apply online.
Acceptable forms of security are: certified check or surety bond.
Security is returned in full to the Carnet holder once the Carnet is canceled.
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Under What Conditions Might a Claim Be Filed?
Some circumstances under which a claim will be filed:
1. Goods are not re-exported within one year.
2. Carnet certificates are not properly validated by customs inspectors on the way into or out of the U.S. or a foreign country.
3. Improper or inadequate description of merchandise on the General List.
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How Long Does It Take to Get a Carnet?
CIB processes carnet applications and delivers completed carnets within 24 hours at no additional charge if the application is received by 4 p.m. Central Time. Guaranteed Next Day Delivery and Same Day Delivery are available for an additional charge. Delivery options and their associated costs are available here.
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How Do I Apply for an ATA Carnet?
Call, Fax, E-mail or visit our Web site to submit an application.
CIB CARNET HELPLINESM: 1-800-ATA-2900
CARNETS-BY-FAX: 1-847-381-3857
E-MAIL: Info@ATACarnet.com
WEB SITE: www.ATACarnet.com
Corporation for International Business
Harris Bank Building
325 North Hough Street, 2nd Floor
Barrington, IL 60010-3096
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What Are Acceptable Forms of Payment?
Applicants may choose from several payment options: credit card, ACH Deposits, check or cash. For credit card users: your credit card statement will list a charge from "Corporation for International Business." A convenience fee applies to credit card payments.
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What Do I Need To Get Started?
You will need to review the information on the Application Checklist to make sure you have all the data you will need to complete your application. Then click Log In from the Main Menu.
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