New Boomerang Carnet Customers: “Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way”

Boomerang carnets® “first-time” customers of 2020 spanned a wide range of industries from family-owned small enterprises, to startups, to large companies and corporations.  We were gratified to assist such a diverse number of new ATA Carnet users utilizing this unique and flexible international trade tool to not only survive a challenging year—but thrive.  The ATA Carnet is an internationally accepted customs document for temporarily exported merchandise, goods, or professional equipment.  They allow cross border movement of goods import-duty and -tax free into 87+ carnet countries and territories for up to a year.  The ATA Carnet is known as “The Merchandise Passport” or “Passport for Goods”.  It can serve as the Certificate of Registration (CBP 4455) allowing goods re-entry into the U.S. duty free.  The three industries that topped the list of new users were: Film & Television Production (also includes Photography), Technology, and Engineering & Construction. There were also some unique first-time carnet users.

Film & Television Production are known to be mavericks when it comes to keeping things moving forward.  There were the expected news crews we serve, setting out at moment’s notice with cameras, sound equipment, and electronics to cover breaking stories but there were also first time ATA Carnet users that traveled internationally to film wildlife in the ocean, capture location shots in Europe with a drone, and document COVID-19 relief efforts in other countries.  They varied from single artist filmmakers to larger independent production companies.  Fashion shoots were also in the mix with photographers using ATA Carnets for their expensive camera equipment and heading out internationally to shoot new collections.

Technology found a way to advance their innovations and fulfill contracts despite and because of the circumstances of the pandemic.  There was a wide variety of tech companies that used ATA Carnets for the first time during 2020.  They specialized in energy, security, robotics, clean rooms technology for medical use, computer networks, drones, data management, medical analysis of cells, and medical “life-saving” devices.  Some of these companies fulfilled pandemic-related contracts while others were contracted by private enterprise.  Still others ventured out to demonstrate their tech products to prospective customers in new international markets.  These companies ranged in size from small and medium sized companies to larger firms, as well as tech startups and boutique service agencies.

Engineering & Construction contracts continued throughout the world during 2020.  For one first-time user, heavy machinery traveled as cargo and returned to the country of origin (in this case the U.S.) when the construction job was done.  Engineering and technology are intimate partners these days and first-time carnet users included a tech surveying company, a surface density testing company, and a rock/earth analysis company who sent test equipment overseas before a build.  

Unique first-time users of ATA Carnets in 2020 included a lifestyle guru, two LED-lighting consultant/suppliers involved in spectacular international light displays, a family-owned custom water vehicle builder, three horse stables that sent thoroughbreds to show or compete internationally, and a bicycle retailer.  The automotive industry also brought some newcomers and included a company that builds bullet-proof cars, and a tech company that uses advanced benchmark techniques to test auto safety.

ATA Carnets are used by Lockheed Martin to lifestyle gurus.  Anybody and everybody can realize the benefits of carnets for temporary exports.  We like to call it boomerang freight because everything that goes out comes back within a year.   There are some exceptions on items, like consumables, check here for details.  Call us and find out how you can expand your company into new international markets.  We can help you grow your business. It can be done. If you have any questions, call the Carnet Helpline® 1-800-ATA-2900 | 1-800-282-2900 or email us.  Also, if you want to ship your equipment, goods, or merchandise by cargo, Boomerang has freight forwarder partners who can deliver your carnet, as well as handle your freight.  Just call us.

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