Team USA: Ready, Set, Go to the London Summer Olympics

U.S. teams preparing for the 2012 Summer Olympics can minimize travel stress and shipping hassles by planning ahead to use an ATA Carnet (The Merchandise Passport) to clear customs in the U.K. Being prepared with the right temporary import documentation can prevent avoidable problems:

• an athlete being delayed at the port of arrival while equipment is assessed duties and VAT,
• seizure or a temporary hold on sports gear and equipment for inspection or valuation purposes,
• payment of duties and taxes at the port of entry,
• posting of a bond or cash at the port of entry,
• difficulty getting a bond cancelled or duty/tax refunded after re-exportation,
• delays in arrival of gear or equipment due to customs requirements, and
• payment of duties on items re-entering the U.S.

Virtually all types of sports gear and equipment can be listed on an ATA Carnet. When listed on a carnet those items are properly documented as "temporary exports" from the U.S. and "temporary imports" into the U.K. Delays at customs are minimized and costs to clear customs are known and fixed ahead of time.

Knowledge of the best documentation for "boomerang freight®" is not only good logistics planning but provides peace of mind for athletes and teams travelling abroad with items that are critical to their Olympic participation and success. Carnet Specialists can consult with team organizers to make sure the customs clearance process is smoothed when an ATA Carnet is presented.

Carnet Specialists also work closely with logistics providers, such as UPS, so the documentation, customs clearance and shipping are integrated and seamless. Questions about this process can be answered by the Carnet Specialists at the boomerang carnets® Carnet HelpLine®: (800)ATA-2900 /  (800)282-2900 or send them a message.