International Shipping & Logistics + ATA Carnets That Lead to Sales

Boomerang carnets® took part in the webinar, International Shipping & Logistics + ATA Carnet, hosted by Lana Lennberg, International Trade Specialist for the U.S. Department of Commerce in association with the Denver Export Assistance Center in CO.  Shawn Levsen—International Growth Manager for UPS presented, as did Kiel Ursin—Customer Service & Sales Rep and Carnet Specialist for boomerang carnets.  While over a hundred attendees awaited this highly anticipated webinar to begin, a Bach cello suite played.  After introductions, Levsen began his presentation with a single significant question: “What do I need to do to get my product out the door?”  He walked us through the importance of three common forms: the Commercial Invoice—a list of accurate descriptions and exact valuations of what you are exporting; the Certificate of Origin—used if you need preferential treatment; and EEI (electronic export information) used for any large shipment and usually best to have your carrier do this.

Kiel Ursin presented next about temporary exportation and how ATA Carnets are often used as a flexible trade tool by businesses as a precursor to permanent exports.  The ATA Carnet is an internationally accepted customs document for temporarily exported merchandise, goods, or professional equipment and 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.       

One of Boomerang’s longstanding clients, local to Colorado, who has been using carnets since 2006 was cited to illustrate how carnets can grow your business, increase your international presence, and save money in your budget in the process.  The company manufactures scientific measurement equipment and uses ATA Carnets for temporary exports to exhibit and conduct demonstrations of their equipment in international markets.  They said: “It has definitely been a helpful tool in making our demos and trade shows a success and helps us gain prospective new customers.  They really like the fact that they can put our products to the test in their own environments before the final purchase.  The carnet has been a very big part of growing our customer base in the Pacific Rim as well as gaining a bigger presence in Europe.”

The carnet application process is simple.  Create an account online.  Fill out some basic information.  Then compile a ‘General List’, a written description of goods or equipment, serial numbers, value, weight, and country of manufacture.  This is like the Commercial Invoice for permanent exports  as mentioned earlier, Ursin pointed out.  “The ‘General List’ is far from general,” he said, “it must be specific and accurate since it is used by Customs as reference to check specific items in your shipment.”  Ursin went over the color of the pages (white, green, yellow, blue) in the carnet, where they appear in the document binder, their function, and order of use.  “If you have any questions, we are here for you. This is what we do, all that we do, and we are available 24/7,” he said before the Q&A began. 

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.  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.  Please check back next week for the Q&A. 

For ATA Carnet news and updates subscribe to our eNewsletter: Exportise