Grow Your Business in France with ATA Carnets

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France, officially known as the French Republic, is one of the most beloved, historically, and culturally rich nations in the world.  Located in northwestern Europe, it is among the six founding member states of the European Union, known as the “Inner Six.”  

Its landscape is as diverse as it is breathtaking, including medieval towns, sun-drenched Riviera beaches, and the majestic peaks of the Alps.  The iconic capital of Paris is world famous for its haute couture fashion houses, Michelin-starred restaurants, prestigious art museums like the Louvre, and iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles.

France shares its borders with Belgium and Luxembourg to the northeast, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy to the east, the Mediterranean Sea, Spain, and Andorra to the south, the Bay of Biscay to the west, and the English Channel to the northwest.  When you include France’s overseas territories, it is one of the largest noncontiguous exclusive economic zones in the world. 

France is a prime destination for the film and television industry.  The stunning landscapes, along with top-tier production facilities, and the prestigious Cannes Film Festival has made it a top go-to location for international filmmakers.  Major productions that filmed on location in France include The Da Vinci Code, Moulin Rouge!, Emily in Paris, and the upcoming HBO Harry Potter TV series, recently rumored to be filming in Brittany.

Other top industries include Aerospace, Automotive, Pharmaceuticals, Luxury Goods, Fashion, Machinery & Electrical Equipment, and Wines.

France has long been one of our top ATA Carnet destinations for both the U.S. and U.K.—a position it has held for decades.

In 2024 alone, our rankings reflect France’s consistent appeal:

• U.S. – #1: Canada | #5: France
• U.K. – #1: France

At boomerang carnets, we’ve seen ATA Carnets utilized for a wide variety of temporary exports to France, including:

• An art gallery showcasing works abroad.
• A sports team competing in Bordeaux.
• An artist exhibiting at the prestigious Maison&Objet show in Paris.
• A medical device company conducting testing.
• A world-famous orchestra touring Europe with their instruments and equipment.
• Fashion houses presenting at Paris Fashion Week.
• A mushing team transporting 84 sled dogs to the Alps for Le Grande Odyssée race.

Essential Tip: If you are thinking of using an ATA Carnet to temporarily import your merchandise or equipment into France, it is important to note that France is part of the EU, a Single Customs Territory.  You’ll present your carnet to customs upon entrance into France, or any EU country, and your goods can move freely through the entire EU until re-exporting from the EU Customs territory when you’ll present the carnet a final time.  One stamp in and one stamp out.

The ATA Carnet benefits include avoidance of import-duty and -tax payment and greater ease clearing goods through customs.  From fine art and music to cutting-edge technology and world-class competition, France continues to be a destination where ATA Carnets open doors to expansion and business opportunities.
 

Boomerang Makes Carnets Easy

At boomerang carnets, cross-border movement of goods and equipment is made clear and simple with our useful resources and destination specific information.  With nearly 40 years in the business in the U.S. and over 10 years in the U.K., we understand what you want to know to make clearing your goods through foreign customs as hassle free as possible.

• Duties and VAT/GST: VAT Duty Rates by Country | ATA Carnet A list of VAT/GST and Duty rates for countries.
• Advisories: Advisories | ATA Carnet To keep you up to date on any Important Information essential for your trip.
• Airport Maps: Airport Maps for Carnets | ATA Carnet Maps edited for use by hand-carried carnet users in most major international airports.  
• Translation Guides: Translation Guides | ATA Carnet Commonly used phrases for carnet users translated into several languages and for use at foreign customs.

• Film Commissions: International Film Commission Carnet Directory | ATA Carnet A list of International Film Commissions and International Film Resources including FILM FRANCE: The French Film Commission.   
• Carnet Countries: Carnet Countries | ATA Carnet Whether you are thinking of getting an ATA Carnet to France or elsewhere, take a look at our comprehensive ATA Carnet countries page.  French Territories include Corsica, French Guiana, French Polynesia - Tahiti, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Miquelon, Monaco (Admin by France), New Caledonia, Réunion Island, St. Barthélemy, St. Martin, St. Pierre, Tahiti, Wallis and Futuna.

• Videos: Making Carnets Easy Videos | ATA Carnet Watch our Making Carnets Easy videos for a step-by-step instructional series on ATA Carnet use from start to finish.  
   

It Matters Where You Get Your Carnet

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We provide expert customer service 24/7, just call the Carnet HelpLine® 1-800-ATA-2900 |1-800-282-2900 or email us.  

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