ATA Carnet - Passage of Commercial Samples

ATA Carnet - Passage of Commercial Samples
What is ATA Carnet?

The international customs document for commercial samples (ATA Carnet) is a document issued by the Chambers of Commerce worldwide. The document serves, according to special conditions determined by an international convention, the temporary import, or transit, of various goods between the countries which have signed the convention – where such import does not require any taxes or deposits in the countries of temporary import. 

What are the advantages of the ATA Carnet?

Using the ATA Carnet enables the exporter or businessman, to travel from one country to another with the goods and/or samples without any particular problems. 

This grants some fundamental advantages: 

No need for payment of taxes (including: customs, purchase tax, levies VAT or other import taxes) or deposits when temporary entering the country of import.

The goods accompanying the Carnet do not require any non-tariff requirements i.e.: Standardization, marking of the products etc. 

All the necessary arrangements are done in advance in Israel and the entry procedure to the country of import is simple, easy and fast; saving the Carnet holder considerable time and needless expenses while he travels abroad. 

Preparing the Carnet document in Israel is simple and easy. 

The document is identical for all countries which are members of the convention and all their relevant goods. 
  
Where can the Carnet be used?

The Carnet can be used in one or more of the following countries: 

Algeria, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Holland, Hong-Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri-Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan (this country has separate documents) Thailand, Tunis, Turkey, United Kingdom, U.S.A. 

For how long is the Carnet valid? 

The ATA Carnet is valid for a period not exceeding one year. If the Carnet has been issued for a period less than a year, there is no way after its being issued, to extend the validity for one year. There are certain countries that might limit the period of keeping the goods to a different period from that of the validity of the Carnet. In this case the goods have to be exported back within the permitted period. 

Who is entitled to use the ATA Carnet?

Every citizen or Israeli company are entitled to use the ATA Carnet issued in Israel. The use is particularly recommended for exporters who are requested to present their products to potential buyers during exhibitions, to artists and sports people who travel for events abroad accompanied by their equipment (décor, costumes, musical instruments, sports equipment, etc.), as well as scientists and inventors, who wish to interest various parties with their innovations or the development in certain equipment. The holder of the Carnet is entitled to represent whoever appears on the cover of the document as the representative of the owner of the goods, or whoever has the power of attorney on behalf of the owner of the Carnet, signed by the Chamber of Commerce.

Which goods can accompany the ATA Carnet?

The ATA Carnet covers the following goods:

• Commercial samples 
• Professional equipment 
• Films for presentation to potential clients 
• Accessories for use during sports, trade fairs and cultural events 

All the above under the following conditions:

• Goods belong to the sender and are exported only to show them or exhibit them in the country of import.
• Goods cannot be sold or used for rental against payment during their temporary stay in the country of import.
• Goods have to be returned for export not exceeding the validity period of the Carnet.
• Goods are not dispensable.
• Goods have to be identified when being exported for return.
• Certain countries, including Israel and some of the European countries, allow export of diamonds and gems (additional details can be obtained from the Chamber of Commerce).