A Carnet or ATA Carnet ( pronounced kar-nay ) is an international customs and temporary import document. A Carnet is used to speed up the process of clearing customs in 87 countries and territories without paying duties and import taxes on products or merchandise to be re-exported within twelve ( 12 ) months. Carnets are commonly called “ Passports for Cargo “ or similar names as they allow the easy entry and exit of cargo involving many specific countries throughout the world.
Covering cargo by a Carnet greatly eases temporary imports into foreign countries and re-importation into the U.S. The Carnet document allows the cargo to pass duty free into a given country and then allows duty free return to the U.S. with the requirement the transaction takes place within a period of one ( 1 ) year.
Merchandise or products commonly covered by Carnets include commercial samples, professional equipment ( tools of the trade ) and goods for fairs and exhibitions ( limited to 6 months ). Carnets are frequently utilized by companies or individuals engaged in all sorts of equipment repair activities. They are also very common with all sorts of goods involving the entertainment and sports industries.
An ATA Carnet bond must be posted to ensure all Customs requirements are met while a Carnet is active. Our company can arrange both an ATA Carnet and the Carnet bond and we have done so for many of our import / export clients over the years.
Please do not hesitate to contact Labay/Summers International, Inc., for more information concerning the benefits of using an ATA Carnet in those circumstances where it may be beneficial.
