An ATA Carnet is an international Customs document, A Merchandise Passport, designed to simplify entry procedures for the temporary importation of merchandise into various countries for up to one year. Regulatory authorities in participating countries accept Carnets as a guarantee that all duties, taxes and charges will be paid if any items covered by the Carnet are not re-exported within the period allowed by the country of importation.
A Carnet eliminates extensive entry procedures which can represent time, effort and expense. A Carnet can eliminate these procedures by allowing a temporary exporter to make arrangements in advance, at a pre-determined cost and use a single document fo r all entry transactions. ATA Carnet reduces costs to the exporter. It eliminates value-added taxes (VAT), duties, and the posting of security normally required at the time of importation. A single Carnet enables an exporter to visit an unlimited number o f countries. It facilitates reentry into the USA by eliminating the need to register goods with U.S. Customs at the time of departure. There are three broad categories that can be covered by an ATA Carnet: commercial samples, professional equipment and go ods for exhibits and fairs.
The ATA Carnet is a simple entry document. The Carnet contains two vouchers for each foreign country one wishes to visit. An exporter hands one voucher to the foreign authorities when entering the country and the other when leaving. There are also two vouchers for presentation to authorities when leaving from and returning to their own country. The goods need not be present during entry or exit. They can be sent ahead by road, rail, air or sea-even by post (with a few exceptions). However, it is imperative that the Carnet document be validated by U.S. Customs prior to the goods departing the U.S. The goods can then enter and leave countries at different points.
Large companies, small companies, individuals-all can benefit from using Carnets. Salespeople with valuable samples and people with professional equipment are the largest users of Carnets. Many exhibitors in trade fairs also use Carnets to cover products being demonstrated. In addition, surgeons, architects, artists and engineers can cover valuable instruments, plan and drawings. Carnets can be issued within a few days (even faster for a regular user) at a modest cost with minimal formalities. Carnets do not cover consumable goods, (food and agriculture products), disposable items, perishables, hand-outs/pamphlets, or postal traffic.
Carnets are generally issued and administered by Chambers of Commerce in participating countries through an international arrangement known as the IBCC, which is sponsored by the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris. Currently, there are about 48 participating countries. As several countries are added each year, call us, ROLAND INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT SERVICES, to learn which countries accept ATA Carnets. Most European, North American and Pacific Rim countries accept Carnets. The United States Co uncil for International Business has been appointed by the United States Treasury Department to govern and administer the ATA Carnet system in the United States.
The exporter must provide ROLAND INT'L FREIGHT SERVICES a Power Of Attorney (P/A) for ATA Carnets. Then on behalf of the exporter, we can submit an application to the International Business Council's to secure a Carnet. As the guaranteeing organization, the U.S. Council is required to take security. The amount of the security deposit is based on the total value of the General List. The security, which acts as collateral, will be drawn upon to reimburse the Council in the event it incurs a liability or loss in connection with the issuance of your Carnet or its use. The minimum security is 40% of the value of the General List, to cover any Customs claim that might result from an improperly used Carnet. One hundred percent (100%) is required for goods traveling to Israel and the Republic of Korea. No security is required for merchandise valued under US$ 500 (except for Israel and Korea). Acceptable forms of security are: Certified check or surety bond. Security is returned in full once the original Carnet has been canceled, returned and no claims are anticipated by the Council. To obtain the Carnet Bond necessary to meet the U.S. Business Council's security requirements, call RIFS at Tel: 310-337-1775 or Fax: 310-337-0310 or E-mail: roland@rolandfreight.com
While Carnets are good for up to one year, it may be necessary to hold security for 30 months or until any claim is resolved. Following are some of the circumstances under which a claim can be filed:
a. Goods are not reexported within one year.
b. Carnet sheets are not properly validated by Customs officials on the way into or out of the U.S. or foreign country.
c. Improper or inadequate description of merchandise on the General List.
A Carnet can be obtained normally within five business days, provided all documents are in order. However, Carnets can also be obtained faster within 24, 48, 72 or 96 hours respectively for an additional fee. This fee is in addition to the Basic Fee. Expedited service is subject to availability.