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    What is an ATA Carnet?

    Learn about ATA Carnets - the international customs documents that allow duty-free temporary imports

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    Carnet Definition

    A Carnet or ATA Carnet (pronounced kar-nay) is an international customs and temporary export-import document. It is used to clear customs in 90 countries and territories without paying duties and import taxes on merchandise that will be re-exported within 12 months. Carnets are also known as Merchandise Passports or Passports for Goods.

    What's Included in a Carnet Document?

    The ATA Carnet document consists of several important components:

    Front Green Cover

    Contains holder/user information and country details. The front cover includes the Holder (Owner of the goods) Information and lists all the ATA Carnet countries. This section must not be altered or amended in any way.

    Back Green Cover

    Features the General List of merchandise and equipment. This list cannot be amended, but it is possible to travel with partial shipments.

    Certificate Sets (Yellow, White & Blue)

    These consist of counterfoils and vouchers. Counterfoils are the control documents of the holder and remain with the carnet. Vouchers are the control documents for customs and are removed by customs officials.

    • Yellow certificate sets: U.S. Registration of Goods that will return to the U.S. (counterfoils only in the U.S.)
    • White certificate sets: Used by foreign customs, including importation and re-exportation counterfoils and vouchers
    • Blue certificate sets: Used by foreign customs to track goods that are within their borders but have not cleared customs (goods in transit)

    Types of Carnets

    In the U.S. there are two types of carnets issued:

    • ATA Carnets: Used for the 90+ countries and territories that are members of the carnet system
    • TECRO/AIT Carnets: Used specifically for temporary imports into Taiwan

    What Merchandise is Covered by Carnets?

    Most merchandise can be listed on a Carnet. Virtually all types of goods and equipment can be transported under an ATA Carnet:

    • Commercial Samples
    • Professional Equipment (Tools of the Trade)
    • Goods for Fairs & Exhibitions (limited to 6 months)

    What Merchandise is NOT Covered by Carnets?

    Consumable items such as agricultural products (food, seeds, fertilizer, pesticides), explosives, disposables and postal traffic cannot travel under an ATA Carnet.

    How Long is a Carnet Valid?

    A carnet is valid for up to 1 year from its issue date, except for Exhibitions and Fairs which is valid for 6 months from date of issue. Some countries have exceptions to these validity periods, including:

    • Korea
    • Malaysia
    • Mexico
    • Singapore

    The carnet can be used multiple times and in multiple countries during the period of validity. Split shipments are allowed; however, items cannot be added to the General List once the carnet is issued.

    Note: Mexico, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates DO NOT ALLOW split shipments.

    Can a Carnet be Extended?

    Technically, a carnet cannot be extended beyond the validity period. However, in some instances foreign customs may allow a replacement carnet to be issued to extend the time the goods are in the carnet country. In all cases, the replacement carnet must be applied for prior to the expiration of the original carnet.

    Acceptable Carnet Merchandise

    Virtually all types of goods can be transported under the ATA Carnet, falling into these main categories:

    Main Categories

    • Commercial Samples
    • Professional Equipment
    • Goods for Exhibitions (limited to 6 months)

    Examples Include

    • Aerospace equipment & devices
    • Agricultural equipment (non-food)
    • Aircraft
    • Antiques & antiquities
    • Art - paintings, sculpture, installations
    • Audio-visual equipment
    • Autos - prototypes, race cars

    Common Examples of Carnet-Eligible Items

    • Broadcast equipment
    • Circus animals & props
    • Computer equipment
    • Construction equipment
    • Defense & military items
    • Diagnostic devices
    • Electronics
    • Film & video equipment
    • Jewelry
    • Laptop computers
    • Livestock
    • Measurement equipment
    • Medical devices
    • Musical instruments
    • Photography equipment
    • Research & scientific equipment
    • Robots & robotic devices
    • Security equipment
    • Sports gear & equipment
    • Telecommunications equipment
    • Theatrical production props
    • Trade show exhibit booths
    • Unmanned vehicles & aircraft
    • Wearing apparel samples

    Exceptions

    Consumable items such as agricultural products (food, seeds, fertilizer, pesticides), explosives, disposables and postal traffic cannot travel under an ATA Carnet.

    ATA Carnet Service Comparison

    Understanding the differences between various carnet services can help you choose the right option for your needs.

    FeatureEasyCarnetTraditional Carnet Service
    Processing Time1-5 business days
    (Rush service available)    		5-7+ business days
    Submission Process100% online
    Simple form    		Traditional paper forms
    Complex submission
    Customer SupportDedicated agent
    Direct phone/email    		General support
    Limited availability
    Fee StructureTransparent pricing
    No hidden fees    		Complex pricing
    Additional fees common
    Shipping OptionsOvernight included
    Digital delivery options    		Shipping extra
    Limited options
    Money-Back Guarantee100% Refund AvailableLimited or no refunds

    U.S. Carnet Bonds

    The U.S. national guaranteeing association requires that all U.S. ATA Carnets be financially secured. This security can be provided in two ways:

    Security Options

    • Surety bond (carnet bond): Equal to 40% of the value of the General List
    • Certified check: Equal to 40% of the value of the General List

    Bond Application Process

    A carnet bond can be applied for with the same application as the carnet through our online portal. You may be asked to provide financial information such as tax returns or financial statements to satisfy the surety company's underwriting requirements.

    Bond Premium Calculation

    To calculate an estimated premium for the carnet bond:

    1. Multiply the value of the merchandise by 40% (or applicable percentage)
    2. Multiply the resulting product by $10.00 per thousand

    Example Calculation:

    $100,000 General List Value × 40% = $40,000
    40 × $10.00 = $400 surety bond premium

    Note: There is a $100 minimum premium.

    Is it Insurance?

    The carnet bond is not insurance. It guarantees payment of duties and taxes to customs if you, the carnet holder and principal on the bond, are not able to fulfill your obligations under the terms of the carnet. For this reason, it's important to understand the responsibilities of a carnet holder.

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