What is an ATA Carnet? 🇺🇸
Learn about your ATA Carnet — the international customs documents that allow duty-free temporary imports across 90+ countries.
Get Your CarnetCarnet 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 and user information and country details. The front cover carries the Holder — the company the carnet is issued to, which need not own the goods — along with its details and the list of all 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 United States)
- White certificate sets: Used by foreign customs, including importation and re-exportation counterfoils and vouchers
- Blue certificate sets: Transits are used when merchandise travels by land through a country that lies between the country of departure and the next country of entry. Transit may also be used when a Holder attending an exhibition/fair or for traveling between customs port from which the goods will exit.
Types of Carnets
In United States 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.
U.S. Carnet Security Deposit Requirement
The U.S. national guaranteeing association (USCIB) requires that all U.S. ATA Carnets be financially secured. This security can be provided with:
Security Options
- Surety bond (carnet bond): Equal to 40% of the value of the General List
Special Security Requirements:
- India requires 55% bond
- Road vehicles exported to any carnet country by a company require 100% security
- Road vehicles exported by an individual require 150% security
- Any vehicle going to China, regardless if driven on roads or not, requires 150% security
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:
- Multiply the value of the merchandise by 40% (or applicable percentage)
- 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 the duties, taxes and penalties a foreign customs authority charges if you, the carnet holder and principal on the bond, are not able to fulfill your obligations under the terms of the carnet. It pays that authority; the debt does not go away, and you reimburse the surety company. For this reason, it's important to understand the responsibilities of a carnet holder.
Why Professionals Choose EasyCarnet
Save time and money on international equipment transport
Save Thousands
Avoid costly tariffs, duties, and taxes on temporary imports. Average savings of $5,000–$50,000 per trip.
Same-Day Processing
Get your carnet approved same-day, with physical documents delivered to your door next-day.
Real Human Support
Experts available by phone or email — not a chatbot. We're with you through the entire process.
Expert Review
We review every carnet before it ships. No rejections from paperwork mistakes.
One Simple Fee
Everything included, no surprises — you know exactly what you'll pay upfront.
With You for the Full Year
Your carnet is valid for 12 months — and we're here for all of it. Any issues at customs, questions mid-trip, or paperwork concerns, just call or email us.
Ilja Maran
Video Production
Fine Print
EasyCarnet did an amazing job of not only getting me a superr last-minute same-day carnet, but also providing clear and concise info on how to make it happen as easily and stream-lined as possible. He even checked in throughout my travels to see how it was going. I can't recommend his lovely personal touch enough.
Same-day carnet for a documentary shoot in Mexico, covering a $31K cinema camera kit.
Scotton Hoelzer
Event Production
Cine House Inc.
I can't recommend EasyCarnet and their team enough. They were incredibly helpful and responsive when I needed a carnet at the very last minute. As someone going through the process for the first time, I had a lot of questions, and Micah personally walked me through every step with patience and clarity. Thanks to their support, what was a stressful situation turned into a smooth and efficient experience. Truly top-notch service. Will absolutely be using EasyCarnet again!
Cine House Inc. brought $47K in premium cinema lenses — Tico Vision primes and anamorphic glass — across the border for a film production.
Jerome Brock
Film Producer
Foley Specialty Services
The service went above and beyond to rush order my Carnet. I started the process on a Wednesday afternoon, and a courier drove 8 hours to drop my documents off at midnight on Thursday night. The Service rep communicated the entire time and went out of his way to make this emergency trip happen for me.
Rush carnet for a film shoot in Villahermosa, Mexico — drone and production equipment delivered by courier overnight.
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