MEDICA is the world's largest medical trade fair, attracting 83,000 healthcare professionals and 5,000+ exhibitors to Düsseldorf each November. Non-EU companies — including US and Canadian medical device manufacturers — need an ATA Carnet to bring diagnostic equipment, surgical systems, and health technology into Germany for the show without paying EU import duties or 19% German VAT.
Non-EU exhibitors at MEDICA need an ATA Carnet covering professional equipment and exhibition goods. Germany accepts all standard ATA categories, including medical devices for demonstration purposes. The carnet allows duty-free temporary importation for up to 12 months — more than enough to cover setup, the 4-day show, and return shipping.
MEDICA is held in Germany. Review the specific ATA Carnet requirements, accepted uses, and entry procedures for Germany before you travel.
Full Germany Carnet Guide8 weeks before MEDICA (September)
Begin equipment list. Medical devices require detailed technical descriptions and regulatory classification. Gather serial numbers and EU MDR documentation.
6 weeks before
Submit carnet application. EasyCarnet reviews medical device descriptions — accuracy is especially important as German Zoll verifies medical equipment closely.
4 weeks before
Receive carnet. Brief your shipping team on carnet procedures — a single missed stamp creates discharge problems.
Arrival at DUS or FRA
Present carnet to German Zoll. Officers review the general list and stamp importation vouchers. Large medical systems arrive as cargo and require freight forwarder coordination.
MEDICA show days (typically 4 days)
Keep carnet at the stand. German Customs has been known to inspect medical device exhibits during MEDICA.
Post-show pack-out
Obtain Zoll re-exportation stamps before any equipment leaves Germany. Coordinate carnet stamp timing with your freight forwarder if items are shipping separately.
2 weeks after return
Return completed carnet to EasyCarnet for USCIB or Canadian Chamber discharge.
Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS)
Closest airport to Messe Düsseldorf — German Zoll handles carnet processing routinely during MEDICA season
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Main German air freight hub; large shipments often clear at FRA and transport by road to Düsseldorf
Duisburg Inland Port
Rhine river port used for sea freight arriving via Rotterdam, with onward barge or road delivery to Düsseldorf
Messe Düsseldorf
Freight delivered directly to the exhibition hall; coordinated through freight forwarder using the original carnet
Ready to apply?
Starting at $499 for equipment under $10k. Same-day processing available.
Start ApplicationStarting at $499 for equipment valued under $10k. Same-day processing available for last-minute bookings.