The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is one of the world's most important and attended film festivals, drawing 480,000 attendees to Toronto each September. US film crews, production companies, sales agents, and press organizations attend with cinema cameras, audio equipment, DCP drives, and screening systems. Canada is the #1 destination for US carnets — and TIFF is a key reason why. US companies need an ATA Carnet to bring professional equipment across the border without paying Canadian import duties.
US companies bringing professional equipment to TIFF need a Canada-bound ATA Carnet issued by USCIB. Canada is a full ATA Carnet member and accepts carnets for all standard categories including film equipment, broadcast gear, and production hardware. The carnet is valid for 12 months and covers any Canadian destination — useful if your crew also shoots in other Canadian cities.
6 weeks before TIFF (July)
Begin equipment list. Cameras, lenses, audio rigs, and DCP drives need serial numbers and accurate USD values. Canada processes carnets smoothly but border wait times during TIFF week can be longer.
4 weeks before
Submit carnet application. Canada accepts carnets from USCIB — list each camera body, lens, audio kit, and laptop separately.
2 weeks before
Receive carnet. For hand-carry equipment, keep the carnet in your carry-on. For shipped freight, authorize your Canadian freight forwarder to present it at YYZ cargo.
Arrival at YYZ
Present carnet to CBSA at Toronto Pearson Airport. Officers stamp importation counterfoil. Have the equipment list ready — CBSA may ask to inspect items against the general list.
TIFF festival days (approximately 11 days)
Keep carnet accessible. CBSA may verify at venues if requested.
Departure from Canada
Obtain CBSA re-exportation stamps before equipment leaves Canada. Essential for carnet discharge.
Within 2 weeks of return
Return completed carnet to EasyCarnet for USCIB discharge.
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Primary gateway — CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) at YYZ processes ATA Carnets; TIFF venues are a 30–45 minute drive from the airport
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
Downtown Toronto airport — used for short-haul and private charter; closer to TIFF venues but limited cargo capacity
TIFF Bell Lightbox & Toronto venues
TIFF screenings spread across multiple Toronto venues including TIFF Bell Lightbox, Princess of Wales Theatre, and Roy Thomson Hall
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.