Imported Merchandise as Baggage

An ATA Carnet is a special international customs document for the temporary duty-free importation of certain merchandise, whether accompanied or not, into the participating countries for one year. Customs officials in over 75 participating countries accept the Carnet as a guarantee that all customs duties and excise tax will be paid if any of the items covered are not re-exported within the time period allowed.

The ATA Carnet convention provides for the following categories of goods to be covered by a Carnet:

• commercial samples - any item temporarily imported solely for the purpose of being shown or demonstrated for the purpose of solicitation of those items.
• professional equipment - includes, but is not limited to: equipment for the press or television, advertising, cinematographer equipment, equipment for testing or repair of machinery, tools or sporting goods, engineering, construction, surgical, electrical, archaeological, musical or entertainment equipment necessary to perform a job.
• exhibitions & fairs - a trade, agricultural or crafts exhibition or similar show or display, or an exhibition or meeting primarily organized for a charitable purpose, or an exhibition to promote any branch of learning, art, craft, sport, scientific, educational or cultural activity.

Carnets do not cover consumable goods, disposable items, or postal traffic. Special TECRO/AIT Carnets allow for the duty-free entry of commercial samples and professional equipment into Taiwan.

To find out if a specific country accepts ATA Carnets or for more information, please contact:

United States Council for International Business
1212 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-354-4480
Fax: 212-944-0012
www.uscib.org
atacarnet@uscib.org