What is a Carnet?

A Carnet or ATA Carnet (pronounced kar-nay) is an international customs and temporary export-import document. It is used to clear customs in 87 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.

Carnets facilitate temporary imports into foreign countries and re-importation into the U.S. By presenting an ATA Carnet document to foreign customs, you pass duty free and import tax free into a carnet country for up to one year. ATA Carnets also serve as the U.S. Certificate of Registration of goods (CBP 4455) upon re-importation.

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

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

ATA Carnet are accepted in 87 countries and territories located in Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Oceania. 

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.* Known exceptions to these validity periods are:

• Korea
• Malaysia
• Mexico
• Singapore

A U.S. or foreign customs official always has the right to limit the validity period on a carnet upon inspection although to do so is highly unusual.

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.

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.

A carnet can be issued and delivered to an applicant within 2-3 days, if the application is complete and approved.

To get more information about Carnets please call us at (305) 887-6177 or email us at contact@marinexperts.com