Information Required to Apply For Carnets
Let us help you while you apply for carnets, from preparing to fulfil all the details required for a custom ATA Carnet across sectors.
We supply hundreds of ATA Carnets, across industry sectors and can help with the unusual requirements that may be left off your list, as well as being familiar with procedure variations around the world.
Our support team will be happy to assist you before you prepare an ATA carnet.
Apply for Carnets – Key Details
As a general principle, the ATA carnet system provides for ownership (responsibility) of the goods and for returning them the same way they were delivered. This is determined by:
- The Carnet holder, usually the one who owns the goods, is responsible for paying taxes and duties.
- Identification of the person(s) who will travel with the goods and oversee the transit through customs.
- To establish appropriate carnet categories, you need to know what the goods are intended for.
- A list identifying the individual items to be taken and the condition they are in.
Each application must include four elements:
- serial number
- weight
- type of good
- value
Customs Officers are responsible for identifying goods and preventing substitutions. Logically, serial numbers are commonly used, but it is generally a good idea to use something that cannot be easily swapped out like weight in cases where value is particularly important (when transporting insured goods). There are a variety of approaches available depending on the location of the goods you’re transporting; however, most non-perishable items can be transported as part of a customs-duty-free carnet.
Local Differences
In general, not all ATA members offer all categories. The majority allow trade fair and exhibition items, others allow professional equipment, but no commercial samples.
However, items can sometimes be grouped into suitable categories. In contrast, restricted, or prohibited goods are a rarer but more important point to be aware of.
There is no consideration for local licensing requirements in an ATA Carnet. Local licensing requirements could be commercial, political, or security related. However, the goods need a license in addition to the carnet.
Representatives are subject to varying regulations. Most often, an authority letter is fine, but in Turkey, a power of attorney must be approved. In China, you are required to name your agent when you register.
You don’t need to learn another language if you’re doing business internationally, English is all you need. Some countries may require a translation, while others require translations of accompanying documents.
Practical Applications of Cards
Carnets are standard but not everywhere. It’s helpful to show your CARNET at each border crossing. It is easier to meet local requirements before you exit than to explain to customs officials, they are in violation of the Istanbul Convention. You may bring goods up to a certain value without making a formal customs declaration as long as you can prove the goods are for your personal use and that they are not intended for sale or to be re-exported elsewhere.
All support and advice is provided free of charge as this is beneficial to everyone. It is easier to meet local requirements before you leave than to explain to customs officials, they are in violation of the Istanbul Convention.
You do not have to declare items if they are satisfied with your approach. A standard customs clearance request may suffice for freighted goods, depending on the port or airport.
The ATA carnet is a valuable tool, saving you time, money, and removing doubt, allowing you to concentrate on your business. Feel free to contact our customer support team if we can help ensure your use is uninterrupted.
