Questions and Answers

Numerous laws and standards govern the import and export of equipment, therefore it is crucial to abide by all of them when those things are being transported. If you don’t, you might face steep fines or even have your goods seized. If for the purposes of filming you want to import audio or video equipment that you will subsequently return to your country after the work is completed, then it is a matter of temporary import/export of goods. This type of import is treated differently because the goal is to avoid taxes and customs clearance costs with some assurance that the goods will subsequently be re-exported from the country. An ATA Carnet is often recommended for use by film and TV companies shooting abroad. It is a physical document that you take with your goods when you are temporarily moving them out your country and into other countries, and it significantly reduces the difficulties To obtain an ATA Carnet the foreign producer must provide a list of all the audiovisual equipment, their invoices and a deposit, if necessary. However, it is important to note that you must not list any disposable or consumable equipment on your Carnet, such as non-rechargeable batteries, pens, paper, glue, bin bags, etc. These are not permitted on ATA Carnets, as there can be no guarantee that they will definitely return in the same condition. The deposit amount varies according to the equipment’s country of origin. Also there are countries which do not have the obligation of paying a deposit, but the relevant procedure must be followed at the destination country’s consulate.

• Each carnet is valid for a temporary period of time, and the equipment must be taken back.
• Goods cannot be sold or exchanged.
• The same goods must be re -exported to the country of origin before expiration.
• Goods cannot be rented, transferred or destroyed without the permission.
• If we are talking about goods for which there is a ban on import/export, it is necessary to have an adequate license or permit.

It is imperative that you present your ATA Carnet every time the equipment is imported into, exported out of, or transited through a country. If you intend to ship or import your shipments with an ATA carnet or you just need a little more information about it, cargo-partner team is at your disposal! Read more How can an ATA Carnet simplify import/export procedures? For more information, visit the cargo-partner web site or contact us for detailed consultation! Best Regards, cargo-partner | transport + iLogistics

You have probably often heard that the import procedure for certain equipment, works of art or musical instruments requiresapplying for an ATA carnet.

What is this about?

An ATA carnet, also called a “passport for goods”, is a customs document which is used to simplify temporary import procedures into a foreign country, with a validity period of one year.

Using an ATA carnet, goods are transferred quickly and easily (without hiring a customs agent and freight forwarder), but certain rules must be followed:

– the goods will be re-exported / imported in the same condition as they were temporarily imported / exported

– the goods will remain the property of a person with residence outside the country of temporary admission

– the goods will be used exclusively by a person visiting the area of the temporary import (not intended for rental)

It is important to mention that ATA carnet cannot be used for the temporary import of food and other perishable goods, and is most commonly used for imports of the following three categories:

– temporary import of samples

– temporary import of professional equipment

– temporary import of goods intended for exhibitions, fairs, congresses and similar events

This includes:

computers, repair tools, musical instruments, sports equipment, scenography, concert sound, medical instruments and more.

What does an ATA carnet look like?

The ATA carnet comes in A4 format and has a green front and back cover, with sheets of different colors in between.This whole kit makes up the ATA carnet.

If you plan to travel with an ATA carnet or would like to find out more about this topic, cargo-partner’s customs experts are at your disposal for any further questions.

Best regards,

cargo-partner | transport + iLogistics