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What is Carnet? Know meaning, types, benefits, and how to get it

A carnet is a customs document used in international shipping to simplify procedures for temporary imports. Learn more about how to get it in this blog.

Imagine paying hefty duties and taxes every time you take goods across borders for a temporary purpose, like a trade show, exhibition, or business meeting. That’s where a carnet — specifically the ATA Carnet — steps in. Designed to simplify temporary exports and imports, a carnet is an essential customs document that enables the tax-free and duty-free movement of goods between countries.

In this blog, discover what a carnet is, its types, how it works, who needs it, and how to apply. Also learn about the benefits and list the countries that accept it.

What is a carnet (ATA Carnet)?

The Admission Temporaire / Temporary Admission (ATA) refers to an international customs document enabling temporary duty-free and tax-free transit for goods. It functions by guaranteeing foreign customs payment of duties/taxes if conditions, like timely re-export, are breached. This standardization across member countries simplifies customs processes, reduce customs hurdles for temporary shipments.²

What does the carnet allow?

A carnet allows exporters and importers to:

● Temporarily export goods without paying duties or taxes.

● Use the same document for multiple entries and exits.

● Avoid customs delays and paperwork in each country.³

Did you know?

A carnet can be used in over 100 countries and customs territories, making it one of the most accepted customs documents globally.

Who requires the carnet?

Businesses and individuals transporting goods for temporary use require this document. This would include:

● Sales professionals: Carrying commercial samples to demonstrate to potential clients abroad.

● Exhibitors: Transporting display booths, equipment, and merchandise for international trade shows, fairs, or exhibitions.

● Film crews and photographers: Moving cameras, lighting, sound equipment, and props for location shoots.

● Musicians and performing artists: Transporting instruments, sound systems, and stage equipment for international tours or performances.

● Sports teams: Carrying sporting equipment for international competitions or training.⁴

Where to use the carnet

Carnets are valid for use in countries and territories that are signatories to the relevant international conventions. This network includes major economies across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. It’s essential to verify that both the country of departure and all intended destination countries (including transit countries) are members of the carnet system before applying. Using a carnet streamlines entry, exit, and transit procedures within these territories.⁶

Types of carnets

While the term carnet is often used generically, there are specific types tailored to different agreements:

● ATA Carnet:

This is the most widely used type, covering temporary admission of goods under the ATA Convention. It is accepted in 80+ countries and territories for commercial samples, professional equipment, and goods for fairs/exhibitions.

● TECRO/AIT carnet (Alliance Internationale de Tourisme):

This is a specific bilateral agreement facilitating temporary imports between the United States and Taiwan. While operating similarly to an ATA Carnet, it’s technically separate due to Taiwan’s unique political status preventing it from being a signatory to the standard conventions.⁸

Benefits of carnet or ATA Carnet

Some advantages of the Duty Drawback scheme include:

● Cost savings: Although a carnet requires a fee and security deposit, these costs are lower than the potentially high import duties and taxes that would otherwise be required.

● Simplified customs: It replaces multiple customs documents with a single, internationally recognized carnet, speeding up clearance times.

● Time efficiency: It reduces paperwork and minimizes delays at customs checkpoints, allowing for faster border crossings.

● Budget predictability: Carnet fees and security bond costs are known upfront, making budgeting for international trips easier.

● Convenience: Allows multiple exits and entries into member countries using the same document throughout its one-year validity. Partial and split shipments are allowed, so one ATA Carnet can cover multiple trips with different merchandise and purposes.⁹

What goods are covered under carnet?

The ATA Convention specifies three broad categories of goods eligible for movement under an ATA Carnet. These categories are:

● Commercial samples: Items like models, creative works, prototypes, used for demonstration or getting orders abroad, but not for sale.

● Professional equipment: Tools of the trade, including equipment for media production (cameras, sound gear), scientific research, musical performances, theatrical productions, engineering projects, medical procedures, archeological digs, and more.

● Goods for fairs and exhibitions: Items intended for display, demonstration, or use at trade shows, conventions, international cultural events, or similar gatherings. This includes booths, merchandise (not for sale), and equipment needed for the event.¹⁰

Did you know?

The color-coded vouchers within an ATA Carnet serve specific purposes: Yellow for exit from and return into the home country, white for entry into and exit from foreign countries, and blue for customs transit.

What goods are not covered under the carnet?

While versatile, certain types of goods cannot be transported using an ATA Carnet. These include:

● Perishable goods: Items intended to be used up, given away, or consumed abroad like fresh food, drinks, and agricultural products.

● Goods for processing or repair: Items being sent abroad for alteration, manufacturing, or repair work.

● Goods intended for sale or hire: The items must be intended for temporary import and subsequent re-export.¹¹

How does a carnet work?

A carnet works like a passport for goods, allowing them to move temporarily across international borders without paying duties or taxes. Once issued by an authorized agency, the carnet must be presented at the customs office of the departure country. Customs officials verify and stamp the document, officially recording the export of the listed items. At each foreign destination, the same carnet is presented and stamped by customs on entry and exit, allowing smooth clearance without the need for separate import/export paperwork.¹²Upon returning to the home country, the goods must be presented again along with the carnet for re-entry clearance. The carnet remains valid for up to one year and can be used for multiple trips and countries during that time. After its validity ends, the carnet must be returned to the issuing agency. Proper use of the carnet helps avoid delays, saves on customs fees, and simplifies cross-border logistics. However, misuse — such as failing to re-export the goods — can result in penalties and payment of applicable duties and taxes.

Documents required to obtain a carnet

Applying for an ATA Carnet requires specific documentation to verify the goods and secure the guarantee. Key documents needed typically include:

● Application and undertaking form: A completed form with details about the applicant, intended use, countries to be visited, and travel dates.

● Complete invoice details: A detailed inventory of all items being shipped under the carnet, including description, quantity, serial numbers (if applicable), weight, value (usually retail value), and country of origin for each item.

● Payment: Payment covering the carnet processing fee, which varies based on the value of goods and number of countries.

● Security: Proof of the required security deposit (cash, certified check) or surety bond.

How to apply for a carnet

Obtaining a carnet involves a clear, multi-step process managed by your country’s National Guaranteeing Association (NGA). Follow these general steps:

● Identify your NGA: Determine the authorized issuing body in your country. In the United States, this is the United States Council for International Business (USCIB), and in India, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) is the National Issuing & Guaranteeing Association (NIGA) for the ATA Carnet system.

● Fill application form: Fill out the carnet application form provided by the NGA, either online or physically. Ensure all information matches the General List and travel plans.

● Fill proforma invoice: Compile the list of goods with all required details (description, value, weight, serial numbers, origin), along with exporter and consignee details, and origin and destination countries.

● Fee details: Provide the processing fee or security deposit.

● Upload documents: Upload the relevant documents like undertaking on company’s letterhead, scanned processing fee, security deposit, agent authority letter (if applicable), and list of detailed goods.

● Submit and pay: Submit the completed application and security payment/proof to the NGA.¹⁵

Format of a carnet

The ATA Carnet is a standardized physical document recognizable by customs officials worldwide. Its key components include:

● Green covers (Front and back): Contain essential information like the carnet number, holder details, issuing association, validity date, intended use, and the overall list of goods. The front cover serves as the definitive statement of what is covered.

● Counterfoils: These stubs remain in the carnet booklet after vouchers are removed by customs. They serve as the holder’s record of customs transactions (exports, imports, transits). They are color-coded (yellow, white, blue) to match the vouchers.

● Vouchers: Detachable pages presented to and kept by customs officials at each stage of the journey. Yellow vouchers are used for exportation from and re-importation into the home country, white for importation into and re-exportation from foreign countries, and blue for customs transit movements (crossing a member country without clearing goods for temporary importation).¹⁶

Format of a carnet sample

Which countries accept and use carnets?

Currently, more than 80 countries and customs territories recognize and honor carnets. This includes major economies such as the United States, all European Union nations, Canada, Australia, China, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates, among others.¹⁷It’s essential to check whether your destination country is part of the ATA system before planning your shipment. Each participating country may have specific rules or limitations on the types of goods allowed under carnet, so being informed can help you avoid complications. For a complete and updated list of carnet-accepting countries.

Explore the dashboard

ATA Carnet vs Temporary Importation Bond (TIB)

Feature

ATA Carnet

Temporary Importation Bond (TIB)¹⁸

Scope

Multiple countries and multiple trips (within 1 year)

Single country, single entry

Document

Single, standardized international document

Requires specific US customs forms (e.g., CBP form 7501) and a bond

Process

Simplified, internationally recognized procedure

Standard customs entry and clearance process

Cost

Issuing fee and Security bond (typically 40% of value)

Bond premium and broker fees (can be higher)

Use case

Ideal for frequent travel, multi-country trips, trade shows

Best for one-off imports into the US for specific purposes (e.g., repair, testing, exhibition); not for multi-country use

Flexibility

High – covers entries/exits easily

Low – tied to a single specific import into the US

Conclusion

The ATA Carnet is a powerful tool for the temporary movement of goods. By acting as a passport for commercial samples, professional equipment, and exhibition materials, it removes significant financial and administrative barriers associated with traditional customs procedures. The carnet system’s benefits – cost savings via duty/tax suspension, simplified paperwork, and expedited clearance across nearly 100 member countries – make it an essential consideration for anyone planning carnet shipping or temporary exports. Understanding the carnet process, eligible goods, and application requirements empowers users to leverage this system for smoother, more predictable international operations.

While carnets streamline temporary exports, businesses aiming to sell products internationally often turn to the expansive world of e-commerce. Programs like Amazon Global Selling offer robust solutions for reaching customers worldwide, managing logistics, and navigating the complexities of exports.

Amazon Global Selling: Easy e-commerce exports and hassle-free shipping

If you are a business owner and you want to sell your products to the world, Amazon Global Selling enables you to list and sell ‘Made in India’ products on 18 Amazon global marketplaces. As an e-commerce export program, Amazon Global Selling provides support and guidance at every step of your export journey, connecting you to Amazon’s Service Provider Network for tailored compliance, payments, and logistics support.

Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfillment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What merchandise is not covered by carnets?

Carnets don’t cover consumables, perishables, or goods for repair or processing. Items meant for sale are also excluded.

2. How long is a carnet valid for?

A carnet is valid for up to one year from the date of issue.

3. Can a carnet be extended?

No, carnets cannot be extended. A new application is needed if the original carnet expires.

4. How long does it take to get a carnet?

It can take between 7-10 business days. However, applying earlier is advisable.

5. How much does a carnet cost?

Costs vary by country and issuing agency. Fees typically include processing and a security deposit.

6. Who issues a carnet?

In India, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) issues carnets.

7. What is the validity of a carnet?

A carnet is generally valid for 12 months from the date of issuance.

Published on June 19, 2025.

Sources:
2. https://www.trade.gov/ata-carnet
3. https://www.atacarnet.com/what-carnet
4. https://www.freightmango.com/shipping-glossary/w/carnet/
6. https://www.credlix.com/blogs/what-is-ata-carnet-and-how-does-it-work-in-carnet-shipments
8. https://www.atacarnet.com/what-carnet
9. https://ts.dbschenker.com/products/tools/ata-carnet-services/carnet-faqs/
10. https://www.ata-carnet.uk/information/categories/
11. https://atacarnetexpress.com/ata-carnet-categories
12. https://www.roanokegroup.com/faqs/how-does-the-ata-carnet-work/
13. https://www.atacarnet.in/pdf/ATA%20brochure%202016.pdf
14. https://www.atacarnet.in/
15. https://www.atacarnet.in/how-to-apply.html
16. https://www.atacarnet.com/carnet-document.
17. https://www.ata-carnet.uk/countries/
18. https://landing.worldnet-intl.com/en/knowledge/what-is-a-t

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