Five ATA Carnet
International
Myths, Mysteries and Misunderstandings: Debunked, Unraveled and Explained
T
By Leslie August, Director, Boomerang Carnets
he ATA Carnet can be a handy option for temporary import shipments but there are still a few misconceptions out there about ATA Carnets and their use.
An ATA Carnet is an international customs document that allows merchandise or equipment to be imported temporarily without paying import duty and tax for up to one year. It has been around for 57 years! That said, some myths about carnets persist. So here are those falsehoods, undone. 1. Applying for an ATA Carnet is complicated and time-consuming.
FALSE: Boomerang carnets’ applications (through the Liverpool Chamber) are fullyautomated. The entire application process is done online including the carnet bond, signatures, stamps,
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seals and even delivery in some cases. There are no paper forms or applications involved. Once an online application is submitted, carnets can be printed at one of many Boomerang Carnet Distribution CentersSM in the U.K.
2. A company must be a Chamber of Commerce member to get the best rates and service.
FALSE: The Liverpool Chamber accepts ATA Carnet applications from anywhere in the U.K. and members and non-members alike get the lowest price.
3. Using an ATA Carnet only makes sense if it is used for two or more countries or two or more round trips. FALSE: ATA Carnets are designed for any temporary export shipment where the
exporter would benefit from avoiding payment of import duties and taxes. It’s just that the economic benefit may be greater when shipping to multiple countries or using it for multiple trips.
4. ATA Carnets can only be used for hand-carried items (or ATA Carnets can only be used when cargo is shipped.) FALSE: Both hand-carried (in-cabin and checked luggage) and cargo shipments are allowed when using an ATA Carnet. However, there are a few countries where hand-
carried shipments may be subject to additional regulations.
5. ATA Carnets are mostly used for shipping trade show booths to international trade shows.
FALSE: While trade shows are often cited as a reason to use carnets, trade shows are not the most common use for ATA Carnets. Showing samples, demonstrating products, testing equipment and servicing clients are all more common uses for the carnet than trade show exhibits.
The ATA Carnet international customs document is the most versatile and affordable temporary import tool available to exporters. For a quick quote or to get questions answered, contact Ms. Sarah Woolley, Export Documentation Manager at 0151 227 1173 or Sarah.Woolley@LiverpoolChamber.org.uk