A goods carnet allows users to import goods for a temporary period of time, usually up to a year, without paying duties and taxes. Created in 1961 by the World Customs Organization, the International Chamber of Commerce regulates these documents worldwide. The United States Council for International Business (USCIB), a non-profit private organization, administers and guarantees these documents.

According to the USCIB, a customs carnet applies to these types of goods:

1. Commercial samples, such as display equipment and goods for exhibitions and fairs
2. A wide range of "ordinary goods," such as computers, tools, cameras and video equipment, industrial machinery, automobiles, wearing apparel, gems and jewelry, and more
3. Unusual specialized goods, such as works of art, rare coins, etc.

Over 75 countries use customs carnets. Benefits include:

1. Unlimited exits and entries of specific goods to and from the United States within a year
2. With a carnet for merchandise, customs procedures are simplified with a single document
3. Value-added taxes are eliminated

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Since a customs carnet can have complications, find out more about what it is and what it isn't

The USCIB offers the most extensive information about custom carnets.

I recommend: At the USCIB website, you'll find a specific list of countries where an ATA carnet is accepted. This website also provides information about taxes and duties for each participating country. Most important, they offer tips and precautions to take before applying for a shipping carnet. These include import/export requirements, special security deposits, and highlights for specific countries.

Find out how to apply for a shipping carnet

Filling out an application for a carnet shipment may not be as simple as you might think.

I recommend: Before applying for a carnet for goods, you'll need a Registration ID (RID). You can apply for an RID by filling out the Online Registration Form at the USCIB website. They also offer what they call "Cliff Notes", a step-by-step tutorial (PDF) on applying online for a merchandise carnet. The Corporation for International Business, a service provider for the USCIB, has an ATA Carnet Application Checklist.

Before applying for a carnet for customs, you may need to contact a consultant

First-time exporters may especially need help with carnet preparation.

I recommend: Contact an ATA Carnet Export Service staff member for specific customer service advice. Their contact information includes phone numbers and email addresses. Sandler & Travis Trade Advisory Services is an outside paid consultant recommended by USCIB.

After applying for a carnet for products, find a freight forwarder that's familiar with carnets

Be sure that the freight forwarder has specific customs carnet expertise for the country you're shipping to.

I recommend: Recommended by the USCIB, Expediters International of Washington has office locations worldwide. Also recommended by USCIB, Panalpina, a German-based freight forwarder, has 500 offices in 90 countries. Deutsche Bahn AG, another recommended German-based company, offers contact information for their worldwide freight-forwarding specialists.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A goods carnet does not include consumable or disposable products such as food and agricultural items.
• •  Do not let your goods reenter the United States past the one year time period of the carnet. If you do, you may have claims filed against you.