Companies that do business internationally or seeking to start may want to consider saving time and money by signing up for the ATA Carnet, also known as the “passport for goods.”
The program enables companies doing business internationally to temporarily import goods for up to one year in multiple countries, without having to pay import duties or taxes.
The California Chamber of Commerce is joining the United States Council for International Business (USCIB) in offering a special rebate program to help businesses recover and get back to global business.
U.S. exporters of all sizes — especially micro, small and medium-sized businesses — can benefit by registering for the ATA Carnet before exploring new markets by promoting goods and services at trade shows and conferences abroad.
The initials “ATA” are an acronym of the French and English words admission temporaire/temporary admission.
Authorized Service Providers
Since 1969, the USCIB has been the national guaranteeing and issuing association for ATA Carnets in the United States. Each year the United States issues more than 21,000 carnets for goods valued at more than $6 billion. Worldwide, more than 185,000 carnets covering goods valued at more than $6 billion are issued.
The USCIB appointed two authorized service providers to issue carnets in the United States. Interested businesses can apply through either provider.
• Corporation for International Business (Boomerang Carnets), https://ATACarnet.com.
• Roanoke Insurance Group, https://carnet.roanoketrade.com.
Goods Covered
With the ATA Carnet, businesses can transport nearly all types of nonconsumable goods, including commercial samples, professional equipment and goods for exhibitions. Examples include:
• broadcast equipment;
• computers;
• industrial machinery;
• jewelry;
• apparel for photo shoots and shows;
• sports gear and equipment;
• trade show booths;
• artwork and antiques.
Benefits of ATA Carnets
• Saves time and money; helps cash flow.
• Is issued before departure.
• Can be processed in 24 hours.
• Streamlines the process for exports and imports.
• Simplifies the customs process with a single document.
• Eliminates duties, taxes and temporary importation bonds.
• Provides unlimited use in 87 counties and territories for one year.
• Easier and less costly than a temporary import bond.
The price of an ATA Carnet ranges from $235 to $475 depending on the value of the goods traveling. A standard security deposit equal to 40% of the value of the goods is required to guarantee the terms of the carnet. The ATA Carnet deposit can be secured with a surety bond that can be provided along with the ATA Carnet.
Rebate
After being issued their ATA Carnet, new holders can apply for the rebate by filling out and submitting this form with a copy of the ATA Carnet Green Cover.
More information is available at the ATA Carnet page under Trade Services at USCIB.org.
