If you've ever transported a piece of artwork to an international exhibition, an animal to a competition, technical equipment to a trade fair, or research samples to a scientific conference, the term ATA Carnet is probably not unfamiliar to you. It is a document that facilitates customs procedures for the export of certain specifically defined items. But what exactly are these items? And what rules and restrictions should you be aware of if you're considering using this customs document?
An ATA Carnet is a type of customs document that significantly facilitates the temporary export of goods abroad without the need to go through lengthy customs procedures or pay customs duties. However, it is subject to certain conditions and limitations.
An ATA Carnet is an internationally recognized customs document that allows for the temporary export and import of goods without paying duties and taxes. It is mainly used for goods intended for exhibitions, trade fairs, professional conferences, or for performing a profession, which are taken abroad temporarily and then returned to the country of origin.
Its purpose is to allow businesses, organizations, and individuals to present or use their goods abroad more easily, quickly, and at lower cost. With an ATA Carnet, you can temporarily export items such as:
The ATA Carnet was created in 1961 based on the Customs Convention on the ATA Carnet for the Temporary Admission of Goods, initiated by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in cooperation with the World Customs Organization (WCO). The acronym "ATA" comes from the French "Admission Temporaire" and the English "Temporary Admission." Its aim was to facilitate international trade and movement of goods across borders. Over the years, it has become an internationally accepted standard and is now valid in more than 80 countries worldwide.
The ATA Carnet has broad applications for businesses and individuals who need to temporarily export goods abroad, whether regularly or one-time. It simplifies international business and professional activities by eliminating the need for complex customs procedures.
The main purpose of the ATA Carnet is to allow temporary export and import of goods without going through complicated customs procedures or paying customs duties and VAT. It applies only to goods that will be returned to the country of origin after a certain period (maximum 1 year, though customs authorities may shorten this period).
It is ideal for goods intended for presentation or testing, such as commercial samples, scientific instruments, technical equipment, or artworks. On the other hand, it cannot be used for goods intended for processing, repair, resale, or consumption.
The ATA Carnet is particularly important for organizations participating in international exhibitions, trade fairs, conferences, or cultural and sports events. It allows them to transport exhibits, samples, and technical equipment easily, without complex administration and unnecessary fees. Artists also use the ATA Carnet when transporting artworks and equipment abroad.
Obtaining an ATA Carnet is not especially complicated or time-consuming, provided the applicant and the goods to be transported meet certain conditions.
The basic requirement for obtaining an ATA Carnet is that the goods are intended for temporary use abroad and not for sale. They must also be returned to the country of origin within the specified time frame.
There are three types of restrictions on ATA Carnet usage:
Applications for ATA Carnets are submitted directly to the Czech Chamber of Commerce. The application must include a detailed list of goods to be transported, including descriptions, quantities, and values. It must also specify the destination countries and any countries the goods will transit through.
Issuance of ATA Carnets and data exchange between countries is increasingly shifting to a digital format, so it is now possible to submit application documents electronically.
Fees for issuing an ATA Carnet depend on the value of the goods being transported. For one ATA Carnet, the fee typically ranges from CZK 5,000 to CZK 27,000.