Ready to take your business to the next level? Look no further! SwiftLink Worldwide is here to help companies take their business to the next level with our ATA Carnet service. ATA Carnets are needed to help specific products clear customs when shipping them internationally, and they also allow organizations to avoid duties and import taxes from the carnet country for 1 year. If your company is looking to obtain ATA Carnets, we can assist with both ATA and TECRO/AIT carnets, and help you obtain them fast and efficiently.
Looking for more information? Here are some frequently asked questions we receive about ATA Carnets:
What is an ATA Carnet?
ATA Carnets are very useful for businesses that import and export goods to foreign countries. They allow organizations to avoid duties and import taxes from the carnet country for 1 year (except for Exhibitions and Fairs, which is valid for 6 months) once they present their ATA Carnets to foreign customs. ATA Carnets are also used for reimportation into the United States, imports into foreign countries, and they serve as a U.S. Certificate of Registration of goods.
What Countries Require an ATA Carnet?
ATA Carnets are used in 87 countries and territories across the globe. To find out more about which countries require an ATA Carnet, you can read the full list by visiting our website.
How Much Does an ATA Carnet Cost?
The cost of an ATA Carnet varies depending on how much product you are trying to ship, and where you are shipping your product to. To find out more about pricing, please contact our team.
Who Issues ATA Carnets?
SwiftLink can issue and deliver an ATA Carnet within one business day if your application is completed and approved by 4:00 PM. We also offer same day service for an additional fee.
If you’re interested in applying for an ATA Carnet for your company, you can begin the process by contacting our team.
How Long Are ATA Carnets Valid?
ATA Carnets are valid for 1 year from the date of issuing, except for Exhibitions and Fairs which are only valid for 6 months. Please note that there are some countries making exceptions including Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, and Singapore.
U.S. customs officials do have the right to limit the validity of an ATA Carnet, but this is rare. ATA Carnets can be used multiple times in multiple countries during their period of validity.
What Does an ATA Carnet Not Cover?
ATA Carnets cover most merchandise including equipment and products. Some examples of merchandise covered by an ATA Carnet are products for conventions and exhibitions, trade tools, and commercial samples.Â
Consumer goods such as seeds, food, explosives, disposable goods, and postal items, are not allowed to travel with an ATA Carnet.
 Is an Import or Export License Required with an ATA Carnet?
Yes, an import or export license is required with an ATA Carnet. You can learn more on obtaining a license by visiting the USCIB website.
What Happens if Goods Are Imported Not re-exported?
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website, if the holder of an ATA Carnet sells, donates, or otherwise disposes of any of the goods listed on the carnet, the national guaranteeing association will be required to pay 110% of the import duties and taxes imposed by that country’s customs. The guaranteeing association in turn will attempt to collect this money from the holder of the carnet who violated the terms.
How is a Non-U.S. Issued ATA Carnet Processed?
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website, when processing a foreign-issued carnet, U.S. Customs and Border Protection must create a record of the transaction in order to protect the revenue and domestic commerce.Ready to get started on applying for an ATA Carnet or have further questions on the process? Contact the Swift team today!
