ATA Carnet
Admission Temporaire / Temporary Admission Carnet · ATA Carnet
An ATA Carnet is an international customs document that lets you take goods into another country for a short time without paying import duties and taxes, as long as you bring them back.
In plain words
It is often called a “passport for goods”. It is used for commercial samples, professional equipment (for example cameras or tools), and goods for trade fairs and exhibitions. ATA comes from the French and English words “Admission Temporaire / Temporary Admission”. One carnet can be used for several countries and trips.
Chambers of commerce issue ATA Carnets; in Turkey, they are issued through the TOBB network. A carnet is valid for up to one year. It is not for goods that will be sold, given away, or processed abroad. If the goods are not re-exported in time, the country can claim the duties and taxes.
Example from real shipping
A Turkish machine maker takes a demo machine to a trade fair in Germany. It gets an ATA Carnet from its chamber of commerce. German customs stamps the carnet when the machine enters, and again when it leaves after the fair. No import duty or VAT is paid in Germany.
Related terms
- TIR CarnetA TIR Carnet is an international customs document that lets a sealed truck carry goods across several countries with customs checks mainly at the start and the end of the journey.
- Bonded warehouse (Antrepo)A bonded warehouse is a warehouse under customs control. Imported goods can be stored there without paying import duties and taxes until they are released or sent abroad. In Turkey, it is called an “antrepo”.
- Customs brokerA customs broker is a licensed professional who prepares and submits customs declarations for importers and exporters, and deals with customs for them.
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Request a QuoteThis glossary is general information, not legal or customs advice. Rules, fees, and practice can differ by carrier, port, and country.