The ATA Convention
The ATA Convention is an international customs agreement that facilitates the temporary export of goods without having to pay any charges associated with the customs procedure. It was created to simplify customs and tax procedures for companies operating in different countries.
The main principles of the ATA Convention are:
- allowing the temporary import of goods into the countries belonging to the ATA guarantee chain – including exhibition goods and professional equipment (e.g. sports equipment, musical equipment) – without paying duties and taxes when crossing borders. The carnet holder undertakes to re-export these goods from the destination country within a specified period,
- replacing standard customs documents with a single international document accepted in 77 signatory countries. With the ATA carnet, customs procedures are simplified for companies engaged in international trade,
- increasing the security of trade in goods thanks to the financial guarantees provided by the organisations issuing ATA carnets.
What is an ATA carnet?
The ATA carnet is an international customs and tax document that allows goods exported for promotional and exhibition purposes to move duty-free across international borders. It is a type of simplified customs procedure that allows goods to be temporarily exported and imported for display at trade fairs and exhibitions or for other professional purposes. The ATA carnet is issued by organisations responsible for foreign trade, such as chambers of commerce or institutions responsible for issuing export documents.
The ATA carnet in practice
Using an ATA carnet entitles you to carry goods that need to be temporarily taken across borders for professional purposes, such as exhibitions or demonstrations. The carnet simplifies and speeds up customs clearance of goods exported for professional purposes and eliminates the need to pay customs charges on entry into the destination country.
Which goods does the ATA carnet cover?
The ATA carnet is used mainly in the trade fair, exhibition and advertising industries and in activities involving the export and import of goods for promotional and exhibition purposes (film and television equipment, theatre props, musical instruments, sports equipment, research apparatus, tools, etc.). It is extremely useful for companies operating on the international market that regularly take part in trade fairs, exhibitions and other industry events.
Which countries accept the ATA carnet?
The ATA carnet is accepted by nearly 80 countries around the world, including most countries in Europe, Asia, North and South America, as well as Australia and New Zealand. The list of countries accepting the ATA carnet is updated regularly and is available on the websites of the organisations issuing these documents. Bear in mind that since 2004 the ATA carnet is no longer required for moving goods within the European Union.
Benefits of holding an ATA carnet
Holding an ATA carnet brings a number of benefits to businesses and companies, including savings in time and money. Most importantly, the ATA carnet eliminates the complicated customs procedure, makes organising business trips easier and increases competitiveness on the international market. Thanks to this document, businesses can operate more efficiently on the international stage and promote their products and services abroad more effectively.
How to obtain an ATA carnet?
To obtain an ATA carnet, you need to apply to the relevant institution or organisation issuing these documents in the country where the company is based – in Poland, ATA carnets are issued by the Polish Chamber of Commerce (Krajowa Izba Gospodarcza). The procedure for obtaining an ATA carnet is relatively simple and involves completing the appropriate forms and providing the necessary documents confirming the purpose and value of the goods to be taken across the border.
How to complete an ATA carnet?
To obtain an ATA carnet, you need to:
- Contact your local Chamber of Commerce or another organisation authorised to issue ATA carnets in your country.
- Complete the ATA carnet application, providing information about the goods to be temporarily exported, and send it by e-mail to the ATA carnet department.
- Provide the required documents, such as completed ATA carnet forms, an invoice or a packing list.
- Pay the registration fee.
- Collect the ATA carnet and check that all the information is correct.
Holding a valid ATA carnet makes customs procedures much easier and faster when temporarily exporting goods to other countries
How long is an ATA carnet valid?
The validity of an ATA carnet is usually limited and cannot be extended – as standard, it is a period of 12 months from the date of issue. In some cases a one-off replacement of the ATA carnet with a new one, valid for a further 12 months, is permitted if the business wishes to continue temporarily exporting and importing goods for professional purposes. The validity of the ATA carnet also depends on the validity of other documents, such as insurance of the goods or a passport.
