Guide to temporary imports: Understanding ATA Carnet and TIB

Navigating international trade often involves moving goods across borders without a permanent sale. Whether you are showcasing products at a trade fair or bringing specialized tools for a project, mastering temporary import procedures is vital to avoid unnecessary costs. Two primary methods facilitate this: the Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission (ATA Carnet) and Temporary Importation under Bond (TIB).

This guide explains how an ATA Carnet does work, its benefits, and how it differs from a Temporary Importation under Bond. Whether you are an event organizer, a traveling professional, or a business owner seeking a reliable courier service, we will help you identify the right temporary import scheme for your next international delivery.

What is an ATA Carnet?

Often described as a "travel passport for goods," an ATA Carnet is an international customs document that allows items to travel duty- and tax-free across 81 countries and territories for up to one year. It streamlines the temporary shipment process by providing pre-prepared, standardized declaration forms that act as a financial guarantee to customs offices¹.

In Hong Kong, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) is the sole guaranteeing and issuing body for this document.² By using this system, businesses can bypass the repetitive paperwork usually required at every border crossing.

Benefits of ATA Carnets

Using an ATA Carnet offers several benefits for businesses managing a temporary shipment:

• Save time, effort, and money: You avoid paying duties and taxes upfront at every port of entry.
• One document — one application: A single carnet covers your entire itinerary, even if you visit multiple participating countries.
• Good for one year: The document is valid for 12 months, allowing for multiple trips within that timeframe.
• Accepted in over 80 countries: It provides a predictable framework for global operations.
• Versatile coverage: It applies to commercial samples, professional equipment, and goods for exhibitions or fairs.
• Simplified transit: It eliminates duties, taxes, and Temporary Importation Bonds in each country visited.
• Easy exit and re-entry: Customs procedures are standardized, making the transition between borders seamless.

Note: An ATA Carnet does not exempt you from needing a specific temporary import permit or license if the type of goods requires one. Additionally, goods shipped under a carnet cannot be sold; they must return to their country of origin before the carnet is closed.

What goods can be covered by ATA Carnets

The goods covered by an ATA Carnet generally fall into three categories defined by international conventions.

Goods for exhibitions and trade shows

This category is for items intended for display or demonstration at international trade fairs, commercial exhibitions, and cultural events. These include trade show booths, display furniture, banners, demonstration models, and artwork for gallery exhibitions. It also covers high-value items intended for display rather than sale, such as luxury watches, fine jewelry, or antiques, alongside promotional equipment like audio-visual systems used to attract visitors³.

Professional equipment for temporary usages

This category includes tools of the trade required to perform specific work tasks abroad. Key examples include cinematographic and broadcasting gear (cameras, lighting, microphones), musical instruments for touring bands, and stage props for theatrical productions. It also covers technical instruments for engineers, surgical tools for medical professionals, and IT hardware such as servers and diagnostic measurement devices for scientific research⁴.

Commercial samples for business deals

These products are used exclusively for demonstration to potential clients to secure future sales orders. Examples include clothing collections for fashion showrooms, footwear samples, and jewelry prototypes. It also covers electronic mock-ups, tech gadgets for testing, and creative works shown to prospective buyers. These samples must remain the property of the sender and are strictly not for sale while covered by the ATA Carnet⁵.

How to apply for an ATA Carnet

If you are wondering how to apply for an ATA Carnet in Hong Kong, follow these five steps via the HKGCC⁶:

1. Register your WebCarnet account: Create a user account on the HKGCC WebCarnet system. You must upload a soft copy of your valid Hong Kong Business Registration (B/R) certificate. Activation usually takes one working day.
2. Prepare your itinerary and goods list: Input your round-trip details and create a "General List." This list must be 100% accurate, as it cannot be amended once the document is issued.
3. Provide a security guarantee: The Chamber calculates a security amount (minimum HK$5,000) based on the value of your goods and destination tax rates. You can provide this via bank guarantee, cashier’s order, or bank transfer.
4. Submit for pre-lodgement review: Standard processing takes two clear working days. If you are in a rush, priority services (5 to 9 working hours) are available for an extra fee.
5. Document collection and execution: Once approved, print and sign the application forms and apply your company chop. Bring these to the HKGCC service counter to collect your official Carnet Folder.

What is Temporary Importation under Bond?

For countries outside the carnet network, a Temporary Importation under Bond (TIB) is the primary alternative for duty-free entry. This procedure allows goods to enter a country temporarily, provided the importer posts a financial bond — often double the amount of duties and taxes — to guarantee re-exportation within a set timeframe, typically one year⁷.

Unlike the ATA Carnet, which is a standardized global document, a TIB is a localized agreement with the specific customs authority of the destination country.

Use cases for TIB vs. ATA Carnet

Deciding between the ATA Carnet and TIB depends on your destination and the nature of your goods:

• Non-carnet countries: If the destination country is not one of the 81 participating members, a Temporary Importation under Bond is often the only way to avoid permanent duty.
• Processing and repairs: ATA Carnets strictly prohibit any process that changes the condition of the item. If you are shipping goods for repair, alteration, or specialized processing, you must use a TIB.

Simplify your temporary imports with DHL Express

Understanding how an ATA Carnet works is essential for any successful international project. From saving on duties to navigating the differences between an ATA Carnet and TIB, being prepared ensures your goods cross borders without delay. Shipping with DHL connects you with experts who manage these customs nuances, offering a fast courier service for professional equipment and a reliable partner for your next international delivery.

Open a DHL Express business account today to streamline your temporary shipment process and ensure your commercial treasures arrive on time and in perfect condition.