Temporary exports

If you are temporarily importing or exporting goods for purposes such as testing, repair, modification, or processing within a one-year period - and then returning them - you may be eligible to declare the shipment under an ATA Carnet (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) or Temporary Importation under Bond (TIB), allowing you to avoid paying customs duties.

An ATA Carnet, often referred to as a “passport for goods”, is an international customs document that simplifies customs procedures for the temporary import or export of various types of goods.

The Carnet supports international businesses by:

• Reducing complex customs procedures
• Eliminating the need to pay duties and specific taxes
• Removing the requirement to purchase a bond for temporary imports.

Benefits of an ATA Carnet

• Saves time, effort, and costs
• One document – one application
• Valid for up to one year
• Accepted in over 80 countries and territories
• Covers commercial samples, professional equipment, and goods for exhibitions and trade shows
• Eliminates duties, taxes, and guarantees for temporary imports
• Easy export – easy re-import

Please note that an ATA Carnet does not replace the need for required permits or licenses. Additionally, goods exported under an ATA Carnet cannot be sold until the Carnet is properly closed and the goods are returned to their country of origin.

Obtaining an ATA Carnet

Getting an ATA Carnet is a simple three-step process:

1. Prepare a general list of the items
2. Submit an ATA Carnet application
3. Provide a security deposit or guarantee

For more information about the ATA Carnet application process, please visit the website of the United States Council for International Business.

Need Assistance?

In countries that do not support ATA Carnets, Temporary Importation under Bond (TIB) is required. The TIB process may be longer and more complex - but we are here to help you complete it quickly and efficiently.

Contact DHL Express Customer Service at 1-700-707-345 to request a Temporary Importation under Bond through DHL or to receive assistance with the process.

Source: ATA Carnet (N.D.), USCIB.org, retrieved April 2017.