ATA carnet for temporary export

Useful for temporary imports abroad

You can use an ATA carnet when you temporarily take goods with you to a country outside the EU. It is an international customs document that allows you to file a customs declaration quickly and easily. You can use the ATA carnet in many countries outside the EU.

Applying for an ATA carnet

In the Netherlands, you can obtain this international customs document from the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK. An ATA carnet can be used for the temporary export of, for example:

• samples and advertising material;
• exhibition material;
• tools for performing maintenance, repairs and service work;
• photographic, video and film material;
• musical instruments;
• stage and theatre props;
• materials for sporting events

Check which countries the ATA carnet applies to and what the conditions are (in Dutch).

How does an ATA carnet work?

Suppose you want to visit a trade fair in Switzerland to promote your machines to the Swiss market. Because your machines are only in the country temporarily, you do not have to pay anything if you have an ATA carnet. The ATA carnet contains a number of strips that the customs authorities put stamps on for export, import, re-export and re-import. This way Swiss customs can see whether your goods have left Switzerland.

Advantage of an ATA carnet

With an ATA carnet you do not pay any VAT, import duties or deposits. And it simplifies customs procedures because you use only one document.

What does an ATA carnet cost?

You pay a fixed fee for an ATA carnet. You can find the costs in the KVK's overview of product tarrifs. You also pay a premium that is based on the value of your goods.

Validity ATA carnet

With an ATA carnet you can import, export and transit certain goods for 1 year. In some countriesit is valid for less than 1 year. The carnet is valid in the countries (in Dutch, pdf) of the ATA convention. The condition is that you need the goods professionally, not privately.

Temporary export of goods for treatment

Once the goods have been exported, they must not undergo any changes. If you export goods temporarily outside the EU for treatment (outward processing) you will need authorisation to do so.

Using an ATA carnet is not always possible

You cannot always use an ATA carnet. For example, if a country is not a member of the ATA convention. In that case, you declare temporary importation at customs abroad. You will have to pay a deposit at customs there. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency’s country overview (in Dutch ) has information per country about arranging temporary importation.

Return after use

After you have used the ATA carnet, you send it back to KVK. They must be able to demonstrate that you have returned the goods. After one year, your ATA carnet is no longer valid and you must send it back to KVK. If you keep the carnet in your possession, KVK will send you a written request to return the carnet. You send it by registered post to: KVK, Afdeling Carnets, PO Box 2852, 1000 CW Amsterdam.