When transporting professional equipment across international borders for events, we use the ATA Carnet as the standard document for customs authorities.
The ATA Carnet is an internationally recognised customs document, adopted at the Istanbul Convention in 1990. It authorises the temporary admission of equipment and certain goods across the borders of all signatory countries.
The document itself is a booklet of white, yellow, and blue A4 vouchers. The cover contains all necessary information about the cargo and its owner. In practice, it functions as a passport for your equipment. In many countries it is the only document required for customs clearance. In others, it substitutes a customs declaration or serves as a guarantee of payment should the cargo not be exported within the specified period.
It is important to note that not all signatories have adopted every provision of the Convention, so requirements can vary by country.
What the ATA Carnet provides:
The permitted period of stay in any country of admission is one year. Prior to expiry, the cargo must either be exported or the documents renewed. In some cases an extension of one additional year is possible, which requires obtaining a new ATA Carnet and updating both documents at the customs office.
How we handle it
We manage the entire process of ATA Carnet preparation on behalf of our clients, including:
For shipments to countries not party to the Istanbul Convention, we prepare all necessary alternative customs documentation to ensure your equipment crosses every border without delay.