How to ship goods abroad for fairs and events without paying customs duties
Participating in an international exhibition, trade fair or business event often requires companies to transport equipment, samples or professional materials temporarily to another country.
To simplify these operations, companies can use the ATA Carnet, an international customs document also known as the “passport for goods”.
The ATA Carnet allows the temporary export of eligible goods to countries that are part of the ATA Convention, simplifying customs procedures and avoiding the payment of import duties and VAT, provided that the goods are re-imported within the required timeframe.
ATA Carnet in Italy: electronic procedure introduced in 2023
Since April 1st, 2023, the issuance of the ATA Carnet in Italy, managed by the Chambers of Commerce, has been carried out exclusively through an electronic procedure.
The new system requires companies to submit their applications using the Cert’O platform, the online service already used for other international trade documents, such as certificates of origin.
To access the service, the applicant must register on the dedicated online platform and authenticate using a digital signature device, such as the National Services Card (CNS).
This digital procedure has simplified the management of ATA Carnet applications, reducing paperwork and making the process faster and more efficient for companies involved in international trade.
What is an ATA Carnet?
The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that allows the temporary export and import of goods between countries that have joined the ATA Convention.
Instead of following the standard customs procedures for temporary imports, companies can use a single internationally recognized document.
The Carnet provides customs authorities with a guarantee that the goods will be re-exported within the validity period. If the goods are not returned according to the Carnet conditions, customs duties and taxes may become payable.
The name ATA comes from the combination of the French and English expressions:
Admission Temporaire – Temporary Admission
When is an ATA Carnet used?
The ATA Carnet is mainly used by companies that need to move goods temporarily for:
- international exhibitions and trade fairs;
- product demonstrations;
- commercial presentations;
- business events;
- professional activities abroad.
Typical examples include:
- machinery displayed at an international exhibition;
- technical equipment;
- professional tools;
- prototypes;
- commercial samples;
- audiovisual equipment;
- exhibition materials.
The Carnet is particularly useful for companies participating in international events because it allows goods to cross borders temporarily without completing different customs procedures in each country.
Advantages of using an ATA Carnet
Using an ATA Carnet offers several benefits for international shipments.
No import duties and VAT
Eligible goods can enter foreign countries without paying customs duties and VAT, provided they are returned within the permitted period.
Simplified customs clearance
The ATA Carnet replaces multiple temporary import documents, making customs operations easier and faster.
Reduced administrative procedures
Companies can manage international temporary exports using a single standardized document recognized by customs authorities worldwide.
Better control of international shipments
The Carnet helps companies organize their temporary exports more efficiently, especially when goods must travel through several countries.
Which goods can be shipped with an ATA Carnet?
Goods generally accepted under ATA Carnet procedures include:
- professional equipment;
- commercial samples;
- goods intended for exhibitions and fairs;
- demonstration materials;
- tools and instruments used for professional purposes.
However, acceptance depends on the destination country and the specific customs regulations in force.
Which goods cannot be shipped with an ATA Carnet?
The ATA Carnet cannot normally be used for goods that are intended to be consumed, sold or modified abroad.
Examples of excluded goods include:
- food products;
- consumable materials;
- brochures and advertising materials intended for distribution;
- spare parts used in production processes;
- goods that will remain permanently in the destination country.
For particular cases, it is always advisable to check the applicable customs requirements before shipment.
Types of ATA Carnet
Depending on the company’s needs, different types of Carnet may be available.
Basic ATA Carnet
Used for limited temporary export operations. It allows a restricted number of movements according to the conditions established at issuance.
Standard ATA Carnet
Suitable for companies that need to travel abroad several times during the validity period. Additional sheets may be available depending on the applicable rules.
CPD China-Taiwan Carnet
A specific Carnet procedure used for temporary exports involving Taiwan.
ATA Carnet validity period
The ATA Carnet is generally valid for a maximum period of 12 months from the date of issue.
During this period, the goods must be exported, temporarily imported and returned according to the conditions indicated in the document.
Failure to comply with the re-import requirements may result in customs duties and taxes becoming payable.
ATA Carnet and international shipping: why experience matters
Although the ATA Carnet simplifies temporary export procedures, correct preparation of documentation is essential.
Errors in the Carnet or in transport documents may cause:
- customs delays;
- additional costs;
- difficulties during clearance operations;
- problems when returning goods to the country of origin.
Before shipping exhibition materials or professional equipment abroad, companies should verify:
- whether the destination country accepts ATA Carnet procedures;
- whether the goods qualify for temporary admission;
- whether all documents are correctly completed;
- whether transport and customs documentation are consistent.
Your partner for international shipments with ATA Carnet
Managing temporary exports for exhibitions and international events requires expertise in logistics and customs procedures.
Our team assists companies with international shipments involving ATA Carnet, supporting them in document preparation, transport organization and customs requirements.
Whether you need to ship exhibition materials, commercial samples or professional equipment abroad, we provide tailored solutions to simplify your international operations.
