ATA Carnet Past, Present and Future

Origin and Development of ATA Carnets

The ATA Carnet system was established to simplify the temporary importation and exportation of goods across international borders. Introduced in the 1960s, the primary goal was to create a unified, efficient mechanism for managing temporary admissions without requiring payment of duties and taxes. The acronym ATA stands for “Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission,” which reflects its core function for the movement of goods with specific purposes like exhibitions, professional activities, and commercial samples.

Establishment of the ATA System

The system was officially established by the World Customs Organization (WCO) in collaboration with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). The system was formalised with the Customs Convention on the ATA Carnet for the Temporary Admission of Goods, which was adopted in 1961 and came into force in July 1963. This agreement was a pivotal development aimed at simplifying the temporary admission of goods across international borders. 

Key Milestones in ATA Carnet History

Following the convention's adoption, the Carnet system began expanding beyond Europe. The early milestones were in the 1960s and 1970s, when several European countries implemented the system to allow for easier international trade. The expansion continued through the 1980s and 1990s as more countries joined, broadening the system’s global reach. Notable expansions include Japan in 1973 and Australia in 1963, which were significant steps towards globalising the ATA Carnet framework.

Key Events and Agreements

A major development occurred in 1990 when the Istanbul Convention was signed to combine various regional conventions into a single, cohesive instrument. This agreement marked a significant step in the evolution of the ATA Carnet system, improving cooperation among countries and establishing a unified international guarantee chain for the temporary admission of goods.

More recently, new members have joined the system, including Saudi Arabia, Philippines, Peru in 2024, Vietnam in 2022, and Qatar in 2018, reflecting the ongoing growth and adaptation of the system to meet the growing popularity of international trade.

Summary of ATA Carnet’s Key Milestones

• The 1961 adoption of the ATA Carnet Convention.

• In 1963, the system officially launched.

• In 1967, Japan joined the ATA Carnet system.

• In 1990, the Istanbul Convention integrated regional conventions.

• In 2018, Qatar became a member of the ATA Carnet network.

• In 2022, Vietnam started accepting ATA Carnets.

• In 2024, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, and Peru joined the Carnet Scheme.

The Future of ATA Carnet In Europe

Brexit has significantly impacted the use of carnets between the UK and the European Union. As a result of the UK’s departure from the EU customs union, Carnet documents are now required for temporary exports of goods from the UK to EU countries and vice versa. This change aims to simplify and standardise the temporary admission of goods across borders, ensuring that businesses can continue to benefit from the system for their international operations.

Looking ahead, the system in Europe is expected to adapt to ongoing changes in trade policies and customs regulations. Despite Brexit, the process remains important for the temporary export and import of various commercial goods. The future of the system in Europe will likely involve continued cooperation between countries to ratify customs processes and support international trade.

The ATA Carnet system has evolved from its conceptualisation in the 1960s as a simple tool for temporarily admitting goods to a complex global framework supporting international trade today.

The scheme continues to be important for businesses needing to manage temporary imports and exports efficiently. As global trade dynamics shift, the system's role in ensuring efficient cross-border transactions remains key.

Contact our experienced team to discuss your international trade plans and to find out whether an ATA Carnet is suitable.

ATA Carnet FAQs

Why were ATA Carnets first introduced?

Initially developed in the 1960s, the aim was to streamline customs procedures for business samples, professional equipment, and exhibition goods. Their creation aimed to make international trade easier by reducing the complexity of temporary admissions and ensuring that goods could move across borders without facing unnecessary duties or delays.

Who manages the ATA Carnet system today?

The ATA Carnet system is managed by the World ATA Carnet Council (WCF) under the auspices of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). The WCF oversees the framework and expansion of the Carnet system worldwide.

How widespread is the acceptance of ATA Carnets globally?

Carnets are accepted in over 80 countries worldwide, including most European nations, the United States, Canada, Australia, and several countries in Asia and the Middle East. The system continues to expand, with new countries joining the network to allow international trade and temporary admissions for commercial samples, professional equipment, and exhibition goods. This broad acceptance supports global business operations by simplifying customs procedures and reducing temporary import and export costs.

Will digitalisation play a role in streamlining ATA Carnet processes in the future?

Yes, efforts are underway to develop digital ATA Carnets that will simplify application procedures, improve the tracking of goods, and upgrade efficiency in customs processes. Digital solutions aim to reduce paperwork, speed up approvals, and make it easier for businesses to manage their international trade operations.