What is an ATA Carnet?
An ATA Carnet is internationally known as the passport for goods. It is a customs document allowing you to temporarily take goods out of EU territory to one or more signatory countries and bring them back, without paying local import duties and VAT or going through a separate import procedure. The abbreviation ATA comes from the French and English terms “Admission Temporaire / Temporary Admission”.
The system is based on two international treaties: the ATA Convention (1961) and the Istanbul Convention (1990). Today more than 60 countries are signatories, together accounting for the vast majority of global trade flows for temporary export. In the Netherlands, the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) issues carnets, with the ICC World Chambers Federation as the international umbrella.
In essence, the carnet offers administrative simplicity plus financial security. Simplicity, because instead of filing an export declaration plus import declaration plus re-import declaration plus export declaration in each country, you can manage with a single document with stamps. Security, because a deposit or bank guarantee via the KvK covers potential import duties and VAT in the host country - and that security is simply released as soon as the goods return in good order.
When do you need an ATA Carnet?
An ATA Carnet is the solution for temporary export in three classic categories:
- Trade fairs and exhibitions - booth and display materials for trade shows in Dubai, Las Vegas, Hong Kong, Tokyo, etc.
- Commercial samples - products to demonstrate to customers, not for sale
- Professional equipment - film crew with cameras and audio, measuring and testing equipment, demo installations, theater and concert production, sports equipment for competitions
Concrete situations:
- Film crew with cameras and lenses for shoots in the US
- Research team taking measuring instruments to a field location in Africa
- Company at a trade fair in Dubai with booth materials and demo products
- Live act or orchestra with instruments and stage technology for a tour
- Sales team with product samples for a client visit in Japan
- Sports team or artist with equipment for a competition or performance
- Industrial company temporarily placing a test setup at a customer in a third country
Important: an ATA Carnet is not suitable for goods you want to sell, for consumables that are used up on site, or for permanent relocation. For those, you need a regular export declaration.
What do we need to apply?
For an ATA Carnet application at the Chamber of Commerce we need:
- General goods list with:
- Sequential number per item
- Description (specific enough for customs: serial numbers where possible)
- Number of pieces
- Weight
- Value per item (in euros or destination currency)
- Country of origin
- Name and address details and EORI of the carnet holder (your company)
- Name of the person using the goods on site (can be the same)
- List of countries to be visited and preferably the purpose per country (fair, demo, shoot, etc.)
- Travel period (departure start date, expected end date)
- Any transport details if you already have them
The Chamber of Commerce works with a fixed system for the security deposit - 40 to 50% of the total value is blocked or insured as security. We calculate in advance what that means in your case and help you choose between deposit or bank guarantee.
How does the process work?
1. Intake and goods list compilation (2-4 hours) We help you draft the goods list as tightly as possible - serial numbers, recognizable descriptions, correct valuations. A messy list leads to problems at every customs crossing.
2. Application at the KvK We submit the carnet digitally via the KvK portal, arrange the security deposit component, and the KvK physically prints the carnet.
3. Issuance and briefing You receive the carnet (physical, because many destination countries still stamp on paper). We provide a short written briefing on which stamps are needed at which moment.
4. Departure and border crossings At every departure and arrival, customs stamps the carnet. We provide guidance on first trips and are available for questions while underway.
5. Submission and discharge After return we submit the carnet to the KvK. With complete stamping, the security is released. If a foreign customs authority files a claim, we handle the resolution - claims often arise from a missed stamp that can still be substantiated.
Processing time: with complete delivery 1-2 business days for issuance. Rush orders possible by arrangement.
What does it cost at DouaneDoc?
| Scenario | Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard ATA Carnet (1 country, limited goods list) | on request + KvK fees |
| ATA Carnet multiple countries / extended goods list | on request + KvK fees |
| Rush application within 24 hours | base rate + 50% rush surcharge |
| Support with claim or dispute about discharge | custom quote |
| CPD Carnet (vehicles) | custom quote |
KvK fees and security deposit premiums are passed through 1-to-1. The exact KvK rate depends on the value, the number of countries and the duration - we provide a transparent cost overview in advance.
Example 1 - film crew with camera equipment (value €80,000) to the US for 3 weeks: on request + KvK fees, security via insurance, carnet in 2 business days.
Example 2 - company at Dubai trade fair with booth materials (value €35,000) and samples: on request + fees, including support for the stamping process at Schiphol departure.
Example 3 - classical orchestra on tour to Switzerland, UK and Japan with instruments (value €600,000): tailored support, security via bank guarantee, exact stamp routing.
Common mistakes and how we prevent them
1. Incomplete or unclear goods list A customs authority can, in case of doubt, comb through the entire list and demand a physical check. We enforce precision in advance - serial numbers, sharp descriptions, no ‘miscellaneous’.
2. Missed stamping at border crossing A missing stamp is the classic problem. The customs of the visited country can then claim the goods have not returned, leading to the security being called. We brief in advance and are available while underway.
3. Wrong category selected ATA Carnets distinguish between categories (samples / professional equipment / fairs). The wrong category can lead to refusal in some countries. We align the category with your actual use.
4. Goods sold without formal import Sales are possible, but must go through formal import in the destination country. We coordinate in advance which route fits and help if needed with the on-site import declaration.
Why DouaneDoc?
- Practical experience with ATA Carnets for air freight via Schiphol - many carnet holders depart here
- Sharp goods lists that minimize customs checks while underway
- Direct line with the KvK for issuance and rush requests
- Support with claims and disputes about discharge - prevents you from losing your security unfairly
- Part of Aircargo Netherlands in Aalsmeer - one partner for your carnet, export declaration and possibly T1 for non-signatory countries
Trade fair, tour, shoot or client visit on the calendar? Call 088 088 2407 or email sales@aircargo.nl. With complete delivery your ATA Carnet is generally ready within 1-2 business days.