Carnets in International Shipping

Carnet had been initially created for international shipping to allow salespersons to travel from country to country without paying duties in every country.
It is a long, multi-page document. When you go through countries at the borders, customs tear off pages.
Example of international shipping traveling under a carnet:
Leaving the US - U.S. Customs sings @ Export;
Coming to the U.K. - U.K. Customs signs @ Import;
Leaving the U.K. - U.K. Customs signs @ Export;
Coming to France - French Customs signs @ Import;
etc.

Carnets in international shipping are issued by NOT a government organization. It is a private organization, the International Chamber of Commerce referred to as the Issuing Authority.

Carnet is THE ENTRY IN THE BOND ITSELF. It is a combination of "Customs Entry in Bond," issued by foreign or U.S. associations for importation in international shipping. It allows for traveling in bond.

1. International shipping Tools of the trade;
2. International shipping Samples and;
3. International shipping Merchandise that is just transiting through countries.

TYPES OF CARNETS in international shipping:

1. ATA Carnet - for international shipping samples (1), tools of trade & professional equipment (2), and Advertising Materials, including motion pictures (3). Admission Temporary or Temporary Admission.

Important feature: FOR the United States, it is VALID WITHIN ONE YEAR ONLY. NO EXTENSIONS. After the year, you must RE-EXPORT goods (1) or DESTROY them (2). No exceptions.
ATA may be issued for a period longer than one year, BUT IT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED BY U.S. CUSTOMS after one year from the issue date.

2. TIR Carnet - Transit carnet. TIR is for international shipping (moving) goods. Transport International Router.
She was initially created for a French company that exported goods to Portugal, passing by Spain.

Important features:

1. NO TIME LIMIT. It may be issued for international shipping periods longer than one year and:
2. Consumption entry is allowed at the last destination.

3. TECHRO/AIT Carnet applies only to TAIWAN—the same as ATA, but for TAIWAN only.

General rules for Carnets in international shipping:

1. No prohibited international shipping merchandise is allowed.
2. No international shipping importations BY MAIL will be accepted under Carnet;
3. The same ten OUT as IN;
4. Liquidated damages go against the Guaranteeing Association, but NOT the Issued Association (Issued Authority);
5. NO CHANGES ALLOWED TO A CARNET after it is done (issued).
   If you need changes, you must obtain a whole new Carnet.
   Example: If you change routing from Italy to France via Germany, you must acquire a new network.

Prices for international shipping under Carnets are decreasing, and it is becoming increasingly popular.

Example for U.S. Carnet: A painting is shipped internationally to France for appraisal and returned to the USA. Under Carnet, there are no duties to pay, no problems with the U.S. or French customs, etc.