BTX Blog

Ensure your Trade Show travels duty and tax free to over 100 countries worldwide with BTX Global Logistics and ATA Carnet

BTX Global Logistics has long provided the international customs document, ATA Carnet, for our customers in Trade Show and beyond, right across the globe. ATA Carnet allows duty and tax free temporary entry into 100 foreign countries.

What are the benefits of an ATA Carnet?
Reduces costs to exporters. Eliminates value-added taxes (VAT), duties and the posting of some form of security normally required at the time of importation. Simplifies customs procedures. ATA Carnet is one document for all customs transactions. Serves as a US Customs Registration to ensure duty free re-entry to the US.
No Surprises. Arrangements are made in advance and paid for in US Dollars.

How long is an ATA Carnet valid?
Typically an ATA Carnet is valid for one year from date of issue. ATA Carnets can be used for unlimited exits and entries from the US and into foreign countries within the year period. There are a few options available for extending the time the goods can remain in the foreign country beyond the expiration of the original ATA Carnet. BTX Global Logistics can explore these options for you, as they vary by country.

What merchandise can go on an ATA Carnet?
Everything and anything, as long as they are intended for commercial purposes and intended to return to the US. Virtually all goods, including commercial samples, professional equipment and items for trade shows and exhibitions. Ordinary items such as computers, repair tools, photography and sound equipment, industrial machinery, vehicles, jewelry, wearing apparel, and diagnostic equipment. Extraordinary items such as Olympic horses, rare gems, human skulls, philharmonic orchestras and archeological treasures.

What does not qualify for ATA Carnet?
ATA Carnets do not cover consumable goods, disposable items, repairs, replacement parts and personal cars to be driven on the open road.

How long does it take to get an ATA Carnet?
Typically within two business days if all submitted application information is acceptable and security requirements have been met. 24 hour service and same day pick up are available.

What are the Expedited Service options?
BTX Global Logistics offers both Rush Processing, where ATA Carnets can be issued and shipped for next-day delivery based on receipt of final application and security, and Same-Day Pick-Up, where ATA Carnets can be issued and made available for pick-up at one of our local BTX Global Logistics branches, on the same day the final application and security is received.

How much does an ATA Carnet cost?
Basic Processing Fees are determined based on the value of the shipment. Additional costs may be incurred in obtaining security, expedited processing and other services.

What about the security deposit?
Every ATA Carnet is required by the Guaranteeing Association, to have a security deposit typically equal to 40% of the shipment value, to cover any customs claims that might result from a misused ATA Carnet. Security requirements for vehicles and boats are typically 100% for corporations and 150% for individuals. The simplest way to provide security and avoid tying up your funds for up to 30 months is to obtain an ATA Carnet Bond. BTX Global Logistics offers ATA Carnet bonds as part of our ATA Carnet Service.

What is ATA Carnet Cargo Insurance?
The enhanced insurance policy that BTX Global Logistics offers fills the gap for ATA Carnet shipments. The policy is designed to cover losses not typically covered under a standard transit policy. Features of this policy include “All Risk” coverage for new and used goods, including transit to and from a foreign ATA Carnet member country. Coverage continues while the merchandise is in these countries and provides duty reimbursement in the event goods are lost or stolen. The policy also covers goods checked as luggage or hand-carried on a commercial airline. It is important to note that many cargo policies do not extend coverage for risks when not in transit.

Your premium is based upon the value of your goods, as well as the number of times you will be making entries into foreign countries.

What is Lost Document Coverage?
Replacing a lost ATA Carnet can result in costly replacement and delivery fees as well as lengthy delays. Purchasing lost document coverage at the time of your initial ATA Carnet application is a simple and inexpensive way to eliminate these potential risks. In the event your ATA Carnet document is lost or destroyed, a duplicate is quickly issued and shipped to you at no additional cost. Otherwise, standard basic fees apply.

How are ATA Carnets treated for traveling in the European Union?
With the recent expansion of the European Union, traveling in Europe is even easier with an ATA Carnet. Your goods must clear customs only once when they enter the EU and once when they depart; your ATA Carnet does not need to be presented when traveling between EU countries.

What is a TECRO/AIT Carnet?
A TECRO/AIT Carnet is basically the same as an ATA Carnet but only for travel to and from Taiwan. The United States has a bilateral agreement with Taiwan. If you will be traveling to Taiwan and other countries, you will need to obtain both an ATA Carnet and a TECRO/AIT Carnet for the same goods. As part of the BTX Global Logistics ATA Carnet service we can provide you with a TECRO/AIT Carnet.

So! How do you get an ATA Carnet?
This is the easy part! BTX Global Logistics can manage your ATA Carnet application, whether you are shipping your goods with us or hand carrying them yourself.

We've created a quick printable guide of the above, including all the countries where ATA Carnets are accepted. Click through right here to access the guide, and to contact us with any questions.