---
title: "ATA Carnets: What They Are and When You Need One"
description: Learn about ATA Carnets, their benefits, and how they facilitate temporary, duty-free import of goods into approved countries for businesses.
---

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# [ATA Carnets: What They Are and When You Need One](https://www.avalonrisk.com/quest-news/ata-carnets-what-are-they-and-when-you-need-one)

 Written by [Avalon](https://www.avalonrisk.com/quest-news/author/avalon) | Oct 12, 2022 3:30:00 PM

A Carnet is commonly referred to as a “merchandise passport”, however, what does that really mean and when might your company use a Carnet? A Carnet service provider such as Avalon can process a Carnet for any goods traveling to an approved country for customs clearance. When a Carnet is used properly there is no payment of duties and taxes for the temporary import into the foreign country. Depending on the country, the temporary import is generally one year with an optional extension. However, some countries have shorter time frames with the ability to extend (after communicating with the foreign country’s customs office). The concept of the “merchandise passport” allows your goods to travel to multiple countries at a low cost and a conditional duty-free entry. There are specifications on what can and cannot be used for a Carnet; generally, it falls under three categories:

- Commercial samples
- Professional equipment
- Exhibitions and fairs

Some countries have specific commodities that can and cannot be used with a Carnet. The [Avalon Carnet service team](mailto:carnets@avalonrisk.com) can discuss these with you during the application process.

The process to apply for a Carnet is simple. Our Carnet service team members can help determine requirements and whether the goods you are transporting can be imported using a Carnet. The Avalon Carnet team will supply you with all the required documents and get the Carnet issued for standard or expedited service.

A Carnet can make a temporary import easy, especially with our experienced Carnet service team. Your company may find that a Carnet is the tool you are missing. Visit our [Carnet webpage](https://www.avalonrisk.com/ata-carnets) or email the [Carnet Service team](mailto:carnets@avalonrisk.com) for more information.

[View full post](https://www.avalonrisk.com/quest-news/ata-carnets-what-are-they-and-when-you-need-one)

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