How long is an ATA carnet valid?

Up to one year from issue; US customs refuses one valid for longer. Some countries set a shorter stay — Dubai allows 6 months or the carnet's validity, whichever is less.

How much does an ATA carnet cost?

In the US, $255 to $545 depending on the goods' value, plus a 40% security deposit or a bond. The London Chamber of Commerce charges £225 for members and £370 for non-members plus VAT; Dubai Chambers AED 900 to 2,300.

Can I sell goods brought in on a carnet?

Not without paying. A carnet covers temporary import only; goods not re-exported in time trigger a claim for the duties and taxes, and foreign customs can add a penalty.

Term

ATA carnet

An ATA carnet is an international customs document that lets goods enter a country temporarily without paying duty or import taxes, for up to one year — commercial samples, professional equipment and goods for trade fairs. Chambers of commerce issue them, about 80 countries and territories accept them, and duties fall due if goods are not re-exported.

Also called carnet, merchandise passport, passport for goods, temporary admission carnetUpdated 13 October 2026

What it covers

The ICC calls the carnet the 'Passport for Goods'; in the US, its issuer USCIB calls it the Merchandise Passport. It is accepted in approximately 80 countries and customs territories, for goods going to trade fairs and exhibitions, professional equipment and commercial samples. Not every country takes it for every use: the US accepts it under the conventions for professional equipment and commercial samples, and refuses any carnet valid for more than 1 year from issue. Dubai Customs lets carnet goods stay 6 months or until the carnet expires, whichever comes first, with no deposit.

What it costs

Issuer	Fee	Security
USCIB (US)	$255 to $545, by value of goods	40% of the goods' value, or a surety bond at about 1% premium
London Chamber of Commerce (UK)	£225 member, £370 non-member, plus VAT	A security bond protecting the chamber against claims
Dubai Chambers (UAE)	AED 900 to AED 2,300	Invoice value × total tax rate

Worked example: a US trade-show kit

Equipment worth $100,000 → USCIB fee $365 (the $50,000–$149,999 band) · security 40% = $40,000 in cash, or a surety bond with a premium of about 1% = $400

The bond premium is a non-refundable fee; USCIB ends the bond once the carnet is returned for cancellation and no claims are expected.

If goods stay behind

The carnet is a guarantee to the foreign customs that all duties and taxes will be paid if the conditions of entry are broken. When goods are not re-exported in time, a claim follows for those duties and taxes — and the foreign customs can add a penalty for a carnet not used in line with its conditions. The holder's security is what pays.

The mistake people make

Using a carnet for goods that will be sold or used up. It covers temporary admission only: samples, tools and exhibits that leave again. Anything sold at the show, given away or left behind owes the duties and taxes, and possibly the penalty.

FAQ

ATA carnet: common questions

How long is an ATA carnet valid?: Up to one year from issue; US customs refuses one valid for longer. Some countries set a shorter stay — Dubai allows 6 months or the carnet's validity, whichever is less.
How much does an ATA carnet cost?: In the US, $255 to $545 depending on the goods' value, plus a 40% security deposit or a bond. The London Chamber of Commerce charges £225 for members and £370 for non-members plus VAT; Dubai Chambers AED 900 to 2,300.
Can I sell goods brought in on a carnet?: Not without paying. A carnet covers temporary import only; goods not re-exported in time trigger a claim for the duties and taxes, and foreign customs can add a penalty.