Trade shows & exhibitions
Temporary exhibit products, booth displays, demonstration materials, mannequins and eligible exhibition equipment that will be taken home after the event.
An international shipping guide
Understand the passport for your goods.
An ATA Carnet can help you take trade show displays, commercial samples and professional equipment across international borders—temporarily, without paying import duties and taxes, when the rules are met.
Explained for exhibitors, event organizers and international shippers
INTERNATIONAL
CUSTOMS DOCUMENT✦
CUSTOMS DOCUMENT✦
ATA
CARNET
TEMPORARY ADMISSION↗
✓Temporary entryFor qualifying goods
One documentMultiple eligible crossings
01 / Understanding the carnet
What exactly is an ATA Carnet?
An ATA Carnet (pronounced kar-nay) is an internationally recognized customs document often called a “passport for goods.” ATA stands for Admission Temporaire / Temporary Admission.
It allows eligible business merchandise to enter participating countries temporarily without the usual upfront import duties or taxes. The carnet also acts as a guarantee to customs: the goods must leave the country on time.
It can be used for cargo shipped by air, ocean or ground, as well as equipment carried by a traveler. It does not replace freight transportation, customs checks, export permits or insurance.
Simple example: Your company sends 10 display dresses, mannequins and booth equipment from the U.S. to a trade show in a participating country, then ships everything back afterward. An ATA Carnet may simplify temporary entry and return.
“
If the goods go abroad for a purpose—and come back afterward—an ATA Carnet may be the right customs tool.
The key words are temporary, eligible, and re-exported.
02 / When to use it
Who should consider an ATA Carnet?
The most common uses fall into three categories. Each destination can set its own rules for what it accepts.
Commercial samples
Products shown to buyers to obtain future orders—such as garments, jewelry or machinery samples—that are not sold, consumed or handed out.
Professional equipment
Tools and equipment used temporarily abroad, such as cameras, lighting, audiovisual systems, specialized instruments and production gear.
Fashion & apparelMachineryTrade show boothsPhotography gearJewelry samplesAudio / videoArtwork for display
✓
Usually appropriate to explore
- Temporary samples for showing—not selling
- Equipment returning after the event
- Goods that stay identifiable and unchanged
- Multiple business trips with the same listed items
×
Not normally covered
- Goods intended for sale or permanent import
- Giveaways, food, consumables or disposable items
- Goods imported to be repaired or processed
- Items that will not be re-exported as required
03 / The process
How do you get and use an ATA Carnet?
Apply before shipping or traveling. Most customs problems happen when the list is inaccurate, the document is not presented or an exit is not properly recorded.
01
Confirm the destination accepts it
Check the country, type of goods, intended use, time limits and any pre-registration requirement. An ATA Carnet does not work everywhere.
02
Prepare the General List
List every item with an accurate description, quantity, identifying serial/model numbers where possible, weight, reasonable commercial value and country of origin.
03
Apply through an authorized issuer
In the U.S., apply through USCIB or an authorized service provider. Pay processing charges and provide the required financial security or bond.
04
Validate it before departure
For a U.S.-issued paper carnet, sign the green cover and have CBP validate the cover and yellow exportation counterfoil on the first trip.
05
Present it at each customs crossing
Use the appropriate customs transaction when you enter and depart the foreign destination. Ensure the official record is completed for the exact goods moving.
06
Bring the goods back and close it
Re-export before the local deadline, have U.S. re-importation recorded, retain your evidence and return the completed carnet to your issuer for closure.
A typical round-trip shipment
1
Leave the U.S.
CBP export record
2
Enter destination
Foreign import record
3
Leave destination
Foreign re-export record
4
Return to U.S.
CBP re-import record
04 / Destination matters
Does every country accept ATA Carnets?
No. Participation, commodity acceptance and local customs procedures differ. Always verify the exact destination before booking freight or applying.
🇲🇽 Mexico
ParticipatingMexico accepts ATA Carnets for eligible goods. Advance registration is required at least 7 days before arrival, and a typical temporary-stay limit is 6 months. Confirm the current procedures and allowed category before shipping.
Check Mexico notice ↗🇧🇸 The Bahamas
Not participatingThe Bahamas is not an official ATA Carnet destination. Goods for events in Nassau require a different, locally approved customs or temporary-import procedure. Do not assume a carnet alone will clear the goods.
Check non-participating destinations ↗🇬🇧 United Kingdom
ParticipatingThe UK participates in the carnet system. Digital eATA customs handling became active in June 2026. Check with your issuer whether paper and digital records are needed for your specific shipment.
Check eATA guidance ↗🇨🇦 Canada & other destinations
Check rulesCanada and many countries in Europe, Asia and beyond participate. But accepted goods and customs deadlines vary—participation alone does not guarantee that your particular shipment qualifies.
View USCIB country information ↗Important: Mexico and the Bahamas are examples, not a comprehensive country list. U.S.-issued carnets are currently suspended for travel to Belarus, Russia and Ukraine. Check the current official rules before departure.
05 / Quick self-check
Could a carnet work for your shipment?
Answer three basic questions to see whether an ATA Carnet is worth investigating. This is only an initial screening—not a customs eligibility determination.
Choose your destination and purpose, then confirm the goods will return.
06 / Prepare in advance
Your shipment preparation checklist
A detailed inventory and the correct customs records are the foundation of a successful temporary international shipment.
Before your shipment leaves
0 of 7 ready07 / Cost & important details
How much does an ATA Carnet cost?
In the U.S., the basic issuance fee depends on the declared value of the merchandise. A financial guarantee is also required.
U.S. basic processing fees
USCIB-published rates; additional service charges, page fees and bond costs may apply.
| Declared merchandise value | Basic fee |
|---|---|
| $1 – $9,999 | $255 |
| $10,000 – $49,999 | $300 |
| $50,000 – $149,999 | $365 |
| $150,000 – $399,999 | $425 |
| $400,000 – $999,999 | $480 |
| $1,000,000+ | $545 |
Security: Commonly 40% of the General List value for U.S. carnets (55% for India); higher amounts can apply in special cases. Many applicants use a surety bond instead of posting the full cash amount. Fees and terms may change; confirm with your issuer.
08 / Frequently asked questions
Answers before you ship.
Questions we often hear from exhibitors planning international events.
How long is an ATA Carnet valid?
Usually up to 12 months from issuance, but the destination may require the goods to leave earlier. Customs can set a shorter final re-export date. Always follow the earliest applicable deadline.
Can I use one carnet for several trade shows?
Generally yes, for the same goods listed in the General List, within the carnet validity period and participating destinations. Some countries restrict partial or split shipments; confirm your itinerary with the issuer.
Can my customer sell a sample at the show?
Not under the normal temporary-admission terms. Goods intended for sale should usually enter under a separate commercial-import procedure. If circumstances change, consult customs before selling, transferring or disposing of carnet goods.
What happens if customs forgets to stamp my carnet?
You may have difficulty proving proper re-exportation. Customs could pursue duties, taxes, regularization costs or penalties. Keep shipping and customs evidence, contact the issuer promptly and obtain customs validation at each crossing whenever required.
Can INT EXPRESS issue the carnet?
In the United States, ATA Carnets are issued through USCIB and authorized issuing service providers. INT EXPRESS can assist with trade-show shipping planning, documentation coordination and the movement of the cargo; carnet issuance must be handled by an authorized issuer.
Can I use one for the Bahamas?
No—not as an officially accepted ATA Carnet procedure. The Bahamas currently appears on the list of non-participating destinations. Ask a local customs broker about the temporary import process required for your event and shipment.
Does an ATA Carnet replace a customs broker or export license?
No. A carnet simplifies specific temporary-admission formalities; it does not cancel export-control requirements, licensing, other agency approvals, cargo reporting obligations or country-specific restrictions. A broker or freight forwarder can still be important.
What about the newer digital eATA system?
Digital customs transactions are being phased in country by country. Some destinations have QR-code procedures while paper records remain part of certain routes. Check the latest instructions with the issuing organization and the destination customs authority.
INT EXPRESS / INTERNATIONAL SHOW LOGISTICS
Shipping to an international trade show?
We help exhibitors plan overseas freight and return shipments, coordinate cargo documentation and understand the logistics around temporary imports. Tell us where your show is, when it starts and what you need to move.
Official guidance and references
ICC: ATA Carnet overview ↗USCIB: How to use a carnet ↗USCIB: Fees & security ↗U.S. Trade.gov guidance ↗ICC: eATA ↗Non-participating destinations ↗
Educational overview reviewed November 2026. Regulations, participation, fees, admissible goods and digital procedures can change. Always confirm with the issuing organization and relevant customs authority before shipping. INT EXPRESS is a logistics provider, not the ATA Carnet issuing authority.