ATA CARNET

The ATA Carnet system is a perfect illustration of how close cooperation between business and customs can facilitate international trade.

What is an ATA Carnet?

Established under the ATA Convention as a trade facilitation tool, the ATA Carnet, commonly referred to as the “Passport for Goods” is an international customs document that simplify and unify customs border crossing regulations for duty-free and tax-free temporary import and export of goods for up to one year.

The initials “ATA” are an acronym of the French and English words “Admission Temporaire/ Temporary Admission”.

The Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount Lebanon (CCIA-BML) is the exclusive issuing and guaranteeing body of ATA Carnets in Lebanon.
 

Benefits and advantages of ATA Carnet

With the ATA Carnet, exhibitors, salespeople, artists, athletes, TV crews, technicians, event participants and business travelers may:

• Travel through customs without paying import duties, taxes at each customs border office;

• Use one unified customs document for all declarations at home country and abroad;

• Use single document for multiple destinations and trips throughout its maximum one-year validity;

• Reduces costs to exporters by eliminating value-added tax (VAT) and customs duties.

• ATA Carnet holders are not required to post securities with customs.

Customs authorities accept ATA Carnets in accordance with the scope of application that they ratified. The goods must not go through any changes while situated in the country of temporary importation.

ATA Carnets cover almost everything except perishable goods, consumable items, and goods for processing or repair.

ATA Carnets mainly cover:

• Goods for use at trade fairs, shows, exhibitions, and sports events;

• Professional equipment;

• Commercial samples;
   

   

ATA Carnets are accepted in approximately 80 countries/customs territories. The full list is available here: https://iccwbo.org/business-solutions/ata-carnet/ata-carnet-in-your-country/

DOWNLOAD ATA APPLICATION FORM                                     DOWNLOAD ATA CARNET GENERAL LIST

General List of Goods Instructions : https://uploads.ccib.org.lb/ATACarnetGeneralListInstructions.pdf
 

How to apply for an ATA Carnet?

Completing the Application Form and the General List of Goods:

• The ATA Carnet is issued to an applicant (company or individual) who is established in Lebanon. In addition to the holder of an ATA Carnet, a representative (person or company who will present the Carnet to Customs) authorized by the holder may also use the ATA Carnet.

•  The applicant must download and fill in the electronic ATA Carnet application form the CCIA-BML Website

• The applicant must send by e-mail (atacarnet@ccib.org.lb) the application form and the General List of Goods duly filled in to the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount Lebanon (CCIA-BML) at least five working days prior to the planned journey.

• The applicant should provide the CCIA-BML with the printed and signed application form, deposit the amount of the ATA guarantee, pays the ATA Carnet issuing fees, and receive his ATA Carnet.

The ATA Carnet is completed and printed at the Chamber of Commerce electronically, by printing the information submitted by the applicant in the electronic application and the General List of Goods into the ATA Carnet form, at the sole responsibility of the applicant in terms of correctness and accuracy of information provided.

 

LETTER OF AUTHORITY FOR APPLICANT OR USER

A Carnet may be issued in the name of an individual or a company who must be a permanent resident of Lebanon. However, it may be used by any person providing the user carries a letter from the named holder authorizing such use (see example below). The holder may also allow an Agent to handle the Carnet through the customs on his behalf, again provided that the Agent holds a Letter of Authority. Box B (Name of accredited person(s) who will use the Carnet) on the Green Front cover and the colored vouchers would then contain the statement: "Any authorized representative".

 

Draft letter to be typed on company's letterhead.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

 

I/We ……………………………………………..(name of Carnet holder) of ……………………………………………..(Company name) hereby appoint ……………………………………………………………to be my/our Agent for the purpose of dealing with and signing ATA Carnet No. ………... issued and guaranteed by the Chamber of Commerce, Industry  and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount Lebanon (CCIA-BML) under the appropriate International Convention, and to deliver to Customs any documents required in this connection.

 

Date :____________                         Signature _________________________

 

ATA Carnet issuing fees:

For Chambers Members: USD 200
Extra trips: USD 50 (up to three extra trips per Carnet)
For Non-Chambers Members: USD 400
Extra trips: USD 100 (up to three extra trips per Carnet)