Albania and Madagascar latest to join ATA Carnet system
10 March 2014
Two new countries are being brought into the international ATA Carnet system for the temporary exports of non-consumable or perishable goods.
Albania and Madagascar have both introduced ATA Carnets – effectively a passport for goods - becoming the 72nd and 73rd countries respectively to do so.
The name ATA Carnets is derived from the French and English phrases "Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission”. They replace the need for usual customs documentation and allow goods for events such as trade shows, demonstrations, conferences and festivals to be fast-tracked into countries belonging to the scheme without having to pay duties or local tax.
Carnets cover professional equipment, commercial samples and items, including machinery, for trade fairs and exhibitions. They are valid for a year, can be used for multiple trips and avoid delays and extra costs for exporters.
A total of 70 countries operate the system and more than 175,000 ATA Carnets are issued yearly for thousands of international consignments collectively worth more than US$ 25bn.
Chamber International is the only official ATA Carnet issuing body for Yorkshire & Humber.
Chamber international trade procedures manager, Alison Holmes says: “With an expansion in international trade becoming crucial for the global economy and many countries expecting healthy GDP growth, it is very good news that Albania and Madagascar are joining the ATA Carnet chain and we’re able to provide these documents from now on.”
Moves to attract other countries including Brazil, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia – all of which have said they would like to join the system - are continuing.
Follow Alison Holmes on Twitter _AJH
