Brazil clears final hurdle to enter ATA Carnet System before the Olympics

15 July 2016

Brazil - host of the 2016 Summer Olympics – has entered the international ‘passport for goods’ system, ATA Carnets, in preparation for the global sporting event which starts in Rio De Janeiro on 5 August.

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) says Brazil has been accepted as the 75^th global member of the ATA Carnet system, an international customs document allowing duty-and-tax-free temporary admission of goods, such as professional samples or equipment, into a country.

The Olympics, commonly known as Rio 2016, will see more countries than ever taking part in a record number of sports. More than 10,500 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees are scheduled to take part, including first-time entrants, Kosovo and South Sudan.

Brazil’s entry to the system, which will allow participants as well as TV and radio crews, to use ATA Carnets to have their equipment admitted to Brazil, follows ICC Governing Bodies' meetings in Sao Paulo in June after which the Confederation of National Industry (CNI) and Brazilian Customs (RFB) formally appointed CNI as national guaranteeing and issuing association of ATA Carnets in Brazil.

The long-anticipated agreement makes Brazil the third Latin American country to enter the ATA Carnet system following Chile and Mexico.

Chair of the ICC WCF World ATA Carnet Council (WATAC), Cindy Duncan, said: "This is a major achievement for Brazil which will allow the country to reposition itself as a stronger player in the global economic arena and reduce trade barriers. It comes just in time for the 2016 Summer Olympics and shows the country's commitment to promoting economic growth and openness."

Highly awaited by the ATA network, Brazil’s adoption of the ATA Carnet system has been in preparation for several years. In an effort to be fully prepared, RFB and CNI held a five-day training programme in August 2015, conducted by Portuguese Customs, the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and the United States Commercial Attache in Brazil.

The intensive programme provided guidance on temporary admission in the framework of the Istanbul Convention, as well as an in-depth approach to the ATA system.

ATA Carnets, which are overseen by the ICC WFC, are internationally recognised customs documents which are important for businesses engaged in international commerce. They are issued for all kinds of goods, including professional equipment, commercial samples as well as goods for exhibitions and fairs and are valid for one year. 

Chamber International is the only issuing body in Yorkshire & Humberside for ATA Carnets. Contact Lydia Moi on 0845 034 7200 or email for details.

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