The ATA Carnet is a document that allows the temporary import export and import of merchandise into more than 80 countries while eliminating duties and value-added taxes (VAT) required in customs at the time of importation. The Initials "ATA" are an acronym of "Admission Temporary Admission".

ATA Carnets cover: commercial samples, professional equipment and goods for presentation or use at trade fairs, shows and exhibitions.

The ATA carnet is made up of several colored sheets of paper including a green cover which serves as the registration of goods, yellow exportation and re-importation counterfoils for use in the Holder’s country, and white importation and re-exportation counterfoils and corresponding vouchers for use in foreign countries.

Goods not re-exported from the foreign country by midnight of the expiry date or the date noted by the foreign customs authority as the “final date for re-exportation” (whichever is earlier) are subject to a claim from foreign customs.

The ATA Carnet Guide is helpful for anyone involved in international trade, including: exporters, importers, distributors, traders and brokers, logistics professionals, forwarding agents, shipping lines, airlines, and international trucking firms. This guide is also helpful to trade associations, chambers of commerce, consultants, professors and students of internacional trade.