ATA Carnet (CBP CBSA)
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🔖 This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide |
ATA Carnet (Canada & USA)
A guide to using ATA Carnets for the temporary admission of goods into Canada (CBSA) and the United States (CBP).
Overview
An ATA Carnet is an international customs document that simplifies the temporary admission of goods. It acts as a "Passport for Goods," allowing items to enter a country tax-free and duty-free for up to one year, provided they are re-exported in the same condition.
In Canada, it serves as an alternative to the E29B Temporary Admission Permit. In the U.S., it simplifies entry for samples, professional equipment, and trade show goods.
Financial Guarantee: The Carnet is a financial guarantee. If the goods are not re-exported on time, the issuing chamber of commerce pays the duties/taxes to customs, and then collects from the carnet holder.[1]
✅ Eligibility: What Can Be Shipped?
Carnets are strictly for temporary imports. The goods must leave the country again.
| ✅ Eligible Goods | ❌ Non-Eligible Goods |
|---|---|
|
Commercial Samples |
Consumables |
🇨🇦 Canada (CBSA) Process
Reporting in ACI eManifest
Even though the goods are temporary, they must be reported on an ACI eManifest (Highway Cargo Document) in highway mode.[2]
1. Create Shipment: Start a new ACI Shipment. 2. Shipment Type: Select ATA Carnet. 3. Cargo Control Number: Assign a unique CCN (Carrier Code + Number). 4. Details: Enter Shipper, Consignee, and Commodity as listed on the Carnet.
Border Procedure (Canada)
- Paperwork: Driver presents the Original ATA Carnet booklet (Green Cover) to the officer.
- Validation: The officer stamps the "Importation Counterfoil" to open the visit.
- A8A Form: Generally not required unless the goods are moving In-Bond to an inland office.[1]
🇺🇸 United States (CBP) Process
Reporting in ACE eManifest
Handling Carnets in ACE can vary by port, but the standard procedure often differs from ACI.
- Shipment Type: There is no specific "ATA Carnet" shipment type in ACE for highway carriers.
- Common Practice: Most carriers file an Empty ACE Manifest (Trip Only) if the truck contains only Carnet goods. The Carnet itself acts as the cargo document.
- Mixed Loads: If you have other commercial goods (PAPS), you file the PAPS normally on the manifest. The Carnet goods are often presented manually alongside the manifest.
Check Your Port: Some ports may require you to file a "Section 321" or "PAPS" entry for Carnet goods to track the CCN. Always confirm with the specific port of entry or your service provider.[3]
Border Procedure (USA)
- Paperwork: Driver presents the Original ATA Carnet booklet.
- Validation: CBP validates the importation/re-exportation counterfoils.
- Re-Export: Crucial step. When leaving the U.S., the driver must stop at CBP to have the re-exportation counterfoil stamped, proving the goods left. Failure to do this results in claims against the bond.[4]
📋 Summary at a Glance
| Feature | Canada (CBSA) | USA (CBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Manifest? | Yes (ACI Shipment Type "ATA Carnet") | Varies (Often "Empty" Trip + Paper) |
| Validity | Up to 1 Year (Officer may limit stay) | Up to 1 Year (Officer may limit stay) |
| Paper Required? | Yes (Original Booklet) | Yes (Original Booklet) |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 CBSA Memorandum D8-1-7 — Use of A.T.A. Carnets. https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d8/d8-1-7-eng.html
- ↑ CBSA — ACI/eManifest Highway Electronic Commerce Client Requirements. https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/eccrdhi-deccerout-eng.html
- ↑ CBP — ATA Carnet Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/entry-summary/ata-carnet-faqs
- ↑ 19 CFR § 114.22 — Coverage of carnets. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/19/114.22