ATA Carnet (CBSA Shipment Type)

🔖 This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide

ATA Carnet (Canada Import)

A guide to using ATA Carnets for the temporary admission of goods into Canada (CBSA).

Type: Shipment Release Region: Canada (CBSA)

Overview

An ATA Carnet is an international customs document that simplifies the temporary admission of goods into Canada. It acts as a "Passport for Goods," allowing items to clear the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) tax-free and duty-free for up to one year, provided they are re-exported in the same condition.

In Canada, it serves as a highly efficient alternative to the standard Temporary Admission Permit (traditionally Form E29B, now transitioning to Form BSF865 under CARM).

Financial Guarantee: The Carnet serves as a financial guarantee. If the goods are not re-exported on time, the issuing chamber of commerce pays the assessed duties and taxes to the CBSA, and subsequently collects the funds from the carnet holder.

✅ Eligibility: What Can Be Shipped?

Carnets are strictly for temporary imports. The goods must eventually leave Canada.

✅ Eligible Goods	❌ Non-Eligible Goods
Commercial Samples Product samples for sales demos or meetings. Professional Equipment Tools, cameras, broadcasting gear, musical instruments. Exhibitions & Fairs Trade show booths, displays, and event materials.	Consumables Food, agricultural products, giveaway brochures, plants. Processing/Repair Goods sent to be fixed, altered, or processed. Goods for Sale Items intended to be sold within Canada.

🇨🇦 Canadian (CBSA) Process

Reporting in ACI eManifest

Even though the goods are entering temporarily, they must be reported on an ACI eManifest (Highway Cargo Document) prior to arrival at the border.

1. Create Shipment: Start a new ACI Shipment in BorderConnect. 2. Shipment Type: Select ATA Carnet from the shipment type drop-down. 3. Cargo Control Number: Assign a unique CCN (Carrier Code + Number). 4. Details: Enter the Shipper, Consignee, and Commodity details exactly as they appear on the physical Carnet document.

Selecting ATA Carnet in ACI

Border Procedure

• Physical Paperwork Required: While the ACI eManifest notifies CBSA electronically, the driver must present the original, physical ATA Carnet booklet (typically a Green Cover) to the CBSA officer upon arrival.
• Validation (Entry): The CBSA officer will physically stamp the "Importation Counterfoil" to open the visit and authorize the temporary entry.
• A8A Form: Generally not required unless the goods are moving In-Bond to an inland sufferance warehouse for clearance.
• Validation (Exit/Re-Export): When the goods finally leave Canada, the carnet must be presented to customs again to stamp the re-exportation counterfoil, closing out the liability.

📋 Summary at a Glance

Feature	Canadian Import Details
Electronic Manifest	Yes (Select "ATA Carnet" as the ACI Shipment Type)
Validity	Typically up to 1 Year (The CBSA officer may limit the length of stay)
Physical Document	Required (The original Carnet booklet must be stamped on entry AND exit)

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