ATA Carnet (CBP Shipment Type)
Last updated 13 July 2026
On this page
| This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide |
| This article is about the U.S. shipment type. For the Canadian shipment type, see ATA Carnet (CBSA Shipment Type). |
An ATA Carnet is an international customs document used for the temporary admission of qualifying goods into the United States without paying duties and taxes when the goods are properly re-exported.[1] It is commonly used for commercial samples, professional equipment, and goods for use at exhibitions and trade shows.[1]
Carnets are not intended for goods that will be consumed, sold, repaired, processed, or otherwise remain in the United States.[2] A carnet is generally valid for up to one year from the date of issue, but customs authorities may limit the length of stay for a specific movement.[2]
ACE Manifest Reporting
CBP announced in CSMS #67960213 that, on March 24, 2026, ACE Truck Manifest was enhanced to enable trade users to provide ATA Carnet information as part of an electronic truck manifest filing.[3] CBP's Trade Information Notice for the enhancement states that ACE Truck Manifest was updated to support new carnet data elements as part of truck manifest processing.[4]
In BorderConnect, an ATA Carnet shipment entering the United States should be entered as an ACE Shipment using the Carnet shipment type when applicable. The carrier should enter the shipment control number, carnet number, carnet expiration date, and commodity details to match the physical carnet document.
The electronic ACE submission does not replace the physical ATA Carnet booklet. The driver must still present the original carnet document to the CBP officer for the required entry and re-exportation validation.
Use in BorderConnect ACE Manifests
In BorderConnect ACE Manifest software, an ATA Carnet shipment entering the United States should be added as an ACE Shipment using the Carnet shipment type. This tells BorderConnect to include the required carnet-related shipment information in the ACE truck manifest filing when the shipment qualifies for ATA Carnet processing.
When creating the ACE Shipment, the carrier should enter the shipment control number, carnet number, carnet expiration date, quantity, weight, commodity description, shipper, consignee, and other required shipment details to match the physical ATA Carnet booklet and supporting paperwork. The driver should still carry the original ATA Carnet booklet, because the electronic ACE Manifest filing does not replace the physical carnet document that must be presented to CBP for validation.
Before submitting the ACE Manifest, users should confirm that the carnet number and expiration date are entered exactly as shown on the carnet, and that the goods described on the ACE Shipment match the goods covered by the carnet. If the shipment is not moving under an ATA Carnet, a different shipment release type should be selected.
Border Process
The carnet document must be presented when the goods enter the United States and again when the goods leave.[1] CBP explains that the ATA Carnet may be used for temporary duty-free importation of merchandise and serves as a guarantee against duties that may become due if the merchandise is not re-exported.[2]
CBP regulations state that an ATA Carnet is acceptable for goods temporarily entered, or temporarily entered and transported, under the Customs Convention on the Temporary Importation of Professional Equipment and the International Convention to Facilitate the Importation of Commercial Samples and Advertising Material.[5] Failure to validate re-exportation can result in a claim against the carnet guarantee.
Summary
| Item | U.S. ATA Carnet Details |
|---|---|
| Electronic Manifest | ACE Truck Manifest supports ATA Carnet information as part of the electronic truck manifest filing.[3] |
| Physical Document | The original ATA Carnet booklet is still required at the border. |
| Typical Validity | Generally up to one year from the date of issue, subject to customs limits for the movement.[2] |
| Common Uses | Commercial samples, professional equipment, and exhibition or trade show goods.[1] |
See also
- ATA Carnet (CBSA Shipment Type)
- ATA Carnet
- BorderConnect ACE Manifest Guide
- ACE Shipment Details Page
- ACE Manifest Details Page
- Shipment Release Types Guide
Official Resources
- CBP CSMS #67960213: ACE Truck Manifest Enhancement - New Carnet Data Elements Coming March 24
- CBP Trade Information Notice: ACE Truck Manifest Enhancement - New Carnet Data Elements
- CBP: Traveling with Samples
- International Trade Administration: ATA Carnet
- 19 CFR § 114.22 - Coverage of Carnets
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 International Trade Administration, ATA Carnet.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Traveling with Samples.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 U.S. Customs and Border Protection, CSMS #67960213 - ACE Truck Manifest Enhancement: New Carnet Data Elements Coming March 24.
- ↑ U.S. Customs and Border Protection, ACE Truck Manifest Enhancement: New Carnet Data Elements.
- ↑ Legal Information Institute, 19 CFR § 114.22 - Coverage of carnets.