ATA Carnet (CBP Shipment Type)
| 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. It is commonly used for commercial samples, professional equipment, and goods for use at exhibitions and trade shows.
Carnets are not intended for goods that will be consumed, sold, repaired, processed, or otherwise remain in the United States. 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.
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.
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.
Border Process
The carnet document must be presented when the goods enter the United States and again when the goods leave. CBP uses the carnet counterfoils and vouchers to validate the temporary admission and re-exportation of the goods. Failure to validate the 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. |
| 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. |
| Common Uses | Commercial samples, professional equipment, and exhibition or trade show goods. |