ATA Carnet (CBP CBSA)

This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide

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How to create an ATA Carnet shipment in ACI using BorderConnect.

An ATA Carnet is an international customs document used to simplify temporary admission (temporary import/export) of eligible goods. In Canada, carnets are an alternative to documenting temporary importations on form E29B (Temporary Admission Permit), and they act as a guarantee for duties/taxes if the goods are not re-exported within the authorized time limits.

Carnets are typically used for commercial samples, professional equipment, and goods for exhibitions/fairs. Carnets generally cannot be used for goods intended for sale, lease, processing, repair, or for consumable goods (e.g., food/plants) that may be used up or disposed of.

Carnets are issued by recognized issuing organizations (not by CBSA). In Canada, carnets are guaranteed by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and are obtained through carnet service providers/issuing offices.

Validity / time limits: Carnets are valid for one year from the date of issue, but the authorized period of stay in Canada can be shorter if CBSA sets an earlier re-exportation date on the importation counterfoil. Duties and taxes may apply if goods are not re-exported within the authorized time limits (including if the carnet expires).

The carnet should be obtained by the party temporarily importing the goods (the carnet holder). The carrier/driver must have the carnet available to present to border officials when reporting the goods.

Declaring an ATA Carnet in ACI eManifest

Carnet shipments transported by highway into Canada must still be reported to CBSA under ACI/eManifest using a Highway Cargo Document (cargo control document) within the required timelines (generally validated at least one hour prior to arrival at the first port of arrival). To report an ATA Carnet the carrier will need to create an ACI Shipment designated as non-CSA (or "ATA Carnet" if using BorderConnect's ACI eManifest software), and ensure that the shipment is transmitted as part of their ACI eManifest.

Although an ATA Carnet Shipment is different from a PARS shipment, the carrier will still need to provide a unique Cargo Control Number, as well as all other information normally required for an ACI Shipment including Shipper, Consignee and Commodity information.

At the border, the driver must present the ATA Carnet document to CBSA for processing/validation as directed by the officer. A paper A8A is not a standard requirement for carnet processing; A8A (in-bond cargo control document) is associated with in-bond movements. If the goods are moving in-bond (for example, unaccompanied carnet goods moving in bond to an office of destination), the movement must be handled according to CBSA’s carnet and in-bond procedures.

ACI/eManifest highway cargo and conveyance data must generally be received and validated by CBSA at least one (1) hour prior to arrival at the first port of arrival (FPOA).

ATA Carnet and ACE eManifest

In the United States, the ATA Carnet is also used as a mechanism to temporarily import eligible goods under carnet procedures (rather than a standard consumption entry).

For ACE truck eManifest, many filers handle carnet movements by transmitting the trip/conveyance portion of the manifest and processing the carnet documentation at the port, because carnet cargo is not typically transmitted as a standard electronic shipment release type in the highway manifest workflow. Requirements and available functionality can change, so carriers should follow current CBP guidance and their service provider’s instructions for the highway mode.