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)

ATA Carnet (US Import)

A guide to using ATA Carnets for the temporary admission of goods into the United States (CBP).

Type: Shipment Release Region: USA (CBP)

Example of an ATA Carnet Document

Overview

An ATA Carnet is an international customs document that simplifies the temporary admission of goods into the United States. Often referred to as a "Merchandise Passport," it allows items to clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) tax-free and duty-free for up to one year, provided they are re-exported in the same condition.

It is commonly used to simplify the entry process for commercial samples, professional equipment, and goods intended for trade shows or exhibitions.

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 CBP, 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 the United States.

✅ Eligible Goods	❌ Non-Eligible Goods
Commercial Samples Product samples for sales demos or meetings. Professional Equipment Tools, cameras, broadcasting gear, musical instruments, testing machinery. 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 the United States.

🇺🇸 United States (CBP) Process

Reporting in ACE eManifest (Effective March 24, 2026)

As of March 24, 2026, CBP requires carriers to electronically report ATA Carnets on their ACE eManifest prior to arrival to provide advance notice of the temporary import.

1. Create Shipment: Start a new ACE Shipment in BorderConnect. 2. Shipment Type: You must select Carnet from the shipment type drop-down. 3. Shipment Control Number: Assign a unique SCN (SCAC + Number). 4. Required Carnet Data: Enter the Carnet Number and Carnet Expiration Date exactly as they appear on the physical document. 5. Commodity Details: Enter the Shipper, Consignee, and Commodity details exactly as listed on the Carnet.

Important: The electronic ACE submission does not replace the physical document. The driver must still present the original Carnet booklet to the CBP officer for physical stamping upon both entry and exit.

Selecting Carnet as the Shipment Type in ACE

Border Procedure

• Physical Paperwork Required: While the ACE eManifest notifies CBP electronically, the driver must present the original, physical ATA Carnet booklet to the CBP officer upon arrival.
• Validation (Entry): The CBP officer will physically stamp the importation counterfoil to open the visit and authorize the temporary entry.
• Validation (Exit/Re-Export): This is a crucial step. When leaving the U.S., the driver must stop at CBP to have the re-exportation counterfoil stamped, proving the goods have left the country. Failure to do this results in claims against the bond.

📋 Summary at a Glance

Feature	U.S. Import Details
Electronic Manifest	Yes (Select "Carnet" as the ACE Shipment Type and include Carnet Number & Expiry Date)
Validity	Typically up to 1 Year (The CBP 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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References