Details of CBP's Updated Directive on Temporary Admission Carnets

New CBP Directive 3280-013B supersedes the outdated 2000 version (3280-013A). (See ITT's Online Archives or 09/15/10 news, 10091526, for BP summary announcing its availabilty.)

Updated Directive Reflects Current Procedures

According to sources at the U.S. Council for International Business (USCIB), the new version of the directive was needed as procedures have changed since 2000 (for example, there are no longer yellow vouchers (CBP receipts) for U.S. carnets, and there are new instructions on CBP’s non-acceptance of replacement carnets).

For Temporary Duty-Free Entry of Samples and Professional Equipment

The temporary admission ATA Carnet (and the related TECRO/AIT Carnet for Taiwan¹) is an international customs document that is backed by an international guarantee. They are designed to simplify and streamline customs procedures for the temporary entry (or temporary entry and transport) of two categories of goods:

• Commercial samples and advertising material imported for the purpose of being shown or demonstrated with a view toward soliciting orders, and
• Professional equipment.

Carnets are for Multiple Temporary Entries and Last One Year

Carnets facilitate duty-free multiple temporary importations/exportations of eligible goods into various countries during the period of validity of the carnet. The period is limited to one year from the date of issuance and cannot be extended.

Carnets simultaneously serve as the customs entry document and bond or financial guarantee. However, the use of carnets does not exempt the merchandise from any applicable laws, regulations and procedures.

Once the carnet has been issued, no extra items shall be added to the goods listed thereon. The carnet must also list the countries for which the carnet may be used and the intended use of the carnet items.

(The ATA and TECRO/AIT Carnets consist of green front and back covers and counterfoils and vouchers. The counterfoils remain in the carnet as the holder’s receipt and the detachable vouchers serve as the required customs document.)

Foreign Carnets Can be Converted to TIBs to Lengthen U.S. Stay

As foreign carnets cannot be extended while in the U.S., conversion to a Temporary Importation Bond (TIB) may be obtained to keep the merchandise beyond the one-year expiration of the carnet, provided the carnet has not expired. Once the TIB is substituted for a carnet, the TIB time period is for one year with no more than one additional extension of one year.

Guaranteeing Association Jointly Liable with Carnet Holder

The carnet guarantee is based on an international agreement whereby a national guaranteeing association is held jointly and severally liable with the carnet holder for compliance with customs procedures for which the carnet was issued. This includes payment of any sums due in the event of non-compliance with customs procedures, which could be in an amount equal to 110 percent of the duties.

(In the United States, the U.S. Council for International Business (USCIB) is the designated organization responsible for issuing and guaranteeing any valid carnet.)

¹TECRO/AIT Carnets, used exclusively between Taiwan and the United States, follow the same rules that apply to the ATA Carnet. TECRO/AIT Carnets are distinguishable by the use of English and Chinese on the green cover. Also, the countries box on the front green cover indicates only the United States and Taiwan.

Note that TIR Carnets may not be used in the U.S. Although the U.S. acceded to the Convention on International Transport of Goods under Cover of TIR Carnets, there are no approved guaranteeing associations in the U.S. to guarantee TIR Carnets.

CBP Directive No. 3280-013B (dated 08/06/10)