2007Cases/Carts/Stands and Transport forum
Obtaining and using ATA Carnets for transporting broadcast equipment internationally
19 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- An ATA Carnet requires creating an itemized list with equipment names, serial numbers, and declared values, which must be processed through the local chamber of commerce and stamped by customs authorities.
- Declaring deliberately low equipment values can expedite customs clearance in some countries, though values must remain plausible to avoid triggering additional searches by customs officials.
- Different countries have varying requirements for ATA Carnets; some chambers of commerce require bank guarantees or deposits (such as 50% of declared value in some cases), while others charge only small insurance fees.
- An ATA Carnet typically remains valid for one year and may include forms for multiple trips without requiring renewal each time.
- Not all countries participate in the ATA Carnet system; verification of a destination country's participation status with the local chamber of commerce is necessary before proceeding.
- When traveling with a carnet, equipment must be presented and verified at both departure and return customs checkpoints to confirm all listed items are accounted for.
- Grouping items under general categories such as 'various accessories' or 'miscellaneous lights' on the carnet allows flexibility for equipment without individual serial numbers.
- Loss or damage to equipment covered by a carnet creates significant complications, as the issuing chamber of commerce may not issue a replacement carnet for an extended period.
- Some countries with less developed chamber of commerce systems may impose additional financial requirements or complications beyond standard ATA Carnet procedures.
Depends on
- The discussion references conditions as they existed around 2007 and may not reflect current procedures.
- Country-specific requirements vary significantly and were not fully resolved in the thread; participants reported different experiences from different nations.
- One contributor mentioned losing equipment during travel, making that particular experience anecdotal rather than systematic knowledge.
- IATA Carnets are noted as not valid for all destinations (Brazil was mentioned as not accepting them), requiring alternative procedures for those countries.
- The distinction between ATA Carnets and IATA was clarified late in the discussion, indicating some initial confusion about terminology.