2025From a Facebook group: The Steadicam Group
Temporary Import versus ATA-Carnet for multi-month location shoots with Steadicam® equipment abroad.
What the thread found
- One operator transported a full rig from India to the United Kingdom for a five-month production using Temporary Import rather than ATA-Carnet: equipment was shipped by air freight in crates with itemized inventory lists, photographs, and declared values; collection and delivery to the production office and return were handled without incident.
- Temporary Import is best suited for work confined to a single country; when operating across multiple countries, an ATA-Carnet is usually more efficient.
- Both Temporary Import and ATA-Carnet can be shipped by freight independently; the production company typically covers the costs.
- Workshop experience warns that freight forwarders in certain EU countries (Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, France) sometimes fail to recognize Temporary Import status and charge VAT and import duties; operators must then pay and seek reimbursement, so clear documentation is essential.
- In countries without ATA agreements (Nigeria cited as an example), a local fixer can facilitate customs; having the home country's customs stamp the equipment list and photographs before departure establishes proof of re-importation.
Depends on
- Applicable to the specific countries involved and their customs agreements.
- Requires accurate inventory documentation with photographs and declared values for each shipment.
- Customs recognition of Temporary Import status varies by jurisdiction and forwarding agent.