How ATA Carnets Work for Exporters

Struggling with high customs fees every time you send equipment or samples overseas temporarily? You’re not alone. Many Australian exporters, as well as international exporters, face this costly challenge. 

But what if there were a simple way to bypass import duties and taxes legally, saving you both time and money? That’s exactly what an ATA Carnet does.

Known as a “passport for goods,” the ATA Carnet lets you move your merchandise across borders temporarily without paying duties, making international shipping easier and more affordable. 

In this 2025 guide, you’ll discover how ATA Carnets can help  international exporters take the hassle out of their export process.

What Is an ATA Carnet and How Does It Work?

An ATA Carnet is a customs document that permits temporary duty-free import of goods like equipment, samples or exhibition materials for up to one year. It simplifies customs clearance by allowing repeated cross-border movement without paying taxes, accepted in more than 80 countries.

ATA Carnets come in both physical and electronic formats, with digital versions using apps and QR codes to speed up processing.

ATA Carnets have traditionally been issued as physical paper documents, but the system is evolving. The introduction of the electronic ATA Carnet, or eATA Carnet, enables digital processing using smartphone apps and QR codes. This digital transition is expected to be fully adopted globally by 2027 and will make customs clearance faster, more secure and easier to track.

Why International Exporters Use ATA Carnets

Let us understand this with the help of an example. 

A Tasmanian company that manufactures precision engineering tools needs to send their equipment to a trade show in Victoria, then quickly move it to a client site in Malaysia before returning it home, all within a few months.

Without an ATA Carnet they would have to pay import duties and GST at every border crossing, tying up funds and delaying their schedule.

Thanks to the ATA Carnet they avoid these extra costs and paperwork, and can move their goods swiftly and repeatedly across borders without paying taxes each time. This saves them money and keeps their projects on track.

Here’s why exporters like them use ATA Carnets:

• Preserve cash flow and reduce financial risk: By eliminating the need for upfront duty payments and security deposits at every border, businesses can allocate capital to core activities like product development and marketing instead of customs guarantees. This is particularly valuable for startups and SMEs that often operate with tight budgets.

  
  

• Enhance operational agility: The ability to repeatedly move goods across multiple countries without reapplying for permits or paying additional fees empowers companies to respond quickly to market opportunities or logistical changes. This agility is a strategic advantage in fast-paced industries such as technology or live events.

  
  

• Ensure regulatory compliance with confidence: ATA Carnets come with clear, standardized documentation accepted globally, which reduces ambiguity during customs inspections. This minimizes delays caused by inconsistent or unclear paperwork, helping exporters avoid costly compliance errors and customs disputes.

  
  

• Simplify international project management: For businesses managing complex supply chains such as those involving multiple vendors, locations, and modes of transport, the carnet acts as a single, unified document that aligns all parties and customs authorities, cutting through administrative complexity.

  
  

• Mitigate risks related to equipment loss or damage: Since the carnet requires precise listing and tracking of goods, exporters develop better inventory controls and accountability during transit, reducing the likelihood of disputes or claims.

  
  

• Support long-term client relationships: Timely delivery and hassle-free customs clearance enhance customer trust, especially in sectors where equipment availability is critical, such as construction, medical devices, or event production.

  
  

• Facilitate participation in global trade events: Exhibitors, artists, and manufacturers can showcase innovations and products worldwide without logistical or financial barriers, opening doors to international collaborations and partnerships.

  
  

• Contribute to sustainable export practices: By enabling multiple re-exports under a single document, ATA Carnets reduce redundant paperwork and customs procedures, indirectly lowering the carbon footprint of administrative processes.

  
  

You may also read: What is CIF Shopping

How to Apply for an ATA Carnet in Australia

Applying for an ATA Carnet in Australia is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Whether you’re exporting tools for a short-term project or showcasing products overseas, having your documentation right from the start ensures smooth cross-border movement and avoids customs delays.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Identify the goods you plan to ship temporarily.These can include commercial samples, professional equipment, or display items for trade shows. Make sure they’re eligible under the carnet scheme (consumables, for example, are not).

2. Choose your destination countries.The ATA Carnet is accepted in over 80 countries, including the US, UK, Singapore, and EU nations. Knowing where you're going helps tailor the carnet to your route.

3. Gather required documentation. You’ll need:

   • Your Australian Business Number (ABN)

   • A full business address and contact details

   • A detailed general list of goods, including serial numbers, quantities, and values

   • The names of persons authorized to travel with or handle the goods

   • Estimated dates of departure and return

4. Apply through an authorized issuing body.In Australia, ATA Carnets are issued by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) via the eCert platform. You can apply online directly or work with a freight forwarder or customs broker who can manage the process for you.

5. Review and pay the applicable fees.Pricing varies depending on the value of the goods, the number of countries, and whether you’re a Chamber member:

   • Standard Carnet fees: Usually between AUD 400–700 + GST

   • Security fees or indemnity bonds: These may apply and are based on the total declared value of the goods

   • Courier charges: If you need express delivery of the physical document

6. Receive your ATA Carnet.Physical carnets are couriered to your address, while digital carnets (eATA) are stored on your device via an official app. Make sure all pages are checked and your goods list is accurate before your first border crossing.

While businesses can apply independently, many exporters across Tasmania and Victoria prefer to work with experienced 3PL providers like Complete Storage and Logistics, who offer carnet support as part of their end-to-end freight services. Why? Because managing an ATA Carnet isn’t just about filling out a form, it’s about ensuring compliance every step of the way.

A trusted 3PL partner takes care of:

• Accurate document preparation to avoid costly mistakes or rejections at customs

• Real-time tracking of carnet usage to help you meet return deadlines and avoid penalties

• Country-specific guidance so you’re never caught off guard by local restrictions or entry requirements

• Integrated freight and customs coordination to ensure your shipment and paperwork arrive together on time

• Expert handling of both paper and digital (eATA) carnets, especially useful during the transition period

For exporters juggling tight timelines, complex international routes, or high-value goods, working with a 3PL isn't just convenient, it’s a risk-reduction strategy that pays for itself in saved time, avoided fines, and smoother shipping.

Also read: What is reverse logistics

Understanding eATA Carnets and the Digital Transition

With international trade going digital, Australian exporters need to understand how the new eATA Carnet system is reshaping the way temporary shipments are managed at customs.

What is an eATA Carnet?

An eATA Carnet is the digital evolution of the traditional paper-based ATA Carnet. Instead of carrying a physical document through each border crossing, exporters can now manage the entire process electronically via a secure mobile app. The eATA system is being developed by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in collaboration with global customs authorities, including Australia’s.

The app generates a unique QR code linked to your carnet details, allowing customs officials to process entries and exits in real time, reducing delays, manual errors, and document loss.

Key Benefits of the Digital Carnet System

• Real-time customs validation: Every scan at a border crossing updates your carnet status instantly, helping you stay compliant.

  
  

• No paperwork to carry: With your QR code and digital goods list stored in the app, you eliminate the risk of misplacing your carnet.

  
  

• Fewer delays, faster clearances: Digital declarations mean fewer manual checks, especially at busy ports and airports.

  
  

• Built-in alerts and reminders: The app can notify you of re-export deadlines or pending actions, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.

  
  

• Environmentally friendly: A fully digital process cuts down on paper use, postage, and reprinting.

  
  

ATA Carnet vs Other Temporary Import Options for Australian Exporters

When shipping goods temporarily overseas, Australian exporters have two main choices: applying for a standard Temporary Import Permit (TIP) in each destination country or using an ATA Carnet. While both allow you to avoid paying permanent import duties, they differ significantly in cost, complexity, and flexibility.

ATA Carnet vs Temporary Import Permit: Key Differences

Feature	ATA Carnet	Temporary Import Permit (TIP)
Use case	Multi-country use with one document	Country-specific, one permit per destination
Validity	Up to 12 months, with multiple re-entries	Varies (often 3–6 months, sometimes single entry)
Paperwork	One standard document accepted in 80+ countries	Separate applications for each customs authority
Fees	Upfront cost + optional security fee; reusable	Often cheaper upfront but requires multiple applications and local bonds
Customs bond/deposit	No local bonds needed (covered by issuing authority)	May require security deposit or financial guarantee in each country
Speed at border	Faster clearance with less paperwork	Longer processing at each port of entry
eATA digital option	Available in many countries	Usually paper-based or manual

Frequently Asked Questions About ATA Carnets for Australian Exporters

1. How long is an ATA Carnet valid?

An ATA Carnet is typically valid for 12 months from the date of issue. During this period, you can move your goods across multiple countries and re-import them into Australia as many times as needed, provided all movements fall within the validity period.

2. Can I sell goods covered by an ATA Carnet?

No. Goods listed on an ATA Carnet must be re-exported from the destination country. Selling or disposing of the goods overseas may result in fines, duties, and loss of carnet privileges. Carnets are strictly for temporary export purposes only.

3. Which countries accept ATA Carnets?

Over 90 countries and territories accept ATA Carnets, including major trade destinations such as the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, Canada, EU countries, and more. Always verify country-specific conditions before travel.

4. Can ATA Carnets be used for consumables?

No. Consumables like food, beverages, promotional brochures, or items intended for distribution are not eligible under ATA Carnet rules. Only non-consumable, returnable items such as tools, equipment, and samples are permitted.

5. How quickly can I get an ATA Carnet in Australia?

Most ATA Carnets in Australia can be processed and delivered within 1–3 business days, depending on the accuracy of your application and whether you’re applying independently or through a 3PL partner. Urgent same-day processing is sometimes available through express services.

Conclusion

For Australian exporters in 2025, the ATA Carnet remains one of the most efficient tools for moving goods across international borders without delays, taxes, or red tape. Whether you're based in Victoria’s industrial hubs or running a growing export business from regional Tasmania, Carnets can help you scale globally while keeping operations lean.

With the digital transformation now underway, the shift toward eATA Carnets brings even greater speed, transparency, and security to international trade. Businesses that adapt early will benefit the most.

Need Help Navigating ATA Carnets?

If you're looking for customs expertise, faster clearances, and end-to-end support, our experienced 3PL team in Tasmania and Victoria can take the stress out of your temporary exports. From preparing detailed goods lists to managing digital carnet entries, we handle it all so you can focus on growing your business globally.

Explore our ATA Carnet & 3PL Support Services in Tasmania and Victoria

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