ATA Carnet DubaiATA Carnet Dubai, temporary export without duty.
An ATA Carnet is an international customs document that lets goods enter other countries temporarily without paying duty and VAT. ATA Carnet Dubai applications go through Dubai Chambers, which issues the carnet in the UAE. Airlift Logistics, a freight forwarder in Dubai, moves carnet goods for exhibitions, fairs, film and professional equipment, and explains the validity, the guarantee and the customs steps.
What an ATA Carnet covers
The carnet is a passport for goods. Click a row for the detail.
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| An international customs document for temporary movement of goods, also called a merchandise passport | |
| Dubai Chambers, as national issuing and guaranteeing body | |
| The UAE began issuing and accepting carnets on 1 April 2011 | |
| Up to one year from issue | |
| Not covered | Consumables, perishables, and goods for processing or repair |
Who uses a carnet
A carnet suits goods that will return to the UAE.
- 01
Trade fairs and exhibitions
Stands, displays and products shown at an overseas fair.
- 02
Professional equipment
Tools, cameras, laptops and instruments taken for work abroad.
- 03
Commercial samples
Samples shown to buyers and brought back.
- 04
Film and events
Production kit and staging for shoots and events.
- 05
The issuing body guarantees duty if goods do not return.
- 06
Each border crossing uses a voucher from the carnet.
From application to return
The sequence is the same for most carnet trips.
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Apply to Dubai Chambers with a list of the goods and the countries visited | |
| Provide the security the issuing chamber requires | |
| Departure | UAE Customs endorses the carnet on export |
| Abroad | Foreign customs endorse the carnet on entry and exit |
| UAE Customs endorses the carnet on re-import and the carnet is closed |
An ATA Carnet is an international customs document for temporary imports. It lets goods enter other countries without paying duty or VAT and is often called a merchandise passport. Goods must return to the home country, usually within one year of issue.
- Used for fairs, samples and equipment.
- Goods must come back.
Dubai Chambers issues ATA Carnets in the UAE as the national guarantor. The UAE began issuing and accepting carnets on 1 April 2011. Applications list the goods, their values and the countries you will visit. Dubai Chambers also guarantees the duty to foreign customs.
- Apply to Dubai Chambers.
- List goods and countries.
A carnet is valid for up to one year from the date of issue. Goods must be back in the UAE within that period, and the carnet closes when the return is endorsed. It cannot be extended once it has expired.
- Plan the return early.
- No extension after expiry.
Consumables, perishable goods and items sent for processing or repair are not covered. A carnet is for goods that return unchanged, such as samples, exhibition kit and professional equipment. We can advise on other customs routes for goods that do not qualify.
- Check each country accepts carnets.
- Ask us for alternatives.