ATA customs declaration for export is carried out relying on the ATA Carnet. The ATA Carnet is a customs clearance document for temporary import and export goods formulated under the leadership of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). It has the core advantages of “one application, multi-country general use, and convenient customs clearance”, and is widely applicable to goods that need to be re-imported after temporary export, such as exhibition goods, trade fair goods, and professional equipment. The following is a detailed explanation of the full process of ATA customs declaration for export, covering core links such as pre-preparation, document handling, customs declaration, inspection and release, transportation, and subsequent cancellation, to ensure a compliant and efficient export process.

 

1. Scope of Application for ATA Customs Declaration for Export

 

1. Exhibition goods: Exhibits and supporting promotional materials displayed at various exhibitions and expositions; 2. Trade fair goods: Samples and exhibits required for international trade fairs and negotiations; 3. Professional equipment: Professional equipment and tools needed for overseas construction, performances, scientific research, sports events and other activities; 4. Other temporary export goods: Goods that meet the provisions of the “Convention on Temporary Admission” and need to be re-imported within the specified time limit (usually 6 months, extendable) after export.

 

1. Full Process of ATA Customs Declaration for Export

 

(I) Pre-preparation: Confirm Qualifications and Goods Information

 

1. Verification of goods information: Clarify the name, quantity, specification, value, purpose and temporary export period of the goods, confirm that the goods meet the scope of application of the ATA Carnet, and there are no prohibited or restricted temporary export situations.

 

2. Confirmation of enterprise qualifications: Export enterprises must have import and export operation rights and complete the registration of foreign trade operators; if entrusting an agent company to operate, an agency agreement shall be signed in advance to clarify the rights and obligations of both parties (such as the division of responsibilities for document handling, customs declaration, subsequent cancellation, etc.).

 

3. Research on destination policies: Understand the recognition of ATA Carnet by the importing country/region of the goods, customs clearance requirements and temporary import period, and confirm whether additional supplementary documents (such as exhibition invitation letters, activity certificates, etc.) need to be provided.

 

(II) Core Link: Application for ATA Carnet

 

1. Preparation of application materials: Submit the application to the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) or its local branches. The required materials include:

 

 

– ATA Carnet Application Form (with official seal of the enterprise);

 

– Copy of the enterprise’s business license (with official seal);

 

– Goods list (detailed information on the name, quantity, specification, value, purpose of the goods, etc. shall be listed);

 

– Goods invoice or value certificate;

 

– Relevant supporting materials (such as exhibition invitation letters, overseas activity contracts, performance approvals, etc., provided according to the purpose of the goods);

 

– Guarantee materials (usually the CCPIT provides unified guarantee, and the enterprise needs to pay the corresponding guarantee fee or deposit, the specific amount is determined according to the value of the goods).

 

2. Submission and review of application: Submit the complete materials to the CCPIT. The CCPIT reviews the completeness and authenticity of the materials, verifies whether the goods meet the scope of ATA application, and the review cycle is usually 3-5 working days.

 

3. Collection of ATA Carnet: After passing the review, the enterprise pays the relevant fees (handling fee, guarantee fee, etc.) and collects the ATA Carnet. The Carnet includes a cover, a back cover and several copies (export copy, import copy, re-export copy, re-import copy, etc.), which shall be properly kept and presented as required during customs clearance.

 

(III) Customs Declaration: Submission of Documents and Information Declaration

 

1. Collation of declaration materials: Prepare the required customs declaration materials, including the original ATA Carnet, customs declaration power of attorney (provided when entrusting an agent), goods list, exhibition invitation letter/activity certificate (if any), etc.

 

2. Electronic customs declaration: The agent company or the enterprise itself submits the customs declaration information to the customs through the “Single Window”, enters key information such as goods information, ATA Carnet number, temporary export period, and destination, and ensures that the declaration information is consistent with the content of the Carnet.

 

3. Submission of paper documents: After the customs reviews the electronic declaration information, the original ATA Carnet and relevant supporting materials need to be submitted for the customs to verify.

 

(IV) Customs Inspection and Release: Review and Release

 

1. Customs review: The customs verifies the authenticity of the ATA Carnet, whether the declared information is consistent with the actual situation of the goods, verifies the purpose of the goods, the temporary export period and other information, and may inspect the goods if necessary (verify whether the quantity and specification of the goods are consistent with the list).

 

2. Endorsement and release: After passing the review, the customs endorses the release opinion and affixes the customs seal on the “export copy” of the ATA Carnet, retains the relevant copies (if needed), and returns the original Carnet. The enterprise handles the loading of goods on board/aircraft with the endorsed ATA Carnet.

 

(V) Overseas Use and Re-import Cancellation

 

1. Overseas customs clearance: After the goods arrive at the destination, declare the temporary import to the local customs with the ATA Carnet. The customs reviews and endorses the “import copy” and releases the goods, which can be used for the declared purpose locally.

 

2. Preparation for re-import: Arrange for the re-import of the goods before the expiration of the ATA Carnet, and sort out the re-import customs declaration materials (original ATA Carnet, re-import goods list, etc.) in advance.

 

3. Re-import customs declaration and cancellation: After the goods arrive in China, submit the re-import customs declaration application and ATA Carnet to the customs. After reviewing the re-import situation of the goods, the customs endorses the “re-import copy” and completes the re-import cancellation. After the cancellation, the enterprise shall return the ATA Carnet to the CCPIT and go through the subsequent procedures such as the refund of the guarantee deposit (if there is no violation, the guarantee deposit will be fully refunded).

 

III. Our Core Advantages

 

1. Professional team support: We have many years of experience in ATA customs declaration for export. Our core members are familiar with the application process of ATA Carnet from CCPIT and the customs clearance requirements of customs in various countries. We can accurately review the application materials and avoid review delays due to inconsistent materials; 2. Full-process agent service: Provide full-process agent services from pre-policy research, ATA Carnet application, to customs declaration, overseas customs clearance guidance, and re-import cancellation. A dedicated person follows up one-on-one and feeds back the progress in real time; 3. Resource integration capability: Maintain good communication with CCPIT and customs at home and abroad, and can quickly solve unexpected problems in the application and customs clearance process (such as supplementary materials, extension applications, etc.); 4. Customized solutions: According to the type of goods (exhibits/equipment), destination and customer’s time requirements, customize exclusive customs clearance solutions, optimize the process and shorten the customs clearance cycle.

 

1. Key Notes

 

1. Custody of Carnet: The ATA Carnet is a core customs clearance document and shall be properly kept to avoid loss or damage; if lost, it is necessary to report to CCPIT and the relevant customs immediately and go through the formalities for replacement.

 

2. Deadline control: Strictly abide by the validity period of the ATA Carnet and the temporary export period. If an extension is needed, submit an extension application to CCPIT before the expiration of the validity period. After approval, go through the relevant procedures with the customs with the extension certificate to avoid violations due to overdue.

 

3. Compliance of goods use: The goods must be used strictly in accordance with the declared purpose, and shall not be arbitrarily sold, transferred or changed in purpose overseas, otherwise they will face customs penalties and the guarantee deposit will not be refunded.

 

4. Information consistency: All declared information (goods name, quantity, value, etc.) must be completely consistent with the ATA Carnet and relevant materials to avoid customs clearance obstacles due to inconsistent information.