About Carnets

• A Carnet is an international customs document commonly known as the Merchandise Passport that allows temporary importation into member countries without the payment of duties or value-added taxes (VAT).
• It's valid for up to one year and can be used for any number of visits in any member countries.

Merchandise covered on a Carnet

• Virtually all goods, personal and professional, are covered on a Carnet including commercial samples, professional equipment, and goods intended for use at trade shows and exhibitions.
• Ordinary goods, such as computers, tools, cameras and video equipment, industrial machinery, automobiles, gems and jewelry, and wearing apparel can be shipped using a Carnet.
• Extraordinary items, such as museum pieces, circus animals corporate jets, World Cup-class yachts, and even satellites can travel on a Carnet.
• Carnets do not cover: consumable goods (food and agricultural products), disposable items, give-aways or postal traffic.

Advantages of using a Carnet over other methods of temporary importation

• Reduces costs to the exporter by eliminating the need to pay value-added taxes (VAT), duties, and post security normally required at the time of importation.
• Simplifies Customs procedures by acting as your U.S. registration of goods, thus facilitating re-entry into the U.S. with the merchandise, and enables duty-free and tax-free entry into as many Carnet member countries as needed for up to one year.
• Eliminates surprises to exporters, freight forwarders and business travelers with a document that may be purchased at a one-time predetermined cost before the shipment or departure takes place.

Carnet Security

As the Guaranteeing Association for the United States, the U.S. Council for International Business requires that security be taken with each Carnet. Typically an amount equal to 40% of the value of the goods is required, although 100-150% is required if a road vehicle is included on the list of goods. Carnet security requirements can be met with a cash deposit or with a Carnet bond. Your Roanoke Trade Carnet Service Representative can provide you with information about obtaining a Carnet bond.

How long does it take to obtain a Carnet?

Once your Carnet security is in place, your Carnet can be in your hands within one business day, if needed. (Typical turn-around is one to two business days.) If you're located near one of Roanoke Trade's local offices, it may be possible for you to pick up your Carnet on the same day that it is issued. Contact your Carnet Service Representative to learn more about delivery options.

The A4 Carnet

Beginning on December 20, 2004, The World Customs Organization (WCO), including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB), agreed to adopt a newer “A4” model of the Carnet. Here in the United States, the United States Council for International Business has worked to make this document even better for U.S. Carnet Holders. 

• The document size is smaller and closer to the size of a letter size sheet of paper in a standard folder. “A4” refers to the standard European size paper which is similar in size to U.S. letter-sized paper.
• Counterfoils and vouchers will be found on separate pages with counterfoils being conveniently paired on a single page that remains in the Carnet.
• For U.S. Carnets, there are no vouchers associated with the yellow U.S. counterfoils. U.S. Customs does not collect these vouchers although they do validate the counterfoils. The result is less paper and a thinner document.
• The General List will be printed on the reverse of the Green Cover and the vouchers, again, contributing to a more streamlined document.
• Larger type will be used for the Carnet number and page numbers making it easier for you to locate these important details quickly.
• The outer protective cover will be updated to a heavy-duty folder with die-cut showing the Carnet number and a pocket that can hold other documents associated with your Carnet.

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