Some business travellers – particularly those in Sales or Engineering – need to bring product samples from time to time. If the sample is small enough to fit inside your standard luggage then, it could probably get through customs without any problems. However, there are times when these product samples you carry are checked. And, if that happens, you would need to go through all the customs clearance headache and pay import duties.
There is a way to avoid this.
In some countries, you can actually avoid the hassle and the cost of duties by getting an ATA Carnet.
The ATA Carnet -- created during an international convention some 30 years ago – is an international customs document used worldwide to facilitate temporary importations into (69) member countries.
ATA Carnets cover virtually all goods, including commercial samples. It eliminates payment of VAT and duties and helps simplify customs procedures. And, believe me, this will save you lots of headache.
Need one? Check out the ATA Carnet Application Checklist here. Processing fee details can be found here.
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