Saudi Arabia joins the ATA Carnet scheme on 1st June 2024 and the Philippines joins on 15th July 2024

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has officially welcomed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of the Philippines to its ATA Carnet International Guaranteeing Chain (ATA Chain). This inclusion signifies the global expansion of the ATA Carnet system, which facilitates duty-free and tax-free temporary admission of goods for up to a year. This initiative will be operational in Saudi Arabia from 1st June 2024, and in the Philippines from 15th July 2024, bringing the total number of participating regions to 81.

Saudi Customs will accept ATA Carnets for goods used in exhibitions, fairs, and similar events (in accordance with Annex B1 of the Istanbul Convention). Saudi Arabia is a popular hub for expos, conferences, and exhibitions, and with Riyadh hosting the World Expo in 2030, this inclusion is timely.

Meanwhile, the Philippines will allow temporary admission of goods that will cover exhibitions, professional equipment, commercial samples, goods in connection with a manufacturing operation, goods for educational, scientific or cultural purposes, travellers’ personal effects and goods for sports purposes, goods for humanitarian purposes, and even animals.   

The ATA Carnet, also known as a 'passport for goods,' simplifies customs procedures for international trade. As the world gears up for major events like the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, the ATA Carnet remains a crucial tool for athletes, media, and suppliers to move their equipment across borders without incurring duties and taxes.

Implementation of the ATA Carnet System in Saudi Arabia

ATA Carnets will be accepted by the Saudi Customs for the following categories of goods: goods for display or use at exhibitions, fairs, meetings

• ATA Carnets are accepted for transit
• ATA Carnets are accepted for postal traffic (procedure to be advised)
• ATA Carnets are accepted for both hand-carried goods and freight
• Importation in multiple/split consignments is accepted

Languages in which Carnets should be completed:

• English or Arabic. Saudi Customs may require translation when Carnets are completed in any other language.

Implementation of the ATA Carnet System in the Republic of Philippines

ATA Carnets will be accepted by the Philippine Customs for the following categories of goods: goods for display or use at exhibitions, fairs, meetings or similar events, Commercial Samples and Professional Equipment

• ATA Carnets are not accepted for transit
• ATA Carnets are not accepted for postal traffic
• ATA Carnets are accepted for both hand-carried goods and freight
• Importation or re-exportation in multiple split consignments is not accepted. However, importing only a part of the goods listed in the General List (GL) is allowed, while the rest of the goods remain in the country of exportation, under the condition that the said imported goods are to be re-exported in one consignment.

Languages in which Carnets should be completed

• English