Chile is to  accept ATA Carnets, an International Chamber of Commerce facility for the temporary duty-free admission of goods, from 1 October this year, thereby becoming the first Latin American country to join the Carnet system.

The Carnets, sometimes referred to as “passports for goods”, are already used in 62 trading nations and will be accepted by Chilean Customs for the temporary import of professional equipment, commercial samples and other goods imported for a commercial purpose, including goods for display and use at trade fairs and exhibitions.

Peter Bishop, Chairman of the ICC/WCF World ATA Carnet Council (WATAC) and Deputy Chief Executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the positive sign conveyed by Chile’s implementation of the Carnet system.

“This is a clear signal that Chile is open for business and keen to play a full role in world trade. We are eager to do anything we can to make Chile’s participation in the Carnet system as successful and efficient as possible. Our ambition is that other Latin American countries will follow Chile’s lead and also join the scheme which will bring benefits for all.”

The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that gives exemption from the duties, taxes and other charges required by customs authorities for the temporary import of goods. Last year 160,000 Carnets, covering goods with an estimated value of US$ 12 billion were issued.

Camera equipment, computers (including laptops), repair tools, scientific and medical equipment, fine arts, jewellery, clothing, automobiles and live animals are some of the many items that can be covered by ATA Carnets. Business travellers can obtain their Carnets from their local chamber of commerce before leaving their home base. The Santiago Chamber of Commerce will be the national guaranteeing and issuing organization of the Carnets in Chile .

The Carnet system is jointly administered by the World Chambers Federation (WCF) and the World Customs Organization (WCO). Carnets are issued by chambers of commerce and similar organizations affiliated with the ATA international customs guarantee chain set up by ICC/WCF.

For more information on ATA Carnets please contact:
Alain Destouches, ATA Administrative Director, International Chamber of Commerce
Tel +33 (0)1 49 53 28 48
Email: Click here to send a mail
or visit our ATA Carnet Website: http://www.atacarnets.org