Pakistan will be the next country to join the ATA Carnet system, which permits duty-free and tax-free temporary imports of goods. Pakistan will become the 65th country to join since the system’s inception over 44 years ago.

On the occasion of the 5th World Chambers Congress − which took place in Istanbul in July 2007 − Tariq Rangoonwala, Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Pakistan, transmitted a message from Amer Rashid Sheikh, Secretary, International Customs/Central Board of Revenue/Government of Pakistan confirming that ATA Carnets will be accepted by Pakistan Customs under the World Customs Organization’s Convention on Temporary Admission (Istanbul Convention) and its Annexes A (ATA Carnets), B1 (Fairs and Exhibitions) and B2 (Professional Equipment).

Mr Rangoonwala said: “ICC Pakistan advocates the ATA Carnet system as a trade facilitation measure.”

The ATA Carnet system will become fully operational in Pakistan from 1 October 2007. A two-day implementation workshop for customs officials and business representatives took place in Karachi on 21-22 August 2007. The workshop was led by Lee Ju Song, Director, ICC Asia, and Deputy Executive Director, Singapore International Chamber of Commerce.

“Pakistan’s implementation of the ATA Carnet system is not only a hugely practical action for the country’s business people but also a clear message that Pakistan is open for global business,” said Peter Bishop, Chairman of the ICC/WCF World ATA Carnet Council and Deputy Chief Executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

ICC Pakistan has been notified by the Pakistan Ministry of Commerce as the national guaranteeing and issuing organization and has been accepted by the Central Board of Revenue as such.

ATA Carnets will be accepted in Pakistan for two main categories of goods: goods for display or use at exhibitions, fairs, meetings or similar events, and professional equipment. ATA Carnets will be accepted for accompanied baggage and freight-forwarded goods but not for postal traffic, unaccompanied baggage or items in transit.

The ATA Carnet is a passport for goods. It permits duty-free and tax-free temporary imports of all kinds of goods for business purposes, including commercial samples, professional equipment and goods for use at fairs and exhibitions. ATA Carnets offer a practical support service to traders, salesmen, exhibitors and other international business travellers. The ATA Carnet system is currently in operation in 64 countries across the globe.

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

In 2006, approximately 158 000 ATA Carnets were issued worldwide, covering goods valued at almost US$ 15 billion.

The ATA Carnet is a perfect illustration of how close cooperation between customs and business can impact positively on international trade.
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: ads@iccwbo.org
Or visit the ATA Carnet website: www.atacarnets.org