New York, N.Y., February 20, 2013 – The Balkan nation of Albania is the latest country to join the ATA Carnet system, which will begin to accept ATA Carnets starting February 25, 2013. ATA Carnet country members waive customs duties and taxes on many types of goods brought into a country temporarily, according to the United States Council for International Business (USCIB). The move to accept “merchandise passports” is expected to boost U.S. trade with the country.
“Albania’s decision to honor Carnets further extends the system’s reach in Southeastern Europe,” said Cynthia Duncan, USCIB’s Senior Vice President for Trade Services. “This should be a boon for American companies and business travelers in the region.”
Two-way U.S. trade with Albania amounted to $6.7 billion in 2012. Major U.S. exports include food, transportation equipment, machinery, computer and electronic equipment. The adoption of the ATA Carnet system is expected to help boost and diversify U.S. exports to the country.
USCIB, a private, pro-trade group based in New York, administers the ATA Carnet system in the United States. Worldwide, the system is managed jointly by the International Chamber of Commerce and the World Customs Organization. In 2012, the most recent year for which worldwide figures are available, over 150,000 Carnets were issued, covering goods worth more than $17 billion (U.S.)
Beginning February 25, those visiting Albania may bring product samples, professional equipment and goods for display at trade shows into the country duty-free and tax-free. Carnets are good for one year and can be used in any of the 85 countries and customs territories that honor them. Visit www.merchandisepassport.org for details. Prior to the Albania’s decision, Bosnia and Herzegovina, UAE, and Mexico were the latest territories to join the international system.
About USCIB:
USCIB promotes open markets, competitiveness and innovation, sustainable development and corporate responsibility, supported by international engagement and regulatory coherence. Its members include U.S.-based global companies and professional services firms from every sector of our economy, with operations in every region of the world. With a unique global network encompassing leading international business organizations, including ICC, USCIB provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide, and three valuable trade services to facilitate the international movement of goods. ATA Carnet, commonly known as the Merchandise Passport, allows goods to enter over 85 customs territories tax and duty free for up to one year. eCertificates of Origin, fully electronic processing of Certificates of Origin, returned to you by e-mail, fast and complaint with ICC Guidelines for Certificates of Origin. Finally learn international business with USCIB International Bookstore. More at www.uscib.org.
