New York, N.Y., February 28, 2008 – Ukraine will become the latest country to join the ATA Carnet system, which permits the temporary importation of various types of goods without duties or taxes, as of March 1. Known as “merchandise passports,” ATA Carnets are an increasingly important tool for businesses engaged in international commerce.
Coupled with the country’s recent agreement to accede to the World Trade Organization, Ukraine’s entry into the Carnet system is a strong signal that the country is committed to promoting economic growth and openness, and to becoming a major European hub for trade, according to the United States Council for International Business (USCIB), which administers the Carnet system in the United States.
“Extension of the Carnet network into the former Soviet bloc nations is a major priority for the worldwide system and particularly for our European counterparts ,” said Cynthia Duncan, USCIB’s senior vice president for Carnet operations. “This will increase access to the Ukrainian market and further meet the demands of U.S. exporters with an interest in the region.”
ATA Carnets are internationally recognized customs documents for temporary duty-free, tax-free import of commercial samples, professional equipment and goods displayed at trade shows. They are essential for companies seeking to reduce costs and speed global operations. (The acronym “ATA” is a combination of the French and English abbreviations for “temporary admission.”)
Ukraine will waive import duties on professional equipment, goods for exhibitions and fairs, and commercial samples. ATA Carnets will be accepted for transit operations and postal traffic, but not unaccompanied goods. ATA Carnets will be guaranteed by the Ukrainian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Carnets are honored in over 80 customs territories and can be used for multiple trips during a one-year period. The global ATA Carnet system is overseen by the Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce. USCIB administers the Carnet system in the United States, working with service providers Roanoke Trade Services, Inc., and the Corporation for International Business.
In 2007, over 155,000 Carnets were issued worldwide, covering goods valued at almost 12 billion dollars. Before Ukraine, Pakistan was the most recent addition to the family of nations accepting ATA Carnets, having joined the system in October.
USCIB promotes an open system of world commerce. As American affiliate of the leading international business and employers organizations, including ICC, it provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide. USCIB facilitates international trade by issuing and guaranteeing ATA Carnets, by promoting international cooperation in such areas as customs policies and commercial dispute resolution, and through its ICC Books USA unit, which publishes a variety of publications on to international trade and investment.
Contact:
Cynthia Duncan, SVP Carnet Operations, USCIB
(212) 703-5079 or cduncan@uscib.org
