The ATA Carnet is an international customs document. It is used for the temporary importation, exportation and transit of goods. The customs formalities for Switzerland and foreign countries can be completed with this customs document. When crossing the border, you do not need to request a national customs document, nor do you need to provide the customs authorities with a surety.
ATA Carnets can be obtained from chambers of commerce and industry. Security for the applicable import duties is provided to the issuing body. A Carnet is valid for one year.
In Switzerland, the Chambers of Commerce and Industry provide information on the conditions for receiving a Carnet (see SME Portal: Addresses Chambres of commerce).
The ATA Carnet can be used for multiple border crossings. The holder of the ATA Carnet always has the possibility of taking all or only some of the goods out of Switzerland or bringing all or only some of these back into Switzerland.
You can use the ATA Carnet primarily for:
- Goods that you wish to present at an official exhibition.
- Commercial samples for display purposes or taking orders (watches, jewellery, clothes, shoes etc.).
- Professional equipment
However, these application areas are interpreted differently in the individual countries. In case of doubt, contact the local customs authorities directly.
Further information on the ATA Carnet can be found in paragraph 4.12 of Directive 10-60 (temporary admission procedure) (PDF, 801 kB, 01.03.2023).
