The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that allows temporary importation of exhibition goods into the United States without paying duties or taxes, provided all items return to China after the show.
The process includes: China export → International transport → U.S. import customs → On-site delivery → Return shipment.
1. Pre-Shipment Preparation (China)
1) Prepare the Packing List
Include:
Detailed description of each exhibit
Quantity and reasonable declared value
Purpose must be stated as: “For Exhibition/Trade Show Display Only”
2) Apply for ATA Carnet
Issued by CCPIT (China Council for the Promotion of International Trade).
Processing time: approx. 3–5 working days.
Benefits:
Duty-free, tax-free temporary import into the U.S.
No customs bond required
Goods must not be sold in the U.S.
3) Choose the Transportation Mode
Air freight: 3–7 days, highly recommended
Express (DHL/UPS/FedEx): Allowed for some shows, confirm ATA acceptance
Sea freight: Not recommended due to long transit time
4) Packaging Requirements
Strong, shock-proof, moisture-proof packing
Outer labels must include:
ATA Carnet Number
Exhibition name & booth number
Consignee (usually the show’s appointed logistics provider or warehouse)
2. China Export Procedures
Deliver cargo to the freight forwarder’s warehouse
Present the ATA Carnet to customs and obtain the China export stamp
Security screening at the airport
Flight departure & export clearance
Important: Missing or incorrect export stamps may cause issues at U.S. customs.
3. International Transportation
Direct or transit flights from China to the U.S.
U.S. destination agent picks up goods
Goods proceed to U.S. customs clearance
4. U.S. Import Customs (ATA Entry Stamp)
ATA import clearance is straightforward:
Submit the ATA Carnet to the U.S. CBP (Customs and Border Protection)
CBP verifies the cargo and the ATA item list
CBP issues the ATA Import Stamp
Cargo is released → delivered to the show venue or advance warehouse
Advantages:
Duty-free & tax-free
No importer ID/EIN required
5. On-Site Delivery (U.S.)
Two common delivery options:
1) Direct Delivery to Exhibition Hall
Arrival 1–2 days before move-in
An unloading appointment is required for many venues
2) Delivery to the Advance Warehouse
Arrives 1–2 weeks before the show
Warehouse delivers goods to the booth during the scheduled move-in
Safer and more reliable
6. Return Shipment After the Show
1) Return to China
Repacking → pick-up → return to airport
Obtain U.S. ATA export stamp
Flight departure
Upon arrival in China, obtain ATA re-import stamp
2) Close the ATA Carnet
Return the ATA Carnet to CCPIT for file closure
If items are sold or retained in the U.S., duties/taxes must be paid separately (not allowed under ATA)
7. Reference Timeline
| Step | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|
| ATA Carnet application | 3–5 days |
| China export operation | 1 day |
| Air freight transit | 2–5 days |
| U.S. customs clearance | 0.5–1 day |
| Delivery to venue | 1 day |
| Return freight | 4–7 days |
8. Important Reminders for ATA Carnet Shipments
Goods cannot be sold or left in the U.S.
Quantities must match the ATA item list exactly
Every border crossing requires the correct ATA stamp
Goods must be returned to China after the show (otherwise duties apply)
