From a standing start in 1961, ATA carnet use has now grown to over 180,000 per year globally. Not bad for a document described in 1961 as “an interesting experiment” and actively adopted by nine countries at the time.
We are now beyond seventy countries, the International Chamber of Commerce publish guides in eight languages, growth in recent adopters is exceptional.
Brazil originally began ATA carnet use for the 2016 Olympics, unsure how much value they would see afterwards. Popularity within their business community is such that they now expect use to quadruple in 2018.
The exit carnets they issue show an equal split between items to be shown at overseas exhibitions and professional equipment. Parts of this made possible due to their customs authorities expanding acceptance criteria.
Carnets for incoming goods are equally spread amongst categories, often from the US, Canada and Japan, although over 10% are European.
Meeting Political Needs
Qatar is an example of politics influencing carnet growth. Their dispute with other gulf states leading them to push adoption forward, the Qatar Chamber describing them as vital to the new situation.
The greatest potential political change which could see carnet use grow is Brexit. If no customs union deal can be created, UK citizens, or companies may require ATA carnets to travel to EU countries and vica versa.
We should also report suggestions from UK politicians that carnets may not in future be required for certain countries, including the US, Australia and New Zealand.
This is due to the wonderful new free trade agreements they believe we will have, an instant, global EU alternative. From the history of creating trade deals and where they have left carnets in use, not holding our breath.
A more likely outcome is that if we do increase trade to those regions, ATA carnet use will continue and increase equally. Also a fair chance we will see new countries join the system soon.
Ongoing Expansion
Colombia and Argentina are in a consultancy phase, a number of existing member countries have expanded categories over the last decade, others will follow.
Whilst no system is perfect and all require a degree of admin, we and our customers find the ATA carnet to be a good solution. An approach which has stood the test of time and continues to expand.
If we can assist with your carnet use, or you simply want to know more on how they help, by all means contact our support team at any time.