Business Globally > ATA Carnets

ATA Carnets

The ATA Carnet is a merchandise passport which allows temporary importation of goods and merchandise into various countries by the removal of the need for raising bonds or depositing duty at customs posts in different countries throughout the world. The Carnet can be issued by Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland.

  • Download the ATA Carnet System Application Form (PDF) and return to via email to or to proceed. If you need assistance in completing the form please contact Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland by calling 07 3842 2294. Carnet applications must be typed. Hand written Carnet applications will not be accepted.

The following seven steps must be adhered to when using a Carnet:

  • The holder must read and sign the front cover immediately upon receipt. Download the ATA Carnet System Application Form (PDF) and the ATA Carnet Fees and Deposit and Carnet Idemnity Proposal Form.
  • When leaving Australia make sure Australian Customs Officers date stamp and sign the Certificate by Customs authorities on front cover. Australian Customs must also stamp and sign the yellow exportation counterfoil(s). All goods covered by the Carnet must be presented to Customs at this time, as Customs examination may be required.
  • When entering and leaving the countries you are visiting, the Customs authorities in each country must stamp and sign the white importation and re-exportation counterfoil(s). Carefully note the period of temporary importation allowed by the foreign customs upon entry. Never exceed the stipulated period otherwise duty/taxes and other charges will be payable.
  • All the sheets in the Carnet are numbered in sets from one onwards and you are advised to make certain that the correct pair is used for each country visited. It is imperative that both the importation and re-exportation counterfoils are stamped and show which items have been cleared.
  • When bringing the goods back into Australia, please ensure that you have the yellow re-importation counterfoils duly stamped by Australian Customs.
  • The holder is fully responsible for the security of this Carnet. It must be returned to the Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland upon return to Australia, no later than the expiry date.
  • Once issued, no extra items shall be added to the list of goods enumerated on the General List. Provided all Carnet counterfoils have been stamped correctly Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland will be a position to refund deposit/guarantee. The Carnet is valid for the time as indicated on the Carnet cover and cannot be used after the expiry date. Should any goods covered under the Carnet not be returned to Australia within that time, duty/taxes and other charges will be payable.

For further instructions on ATA Carnets for Freight Forwarders and Customs Agents, download the ATA Carnet Usage Brochure (PDF).

Further information

For further information, contact Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland's Business Globally team by calling 07 3842 2244 or email .