This article will describe the concept of temporary imports, including the kinds of items that can and cannot be imported temporarily—the procedures for granting such imports and the countries that allow them, plus the role that an (IOR) Importer of record Service could play in it.
Defining the term Temporary Import
Many situations exist in which a company could need to import items on a short-term basis. The necessity to import commodities, controlled or otherwise, for short periods is obvious and expanding. Some specific examples of the kinds of technological and informational devices in which One Union Solutions excels are as follows:
- For an IT product’s technical Proof of Concept (POC) to show that it satisfies the client’s requirements.
- In the case of short-term projects where the supplies will be utilized for a specific time frame and then discarded.
- Doctors must record patients’ physical measurements to transmit the data from a medical or clinical trial to the pharmaceutical company.
- Products intended for usage in short-term settings such as trade shows, conventions, conferences, and other similar gatherings.
Do temporary imports incur tax and duty payments?
It seems unfair to have to pay the standard import taxes and duties when the usage of the items in that country is not permanent or even of extended duration. However, when the goods are formally labeled as temporary imports, the shipment is exempt from these charges.
Which items are eligible for a temporary import license, and which are not?
Products such as business samples, professional equipment, and items for exhibitions and fairs are examples of the many that qualify for temporary importation. Everything from computers to repair tools to cameras to musical instruments to industrial gear to cars to jewelry to medical equipment to racehorses to paintings to prehistoric treasures to ballet outfits to rock & roll sound systems.
Examples of disallowed temporary imports include agricultural products, explosives, disposable items, postal items, and goods for processing or repair.
Ways in which Importers can make temporary imports
Temporary importation of products is a complicated procedure. Due to the potential impact on import taxes and duties, several countries do not allow items to be imported on a timed basis. The application procedure for a short-term import license is likewise distinctive.
As you know from our other blogs, how complicated regular imports, exports, and trade compliance are. Temporary imports are not different from them.
ATA Carnet
The ATA Carnet is the most common temporary import document recognized by international customs authorities. The term “Temporary Admission,” which is a mix of the French and English words “Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission,” is shortened to “ATA.” Carnets are also known as Passports for Goods or Merchandise. In recent years, the ATA Carnet has become the standard document importers use to enter commodities across international borders temporarily.
While an ATA Carnet can be used to enter a country duty-free, it also serves as a financial guarantee for the value of customs taxes and levies should the goods remain in the country beyond the permissible temporary term.
The ATA Carnet is administered by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) through its World Chambers Federation.
What’s the ATA Carnet validity period?
An authorized ATA Carnet is good for a full year, except in the case of exhibitions and fairs, for which the validity period is reduced to six months from the date of issue.
The ATA Carnet is valid for repeated entries into any number of countries within that time, provided those countries accept it.
In which locations is an ATA Carnet valid?
The European Union’s and the European Free Trade Association’s 27 member states are among the 78 countries that recognize the ATA Carnet. The ATA Carnet is also officially recognized in Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Australia, Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Côte d’Ivoire, Hong Kong (China), Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Lebanon, Macau (China), Macedonia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Pakistan, Russia, Qatar, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Alternatives to the ATA Carnet for Temporary Import Permits
The Chinese Travel Document, or Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD China-Taiwan)
With bilateral trade agreements between Taiwan and a nominated list of ATA Carnet countries, the Carnet de Passages en Douane China-Taiwan (CPD China-Taiwan) functions similarly to the ATA Carnet system.
States in the European Union, as well as Australia, Canada, India, Israel, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, and the United States, are included.
The only difference between this document and the ATA Carnet is the color of the paper it is printed on. All other terms, including those pertaining to goods and customs procedures, are the same. Don’t confuse the CPD China-Taiwan Carnet with the CPD Carnet, which is used to import automobiles into foreign countries temporarily.
Imports into other countries on a temporary basis
Some countries outside those that recognize the ATA Carnet/Carnet de Passages en Douane China-Taiwan do allow for temporary imports. Still, each country has its own set of restrictions for such imports.
Some countries do not even allow temporary imports.
(IOR) Importer of record`s role in temporary Imports
In this article, we explained the process of importing items temporarily. After careful reading, if you still find that process intimidating, don’t worry. You also have the option of using an (IOR) Importer of Record Service. As an (IOR) Importer of record Service provider, One Union Solutions will manage each step of your importation process, from documentation to shipment to the end customer. If you need assistance with temporary imports, we are well-versed in this topic and are happy to lend a hand.
Please email us at info@oneunionsolutions.com or give us a call at +31 85-0600753
