Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Gulf News
Dubai The UAE began accepting ATA Carnets for goods for use at trade fairs, shows and exhibitions from April 1, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry announced yesterday.
Known as a ‘passport for goods’, the ATA Carnet is an international customs document that permits duty-free and tax-free temporary import of goods for up to one year. ATA Carnets are accepted in 70 countries and territories.
The UAE became the 69th country when it joined the Istanbul Convention last year.
Since the system came into place, 23 ATA Carnets with a total value of Dh3.2 million have been received in the UAE, while two Carnets, with a total value of Dh5.9 million, have been issued by the Dubai Chamber.
The Dubai Chamber is the national guaranteeing and issuing agency for ATA Carnets in the UAE. The Dubai Chamber can issue Carnets for goods under all three categories.
Hamad Bu Amim, Director-General of the Dubai Chamber, said: “We are the first country in the GCC to implement this system. In Dubai alone around 200 trade shows are held annually, so the UAE’s acceptance of ATA Carnets will be a major boost for the industry.
“Adopting this system will help attract even more trade fairs, exhibitions and cultural events to the region.”
The ATA Carnet system is a product developed by the World Customs Organisation and the International Chamber of Commerce.
Introduced in 1963, the ATA Carnet, or merchandise passport, covers computers, repair tools, photographic and film equipment, musical instruments, industrial machinery, vehicles, jewellery, clothing, medical appliances, aircraft, race horses, art work, prehistoric relics, ballet costumes and sound systems for rock bands, among other items for sale.
It does not cover perishable or consumable items or goods for processing or repair, but customs has the flexibility to accept or reject goods.
The cost of the Carnet varies according to country and is determined by the value of the goods and number of countries to be visited.
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Acting Director General, Federal Customs Authority, said: “The implementation of the ATA Carnet is linked to the requirements of the GCC Customs Union, in addition to being one of the international agreements of the World Trade Organsation.”
Positive effects
“The Federal Customs Authority in the UAE has three strategic objectives, which is to ensure the security of the community, to co-operate with international markets and to facilitate trade. Joining the Istanbul Convention meets these three objectives because this convention will have very positive effects on the community, on trade and on the status of the UAE internationally.” he said.
Ahmad Butti Ahmad, Director-General, Dubai Customs, and CEO of the Ports, Maritime and Free Zone Authority, said: “The ATA Carnet is an additional option provided by Dubai Customs to many businesses in addition to the other steps and regulations within the law of the GCC Customs Union, which permits the temporary import of goods without taking customs duties but under specific conditions.”
“The ATA Carnet system allows importers to keep their money that should have to be paid to customs authorities as a guarantee, as well as saving the service charges from which are exempted under the Istanbul Agreement.
“This provides for the completion of the goods’ release under the ATA Carnet without any charge if completed within the normal business hours”, he added.
By Zaher Bitar?Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2011. All rights reserved.
