Dubai Chamber of Commerce, one of the three chambers functioning under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has revealed that in 2024, a total of 5,357 ATA Carnets were issued and received for goods and commodities valued at AED4.3 billion ($1.2 billion). These statistics highlight the consistent growth of Dubai’s exhibitions, conferences, and events sector, which are closely associated with ATA Carnets.
Role of ATA Carnets in global events
ATA Carnets serve a crucial and highly effective function in attracting and organizing global events by permitting the duty-free and tax-free temporary import of goods for up to one year. This greatly enhances the ease of participation for exhibitors and plays a significant role in ensuring the seamless operation of international exhibitions and conferences.
Khalid AlJarwan, vice president of Commercial and Corporate Services at Dubai Chambers, remarked: “The ATA Carnet system is designed to simplify customs procedures related to the movement of goods for exhibitions. This creates numerous benefits for the exhibitions and conferences sector, reinforcing Dubai’s growing reputation as a destination for global events.”
The ATA Carnet system is the outcome of effective collaboration between Dubai Chamber of Commerce and its partners, including Dubai Customs, the Federal Customs Authority, and various chambers of commerce throughout the UAE.
About the ATA Carnet system
An ATA Carnet can be referred to as a “merchandise passport” that enables goods to temporarily cross international borders for up to one year without incurring customs duties. Eligible items encompass goods intended for use at trade fairs, such as commercial samples, professional equipment, audiovisual gear, and computers, as well as repair tools, photographic and film equipment, musical instruments, industrial machinery, vehicles, jewellery, clothing, medical devices, aircraft, racehorses, artwork, and prehistoric relics. However, items that are not included under the ATA Carnet documents consist of perishable or consumable goods and items meant for processing or repair.
Moreover, the ATA Carnet system is part of a standardized international framework established by the Istanbul Convention in 1990 under the auspices of the World Customs Organization (WCO) for the temporary importation of goods. This system allows marketing representatives, exhibition participants, and business travelers to complete customs procedures in advance at a fixed cost, providing the flexibility to visit multiple countries with a single carnet. This ensures smooth customs clearance while allowing goods to be re-exported without delays or unforeseen expenses.
Cost benefits of ATA Carnets
ATA Carnets provide substantial cost savings by exempting exporters from VAT and customs duties. Holders are not obliged to post security deposits with customs, and the system also streamlines border crossings by allowing importers and exporters to utilize a single document for all their customs formalities.
