I. The ATA Carnet procedure - what's that?
The ATA Carnet is a customs document which facilitates the temporary use of professional equipment, trade fair materials and commercial samples in those third countries affiliated to the Carnet procedure. Over 60 European and non-European states have now signed up to the ATA Carnet procedure. The affiliated countries are listed on the green cover sheet of the printed ATA Carnet. The ”Mustervorschriften– section of our German-language export reference work "K und M" - Guide to Consular and Import Documentation Requirements similarly contains an overview of the Carnet member states.
The ATA Carnet procedure has the following advantages:
Not all countries who are members of the Carnet procedure recognise Carnets for all the intended purposes (professional equipment, trade fair materials and commercial samples). In many countries, special regulations need to be respected. Some countries also recognise Carnets for intended purposes in addition to the above (e.g. sports competitions). Before applying for a Carnet, you are therefore advised to discuss the situation with the Carnet issuing office at the Chamber of Commerce's Service Centre.
II. Issuing ATA Carnets
ATA Carnets are issued by the Chamber of Commerce's Service Centre. The printed ATA Carnets and the supplementary sheets can be obtained from the counter in our Service Centre, via our Internet shop and from authorised specialist retailers. Our help sheet on "Carnet ATA-Benutzerhinweise" (”ATA Carnet – Notes for Users–), which you can find in the download area, provides help on filling out the Carnet form and on the correct use of the Carnet.
Our Chamber of Commerce issues ATA Carnets for companies which are members of the Chamber and for other natural persons and legal entities having their main domicile or base in Hamburg. Our Chamber of Commerce makes a charge for issuing an ATA Carnet. For member companies, this charge is currently EUR 14.00. For private persons, corporations and for companies which are not members of the Chamber, the charge for issuing a Carnet is currently EUR 28.00. These charges apply for the processing of up to 10 insert sheets. For each additional 2 insert sheets, the charge is increased by EUR 0.50. The charge is payable at the counter in our Service Centre before the Carnet is issued.
The German Association of Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), represented by the Chambers of Industry and Commerce, is the guarantor absolute under the ATA Carnet procedure for import charges in the country of use. To cover the payment risk, a reinsurance contract was concluded with Euler Hermes Kreditversicherungs-AG. In applying for the issue of an ATA Carnet, you are therefore simultaneously applying to conclude guaranty insurance. The insurance premium which we collect and which is to be paid over to Euler Hermes Kreditversicherungs-AG is destined to provide reinsurance for the customs guarantor (securitising the customs risk). However, this is not linked to the concluding of transport insurance or of insurance in respect of import charge debts possibly arising for you in the third countries. We collect the insurance premium in addition to the Carnet issuing charge, before the Carnet is issued. The level of the insurance premium is geared to the total value of the goods listed in the Carnet.
Since 1 April 2008, the insurance premium is as follows:
For goods up to the value of – 9,999.99 | – 30.00 |
From – 10,000.00 to – 24,999.99: | – 50.00 |
From – 25,000.00 to – 49,999.99: | – 90.00 |
From – 50,000.00 to – 149,999.99: | – 175.00 |
From – 150,000.00 to – 299,999.99: | – 325.00 |
From – 300,000.00 to – 499,999.99: | – 550.00 |
For each additional commenced – 500,000.00: | – 300.00 |
Hamburg Chamber of Commerce
Adolphsplatz 1
20457 Hamburg
Tel.: 040 / 36 13 8-138
Fax: 040 / 36 13 84 01
E-mail: service@hk24.de
Handelskammer City
Campus
Alter Wall 38
20457 Hamburg
