The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of the Philippines will join the ATA Carnet International Guaranteeing Chain (ATA Chain). Active since 1963, the ATA Carnet serves as an international customs tool facilitating duty-free and tax-free temporary import of goods for a year.
Come 1st June 2024, Saudi Arabia will enforce the ATA Carnet regulations, followed by the Philippines on 15 July 2024, increasing the number of jurisdictions acknowledging the ATA Carnet procedures to 81.
At the ICC World Chambers Federation (WCF) General Council meet on November 21, 2023, both the Federation of Saudi Chambers and the Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry received approval as national guaranteeing and issuing associations.
The ICC WCF Director, Julian Kassum expressed his elation over the expansion, noting:
“A substantial amount of groundwork with the public and private sectors in each country has culminated in the integration of the ATA Chain in the Philippines and Saudi Arabia in 2024. It’s a landmark moment for the business sector. We firmly believe traders will find business transactions with Filipino and Saudi counterparts smoother with the ATA Carnets, thus strengthening the competitiveness of their markets and locally-made goods.”
Saudi Customs will begin accepting ATA Carnets for goods meant for display or usage at exhibitions, fairs, and similar events (Annex B1 of the Istanbul Convention) from 1 June 2024.
In the Philippines, the ATA Carnet will be applicable from July 15, 2024, for exhibits, professional equipment, educational, scientific, cultural and humanitarian goods, commercial samples, manufacturing-related goods, traveller’s personal goods, sports goods, and even animals.
Henk Wit, Chair of the World ATA Carnet Council (WATAC), added:
“The inclusion of the Federation of Saudi Chambers in the ATA Chain will extend numerous benefits to ATA users, especially within the exhibition and event sectors. The ATA Carnet will indubitably contribute to significant international growth, particularly as Riyadh prepares to host the World Expo in 2030.”
Regarding the Philippines, Wit praised the comprehensive coverage and flexibility of the ATA Carnet operations, anticipating it will attract foreign investors and visitors.
Often dubbed the ‘goods passport’, ATA Carnets are globally accepted customs documents permitting duty- and tax-free temporary import of goods for up to a year.
Managed by the ICC World Chambers Federation (WCF), the ATA Chain is a guarantor system. On a national level, the National Guaranteeing Associations (NGAs) issue ATA Carnets.
As the countdown to the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games reaches the final stretch, numerous athletes, media personnel, and suppliers are making travel preparations to France. The ATA Carnet plays a crucial role in the transportation of their sports, broadcasting, and professional equipment across borders, exempt from duties and taxes.
