Quick answer: An ATA Carnet lets you bring goods into South Africa temporarily — exhibition works, samples, professional equipment — without paying import duty or VAT, for a stay of usually up to 12 months. SACCI issues the carnet within 5–7 business days once documents and the bond are in place. Below: the step-by-step process, costs, and what happens if goods don’t leave in time.
Professional Exhibition & Film Production
Film and TV production companies shoot on location in South Africa, bringing camera equipment, lighting rigs, and props temporarily. Instead of paying import duty on professional equipment, an ATA Carnet allows equipment to enter South Africa tax-free, be used on set, and exit without duties. Likewise, South African crews taking equipment abroad use Carnets.
Fashion & Design Brands
Fashion labels, interior design houses, and luxury brands often import samples, prototypes, or display pieces for shows, trade fairs, or client presentations. An ATA Carnet means samples enter South Africa or international markets without duty, minimising cost and complexity.
Artists & Craftspeople
Artists exhibiting internationally or craftspeople showing work at trade fairs (e.g., Ambiente in Frankfurt, 100% Design in London) can use Carnets to move artwork duty-free. This is essential for emerging artists whose profit margins can’t absorb duty costs. Once the carnet is issued, JLog handles the freight — see how we ship artwork from Cape Town to fairs and exhibitions abroad.
Equipment & Machinery Leasing
Companies leasing specialised equipment (medical devices, testing instruments, industrial machinery) internationally use Carnets to ensure equipment can move between countries without being taxed at each border.
How an ATA Carnet Works
Step 1: Identify Member Countries
ATA Carnets are accepted in 87 countries (including South Africa, all EU countries, USA, Australia, Japan, UAE, and many others). Before applying, confirm your destination is a member. If you’re moving goods to non-member countries (e.g., some African nations), you’ll need standard customs procedures.
Step 2: Apply for the Carnet
You apply through an authorised issuing body in your country (in South Africa, this is the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, SACCI). You’ll submit:
Step 3: Pay Carnet Fee & Bond/Guarantee
SACCI charges a carnet fee (typically R800–R3,000 depending on goods value). You also provide a bond or bank guarantee to cover potential duty if goods are not re-exported (usually 2× the estimated duty & VAT). For a R100,000 artwork shipment, estimated duty/VAT might be R15,000; the bond would be ~R30,000. This is a guarantee, not a payment—you get it back when goods re-export.
Step 4: Receive the Carnet Booklet
SACCI issues an ATA Carnet booklet—a multi-page customs document with perforated sections for each country. Each section has space for customs to stamp and verify goods on entry and exit.
Step 5: Use the Carnet at Each Border
When goods cross a border (e.g., South Africa to Botswana, or South Africa to UAE), you present the Carnet to customs. Customs inspects goods, stamps the relevant section, and releases them without duty assessment. No payment needed.
Step 6: Re-Export & Close the Carnet
When goods return to South Africa (or their country of origin), you present the Carnet again. Customs stamps the re-export section, closing the Carnet. Your bond is released, and you’re done.
ATA Carnet vs Standard Import: Cost & Time Comparison
| Factor | Standard Import (Temporary) | ATA Carnet |
|---|---|---|
| Duties & VAT | Pay upfront (~20% of goods value). Claim VAT refund later (slow, bureaucratic). | Zero duty, zero VAT. No refund hassle. |
| Customs Processing | Full import customs declaration. 2–5 days if smooth. | Present Carnet booklet. 30 minutes–1 hour at border. |
| Re-Export Process | Another full customs declaration on exit. Requires duty refund claim (2–4 weeks to receive refund). | Present Carnet, get stamped. Close Carnet. Done. |
| Bond/Security | Not required (duties already paid). | Bond ~2× potential duty (held until re-export, then released). |
| Carnet Fee | None. | R800–R3,000 one-time (covers valid period). |
| Total Cost (Example: R100k artwork for 2 weeks) | Import duty + VAT: ~R15,000. Plus tax refund admin costs. Plus processing time. Total ~R18,000 + 4-week wait. | Carnet fee R1,500 + bond R30,000 (held, not paid). Total cost R1,500. Fast processing. |
Clear winner for temporary imports: ATA Carnet. You save duty/VAT cost and administrative burden.
Which Goods Qualify for ATA Carnet?
Goods That Qualify
Goods That Do NOT Qualify
The ATA Carnet Application Process
Step 1: Pre-Application Review
You describe your goods and intended use. We confirm your goods qualify for Carnet status and identify the destination countries. We also estimate the goods’ value to calculate the bond requirement.
Step 2: Prepare Documentation
You provide us with detailed item descriptions, values, and the list of countries you’ll visit. We can help you compile this into the format SACCI (South African Chamber of Commerce) requires.
Step 3: Submit Application to SACCI
You lodge the application with SACCI — the goods inventory, valuation, intended countries and duration — and we can help you prepare it. The bond or guarantee is arranged through your bank or an insurance provider.
Step 4: SACCI Issues Carnet
Provided all documentation is correct and the bond is secured, SACCI issues the ATA Carnet booklet within 5–7 business days. You receive the Carnet, and you’re ready to move goods.
Step 5: Use & Return
Use the Carnet at each border crossing. When goods are re-exported and the Carnet is closed, return it to SACCI. Your bond is released within 2–3 weeks.
Important: What Happens If Goods Aren’t Re-Exported?
The ATA Carnet is valid for up to 12 months. If goods are not re-exported within that period, or if goods are sold or transferred in a foreign country instead of being returned, duties and taxes become payable. SACCI will claim the bond to cover unpaid duties and VAT.
To avoid this: always intend to re-export goods before applying for a Carnet. If circumstances change and you decide to keep goods abroad, inform us immediately. You may be able to convert the Carnet to a standard import and pay duties owed, or negotiate with SACCI.
Extending or Renewing an ATA Carnet
ATA Carnets are valid for 12 months from issuance. If you need to extend the timeline (e.g., artwork on loan needs to stay overseas longer), you can request an extension through SACCI. Extensions are typically granted for another 12 months, but the bond remains in place.
If you regularly use Carnets (e.g., gallery continuously lending artwork internationally), you can apply for a Carnet covering multiple trips over 12 months, or renew annually. We can assist with the shipments that travel on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
SACCI fee: R800–R3,000 depending on goods value and complexity. Bond/guarantee: ~2× the estimated duty and VAT exposure (held, not paid). For a R100,000 artwork shipment with estimated R15,000 duty/VAT, the bond would be ~R30,000. Total out-of-pocket: R1,500–R3,000. The bond is returned once goods are re-exported.
From application to receipt: 5–7 business days if documentation is complete. If there are questions or missing details, it can take 2–3 weeks. Getting the documentation right first time is what keeps it fast.
Yes. If you’re importing/exporting goods multiple times within 12 months (e.g., artwork loaned to exhibitions in London, Berlin, and Dubai throughout the year), a single Carnet covers all trips. You just ensure each crossing is documented in the Carnet booklet.
87 member countries, including: All EU countries, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, UAE, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, New Zealand, Mexico, and many others. Non-members include some African nations (e.g., Zimbabwe, Botswana—though you should confirm). We advise on each destination before you apply.
Yes, for temporary personal imports. E.g., if you’re relocating temporarily and bringing household goods, professional equipment, or a vehicle for temporary use, you can use a Carnet. But if you’re relocating permanently and keeping items in the destination country, standard import procedures apply.
If the booklet is lost while goods are abroad, it’s a serious issue—you’ll need to file a report with SACCI and the country’s customs authority where it was lost. This can delay re-export and create cost exposure. Always keep the Carnet safe and with your shipment.
Changes to goods on a Carnet require SACCI approval. You can add or remove items, but the Carnet must be updated before goods are imported. We can assist once the Carnet is updated.
They check the Carnet booklet (confirms goods are on the list), visually inspect goods to confirm they match the description, stamp the relevant page, and release goods. As long as the Carnet is properly completed and goods match the inventory, clearance is quick (usually under 1 hour).
Why Choose JLog for Carnet Shipments
Application Support: We can help you get your SACCI application complete and ready, so the carnet issues without avoidable delay.
Bond Arrangement: We coordinate with banks and insurance providers to arrange bonds efficiently, minimising your upfront capital needs.
Operational Support: We advise on proper Carnet usage at each border, including which customs documents to present, how to fill in the booklet, and what to expect at clearance.
Transparent Communication: We provide you with timeline estimates, cost breakdowns, and regular updates throughout the process.