ATA Carnet Shipments Through Miami: The 2026 Temporary Export Guide

An ATA carnet is an international customs document — often called a “merchandise passport” — that lets you temporarily export goods like trade-show exhibits, professional equipment, and commercial samples to dozens of participating countries without paying duties or posting import bonds abroad. Carnets are valid for up to one year, and in the U.S. they are issued through the United States Council for International Business (USCIB) and its service providers. For Miami exporters serving Latin American events and productions, a carnet can eliminate serious cash-flow and paperwork friction.

What qualifies for a carnet

Three broad categories: commercial samples, professional equipment (cameras, broadcast gear, tools of trade, band and production equipment), and goods for exhibitions and fairs. The critical rule: everything must return home in the same condition. Consumables, giveaways, and anything you plan to sell abroad cannot travel on a carnet — those need a standard export and local importation.

How the document works in practice

The carnet lists every item with serial numbers and values. At each border, customs stamps the appropriate voucher: U.S. export, foreign import, foreign re-export, U.S. re-import. Miss a stamp — the classic mistake — and the foreign customs authority can assess duties as if the goods stayed, which lands on your carnet bond. Build stamping into the travel plan for both directions, and brief whoever is physically escorting the freight.

Costs and security

Expect an issuance fee based on shipment value plus a security deposit or bond (a percentage of the goods’ value) that stands behind the re-export obligation. That is still typically far cheaper than paying duty and tax into a destination country and reclaiming it later — where reclaim is even possible.

The Miami logistics angle

Carnet freight is usually deadline freight: booth properties for a Monday show, camera gear for a weekend shoot. That makes the transport plan as important as the paperwork. Crating that survives multiple handlings matters — see our ISPM-15 export crating guide — and for event-specific timelines our Miami Beach Convention Center shipping guide and Art Basel fine-art logistics walkthrough cover marshaling yards, targeted move-in windows, and empty-crate storage. Goods that will not travel immediately can stage at a bonded warehouse near MIA.

Carnet vs. other temporary-entry tools

If the destination country is not a carnet member, alternatives include a temporary importation under bond (TIB) filed in the destination, or duty drawback on re-export. Inbound to the U.S., similar temporary entries move as in-bond shipments. A customs broker can price the options against your itinerary.

Frequently asked questions

How long is an ATA carnet valid?

Up to 12 months from issuance, and it can cover multiple trips to multiple countries within that window, as long as the goods return to the U.S. before expiry.

Can I sell goods that traveled on a carnet?

No. Carnet goods must be re-exported. If an item is sold or stays abroad, duties and taxes become due in that country, plus potential penalties charged against the carnet security.

What happens if customs does not stamp my carnet?

A missing stamp can trigger a duty claim from the country of import. Contact the issuing body immediately; secondary evidence of re-export sometimes resolves claims, but prevention beats cure — always get the stamp.

Moving show freight or production gear through Miami? Get a quote or call (786) 445-0150.