Exporting to the U.S.: Handling ATA Carnet & Temporary Shipments
By Engin Sindel, Assist Export, Türkiye
Sending goods abroad for a short-term purpose seems, on the surface, like a fairly simple proposition. You're not selling anything. You're not building a warehouse overseas. Just showcasing products at a trade fair, or maybe sending equipment for testing. Yet when the destination is the United States, and the shipment is "temporary," there's a whole set of procedures that can easily catch exporters off guard. That’s where the ATA Carnet comes into play.
Now, before diving too deep, let’s put a frame around the term. An ATA Carnet is often called a "passport for goods." It’s a standardized international customs document that allows the temporary import of commercial samples, professional equipment, or goods for presentation at trade fairs and exhibitions—without paying duties and import taxes. It's valid in over 80 countries, including the U.S., and it's one of those underappreciated tools that makes cross-border business easier. When used correctly.
Let me give you an example. A client of ours in Bursa manufactures precision measurement tools. Not exactly products you'd casually carry in your luggage. They had an opportunity to demo their equipment at an industrial tech show in Chicago. Instead of shipping under a traditional export model, incurring potential taxes and regulatory snags, we helped them issue an ATA Carnet. Customs clearance on both sides went smoothly. Post-show, the goods were brought back into Türkiye with zero duties paid. Clean.
But ATA Carnet isn’t a free-for-all. There are rules. One, you have to bring the goods back. If something is sold or lost, customs officials in the host country may demand import duties and penalties. Two, the items must fit within the eligible categories—no consumables or perishable goods. Three, timelines matter. The Carnet typically lasts up to 12 months, but extensions aren’t guaranteed, especially in the U.S.
The process itself is moderately bureaucratic, but manageable. Exporters must apply for the Carnet through a national guaranteeing association. In Türkiye, that’s often done through the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges. Documents include product lists with serial numbers, valuations, and specific travel itineraries, if available. Once issued, the Carnet needs to accompany the shipment and be presented at each customs checkpoint—both outbound and return.
Sounds straightforward, but it isn't always smooth. We've seen cases where clients forget to have the document stamped on re-entry. This creates a loose end that customs can (and often does) question. In a few instances, that’s meant late fees or, worse, being temporarily flagged for future shipments. It all comes down to consistency. Documentation may be dull, but it plays a starring role in international trade.
There are also misconceptions. Some assume the Carnet replaces all other paperwork. It doesn’t. In many cases, additional documents like commercial invoices, packing lists, and shipping instructions still apply. Think of it more like a VIP pass—valuable, but only in conjunction with a valid ticket.
So, why does this matter for Turkish exporters looking to the U.S.? Because the American market is both highly regulated and opportunity-rich. Trade shows, demos, prototypes, and research samples are all practical ways to build brand presence before committing to full-scale entry. Using a Carnet smartly can ease that early friction.
At Assist Export, we've handled dozens of these transactions—from fashion showpieces headed to New York, to industrial automation tools bound for Silicon Valley. The goals vary, but the principle remains: temporary shipments must be treated with long-term care.
And while we’re talking about long-term vision, I should mention something we’re truly proud of. Assist Export, based in Türkiye, is a nominee for the 2025 Go Global Awards, to be held this November in London, hosted by the International Trade Council. But it’s more than an awards ceremony. It’s a kind of crossroads—a place where businesses doing bold, smart, often overlooked work come together to share ideas. We’re honored to be part of that conversation, and to represent a sector that thrives not just on big deals, but on the subtle mechanics of trade.
Temporary exports may sound minor. But in practice, they’re often the first handshake between two markets. A chance to test compatibility, prove quality, and build relationships. If managed well—with the right tools like the ATA Carnet—they can open doors that permanent shipments alone cannot.
