Riyadh: The Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has started accepting the ATA Carnet for the temporary import of goods at all its land, sea, and air customs points, in line with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the Istanbul Convention (Temporary Admission).
The move supports the business sector and raises the Kingdom’s status as a global destination for events, exhibitions, and activities.
According to ZATCA, accepting the ATA Carnet is a positive step that is expected to help boost events, exhibitions, and international conferences sector, and help relevant authorities attract global exhibitions and conferences, overcome challenges in this field, and implement the best international practices.
It will also cement the Kingdom’s position as an international hub for economic, tourism, and entertainment activities, and encourage further trade.
The ATA Carnet simplifies trade and customs procedures by reducing requirements through an internationally valid customs document that allows the temporary import of
goods with an international guarantee that covers duties and taxes.
According to the authority, goods eligible for temporary import under the ATA Carnet include items intended for display or use at exhibitions, fairs, meetings, or similar events, professional equipment, containers, packing materials, samples, as well as goods imported for educational, scientific, or cultural purposes.
The Federation of Saudi Chambers will serve as the approved guarantor for the ATA Carnet in the Kingdom. The federation will issue the ATA Carnet, and has the right to delegate other institutions to do so, allowing beneficiaries to temporarily import goods without providing a financial guarantee.
The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that permits the temporary import of goods without a financial guarantee; it is recognized in around 80 countries.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
