What is an ATA Carnet and Why Does The Sports Industry Need One?
An ATA Carnet is an international customs document that allows the temporary, duty-free, and tax-free export and import of goods for up to one year.
Without a carnet, your sports teams will often have to pay a cash deposit (often 20-40% of the equipment's value) at every single border. A carnet replaces these deposits with a single prepaid guarantee.
From Paris to New York, 80 countries in the world use the same form, meaning you’ll spend less time waiting for clearance at every border.
Generally, most countries will recognise the following items:
Allowed ATA Carnet Goods
High-Performance Gear - Bicycles (Road/MTB), bobsleds, racing shells, kayaks, and skis.
Motor Sports - Formula cars, rally bikes, support vehicles, and specialized spare parts.
Ball & Field Sports - Goal posts, nets, tackling dummies, and ball launchers.
Equine Sports - Horses (for dressage/jumping), saddles, trailers, and grooming kits.
Tech & Timing - Scoreboards, electronic timing gates, and photo-finish cameras.
Support & Training - Portable gym equipment, massage tables, and diagnostic laptops.
Media & Broadcast - 4K cameras, drones, microphones, and satellite transmission gear.
Non-Allowed ATA Carnet Goods
Auction goods
Consumable items
Goods to be processed or repaired
Alcoholic beverages
Tobacco goods
Agricultural products
Postal traffic
Containers, pallets, and packaging
Check our list of acceptable ATA carnet goods for a more detailed breakdown, or get in touch with Carnet Wizard for assistance. We handle the inventory lists so you can handle the win.
Currently, 87 countries have signed up to the ATA Carnet scheme. This includes most European Union countries as well as overseas destinations. We can help you prepare fully compliant documentation for all destinations, including:
Check the full list of ATA countries to ensure you stay compliant.
A standard carnet can be delivered in as little as 24 hours, but same-day delivery is also possible. The price for quick carnet delivery will differ depending on the time of application and the delivery location.
Get in touch with our specialists for urgent carnet requests. We’ll make sure that while your competitors are stuck in the cargo terminal, your gear will already be at the stadium.
With 25+ years of experience, we specialise in carnet preparation, making the process easy for seasoned exporters and first-time travellers alike. Choose our services, and you’ll benefit from:
Keep Things Moving With Carnet Wizard
Ensure your race day doesn't stop at the border. Get a reliable ATA Carnet for vehicles and professional equipment, allowing you to temporarily export your high-value gear duty and tax-free for international competitions and testing. Our expert service delivers a quick, accurate Carnet that ensures your motorsports event goes as planned.
We’ve delivered carnets in as little as three hours - check our case studies below to see how other businesses benefitted from our swift services:
Can I include spare parts (tires, brake pads, chains) on an ATA Carnet?
ATA Carnets are for goods that will return home in the same condition they left. That means items like spare wheels, extra engines, or backup frames are fine. On the other hand, items that get used up - like tires, lubricants, or brake pads - technically shouldn't be on a carnet because they won't be "re-exported." These should be handled via a separate commercial invoice for permanent import.
What happens if a racing car or bike is destroyed during the event?
If equipment is destroyed or severely damaged, you must still bring the wreckage back to your home country. Customs requires proof that the item has left their territory. If you leave it behind or scrap it locally, you will be liable for full import duties and potential penalties.
What if I lose my Carnet document while at the tournament?
If the physical document is lost or stolen, you cannot move your gear across the next border. You must contact Carnet Wizard immediately to apply for a Replacement Carnet.
What documents do I need to apply for an AT carnet?
To get started, you’ll need to send all the required documentation so we can complete your carnet as quickly as possible. Find our application checklist here.
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