Colombia Hosts US Presentation on Joining ATA Carnet System

The United States Council for International Business (USCIB) continues to make progress in its efforts to promote the adoption of the ATA Carnet system. While Latin American countries have thus far been slow to join the ATA Carnet system, Colombia has recently shown interest in the system in order to increase the international trade opportunities available to Columbian businesses.

The USCIB Director for Customs and Trade Facilitation, Megan Giblin, presented at the "Trade Facilitation: Opportunities for Global Economy" forum held in Colombia, from April 23-25, highlighting the benefits of joining the ATA Carnet system for Columbian exporters. During her panel “ATA Carnet as a Mechanism for Global Commerce”, Giblin recommended, "Colombia become a contracting party to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Istanbul Convention with broadest scope of coverage and promptly implement the System," referring to the ATA Carnet system. USCIB further offered its assistance in the process, with Giblin stating, “We look forward to working with ICC Colombia and the Colombian government, especially Customs, to promote the ATA System and provide support and guidance as questions, clarifications, or other obstacles related to full adoption arise."

Giblin was joined by representatives of other interested parties such as the WCO, Colombian Customs, ICC Colombia and the Colombian audiovisual sector. If Colombia were the next Latin American country to join, it would be the 10th Latin American member joining Brazil, Chile, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Saint Barthélemy and Saint Martin.

ATA Carnets are international customs documents that allow for duty-free and tax-free temporary import of goods for up to one year and are important tools for international trade facilitation. In addition to its affiliate role of ICC, the International Organization of Employers and Business at OECD, USCIB is the National Guaranteeing Association (NGA) for ATA Carnet. As the NGA, USCIB operates and manages the ATA Carnet system in the United States. Boomerang carnets is an appointed ATA Carnet Service Provider in the U.S.