A carnet is an international customs and temporary import-export document often referred to as a "passport for goods." Instead of navigating customs procedures in each country, a single carnet document can be used. A carnet enables goods such as scientific or other professional equipment to travel into and out of countries duty-free and tax-free for up to one year.
An export license and/or Electronic Export Information (EEI) form may still be required in conjunction with a carnet.
The Export Control Office works with UO employees to make a license determination or document an exclusion and to submit an application for a carnet. The department will need to pay the carnet fee directly, and the fee does not go to the Export Control Office. Costs typically range from $235-$650 in processing fees, with the total cost determined by the value of the goods and whether rush processing is needed. Departments should plan ahead and allow for at least 4 business days for standard processing.
Carnets must be returned to their issuing agency upon the traveler's return to the U.S. Failure to do so may result in fees for the department.
If the holder of an carnet sells, donates, or otherwise disposes of any of the goods listed on the carnet, the national guaranteeing association (NGA) is required to pay 110% percent of the import duties and taxes imposed by that country’s customs. The guaranteeing association in turn attempts to collect the fee from the holder of the carnet who violated the terms.
Types of Goods Eligible for a Carnet
There are three categories of goods for a carnet, and some countries vary on which category of goods they accept.
- Commercial Samples
- Professional Equipment
- Exhibitions and Fairs
Most scientific equipment at the UO would qualify as professional equipment, while other items could qualify for exhibitions and fairs, depending on the reason for traveling with the item.
Consumable items such as giveaways, agricultural products, and disposables are not eligible for carnets.