Qatar Chamber Issues First ATA Carnet

Doha, September 12 (QNA) - Qatar Chamber announced on Wednesday that it has issued the first ATA Carnet after the system entered into force on 1 August, as Qatar joined 77 other countries that employ the system. Qatar Chamber's Director-General Saleh bin Hamad Al Sharqi said that the issuance of the first ATA Carnet comes after one month of the official implementation of the system in Qatar, noting that businessmen and companies are interested in issuing the carnet to participate in conferences and exhibitions that being held outside the country. The system is being implemented by Qatar Chamber in cooperation with the ICC Qatar and the General Authority of Customs, he added. Al Sharqi said that, as the entity concerned with the issuance and guaranteeing, Qatar Chamber receives applications from companies and institutions willing to use the system. He noted that business owners and customers can apply for ATA Carnet either by visiting the chambers member affairs department or registering online on its website. He pointed out that the ATA Carnet is issued for a fixed fee and is valid for a year for commercial samples and six months for on-display goods and professional equipment. Qatar Chamber Director-General added that the implementation of the system will enhance Qatar's status as an attractive investment destination and a global center for trade and business, Qatar Chamber said, adding that this will stimulate the conference and tourism sector and support Qatar's readiness to host the 2022 World Cup. ATA Carnet is system is an international customs document that allows the temporary import of goods for up to a year without the obligation to take any fees, taxes or customs procedures. The system covers all goods, provided that they are re-exported and imported during the period approved by the customs authorities. The system ensures the facilitation and simplification of customs procedures across borders, reduces routine requirements and allows exporters and importers to use a single document to complete all customs procedures in 77 countries applying the system. ATA Carnet covers all goods such as commercial samples, professional equipment, goods specific for exhibitions, markets, and entertainment events, provided that they are re-exported and imported during the period approved by the relevant customs authorities. The system covers jewelry, clothing, watches, leather products, different types of products, equipment, antiques, paintings and other artworks, exhibition pavilion requirements, broadcast equipment, audio and video equipment, cinematography and musical instruments, clothing, theatre objects, seminar and meeting equipment, display, repair machines, maintenance and equipment using surgeons, archaeologists, entertainment performers, lecturers and athletes. (QNA)