Mexico to Accept ATA Carnets Effective May 16th, 2011

Effective Monday, May 16th, 2011 Mexico will begin accepting and issuing carnets for Commercial Samples, Professional Equipment and Exhibitions and Fairs. The carnet authority in Mexico is the Mexico City National Chamber of Commerce (CANACO).

CANACO has several special considerations for carnet users:

• Goods will be allowed to stay in Mexico for up to 6 (six) months. Carnet users can request an extension for up to an additional 6 (six) months IF the request for the extension is made before the expiration of the initial 6 (six) month period.
• Mexican Customs will require a translation of the General List into Spanish which can be arranged at the time the carnet is applied for on this site.
• Carnets entering Mexico will have to be registered prior to arrival. The registration form will be available online as of May 16th. The registration form will require the following information (subject to change): Type of ATA Carnet, ATA Carnet number (or replacement number), name of guaranteeing association, holder name, authorized representative, date of issue/expiration, Intended use of the goods, general description of the goods, total number of goods, total value of goods, mode of transportation, and purpose of the visit. Carnet users will receive, by return e-mail, approval of the registration. Approvals may take 2-3 days.
• Carnets cannot be used for postal traffic or transit operations. Blue transit certificates will not be required by Mexican customs.

Mexican customs has authorized 10 ports to handle carnets including,

• Tijuana
• Juarez
• Nuevo Laredo
• Altamira
• Veracruz
• Manzanillo
• Monterrey
• Guadalajara
• Cancun
• Mexico City Airport

Carnet users and freight forwarders planning to use carnets to Mexico are strongly advised to contact a boomerang carnets® Carnet Specialist or call the Carnet Helpline® at (800)282-2900 well in advance to discuss their needs and the requirements of Mexican customs and CANACO.