The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) begins accepting the Temporary Admission Carnets (ATA Carnet) through all its customs, land, marine and air ports, as part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s liability to the Convention on Temporary Admission Istanbul. This acceptance contributes to supporting the business sector and enhances the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for events, exhibitions and activities.

ZATCA notes that the approval of ATA Carnet is a positive step towards empowerment of growth of the sector of events, exhibitions and international conferences, contributing to endorsing efforts exerted by agencies concerned with attracting exhibitions and global conferences and overcoming challenges faced in this area as per the best global practices, along with enhancing the Kingdom’s position as an international destination for economic, tourist and entertainment events and activities. The action also enhances intra-trade and involvement in international trade, along with trade facilitation and customs procedure flexibility for goods by reducing requirements through an international customs document permitting ATA under an international valid guarantee, which includes fees and taxes.

Furthermore, ZATCA states that goods temporarily admitted under ATA Carnet, include those for display or use at exhibitions, fairs, meetings, or similar events, coupled with professional equipment, containers, pallets, packaging materials, samples and other imported materials in relation to the commercial process. Goods imported for educational, scientific or cultural purposes fall under ATA Carnet. On this point and accordingly, ZATCA clarified that the Council of Saudi Chambers is the guarantor, approved by ZATCA, for ATA Carnet in the Kingdom; additionally, the Council has the right to authorize, so under ATA Carnet and without providing a financial guarantee, beneficiaries can perform temporary admission of goods.

ATA Carnet is an international customs document permitting ATA without providing a financial guarantee. It is used to clear customs in approximately 80 countries around the world.

Reference: https://zatca.gov.sa/en/MediaCenter/News/Pages/news_1245.aspx