Discusses requirements for products entering the country/economy temporarily. including information on warranty and non-warranty items entering the country/economy for repair.

Samples may be imported into Iceland duty-free if they are of little or no commercial value, or have been made unfit for use.  Otherwise, samples will be subject to duty.  Samples carried by a commercial traveler as well as pattern books or cards must be declared upon arrival in the country.  Goods can be exempt from customs duty and/or VAT when they are imported into Iceland temporarily, to be re-exported unmodified.  Goods that fall into this category include materials for trade shows and exhibitions; some professional equipment; special tools used for assembling goods to be exported; replacement machinery or equipment during warranty repairs; samples; works of art to be exhibited; and some medical, surgical and laboratory and scientific equipment used in hospitals, other medical institutions and for teaching and research purposes.  The ATA carnet, which Iceland honors, is an international customs document that allows the holder to temporarily import goods without payment of normally applicable duties and taxes, including VAT.  The carnet eliminates the need to purchase temporary import bonds.  So long as the goods are re-exported within the allotted time frame, no duties or taxes are due.  Samples may be imported temporarily by using the ATA carnet, a simplified customs document by which commercial samples or professional equipment may be sent to Iceland.  About 65 countries participate in the carnet system.  Information on the ATA carnet can be obtained from U.S. Council for International Business website.
 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.