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

Because of various customs agreements, simplified procedures are available to U.S. businesses and professionals for the temporary importation of commercial samples and professional equipment.  A carnet is a customs document that facilitates customs clearance for temporary imports of samples or equipment into foreign countries.  With the carnet, goods may be imported without the payment of duty, tax, or additional security deposits.  The carnet also saves time since formalities are all arranged before the goods depart the United States.

A carnet is valid for one year from the date of issuance.  The cost ranges from $120 to $250.  There is a requirement that a bond or cash deposit of 40 percent of the value of the imported goods be covered by the carnet.  This amount will be forfeited in the event the products are not re-exported in a timely manner, goods are lost, stolen, or destroyed, or the carnet certificates are not properly validated.

Carnets are sold in the United States by the U.S. Council for International Business (USCIB) at the following address: 

1212 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
Toll-free: 1-800-5DUTYFREE
Telephone: (212) 354-4480
Fax: (212) 575-0327
Email:  atacarnet@uscib.org,
USCIB website

The Netherlands participates in the International Convention to Facilitate the Importation of Commercial Samples and Advertising Materials.  Imported samples of negligible value for sales promotion are accorded duty‑free and tax‑free treatment.  Prior authorization is not required.  A sample’s value is compared with a commercial shipment of the same product to determine whether the samples are of negligible value.  Attaining duty-free status may require that the samples be rendered useless for future sale by marking, perforating, cutting, or other means.
 

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.