Know about Carnet de Passage

Know about Carnet de Passage

Know about Carnet de Passage

Know about Carnet de Passage

The Carnet de Passage en Douane, or CPD, is the international customs document which covers the temporary admission of motor vehicles. The CPD is still required in numerous countries around the world for the temporary admission of private automobiles, commercial vehicles or other categories of motor vehicles.

The CPD, created in 1911, first entered use in 1913 as a document serving to simplify customs formalities for motoring tourists and travellers.

The CPD is used within the framework of the United Nations Customs Conventions of 1954 and 1956, which cover respectively the temporary importation of private and commercial road vehicles. The CPD also forms part of the 1990 Istanbul Convention, administered by the World Customs Organization. Under these international conventions, the CPD facilitates the temporary importation of motor vehicles by providing security for the payment of any customs duties and import taxes chargeable should the vehicle not be re-exported.

The CPD is used within the framework of the United Nations Customs Conventions of 1954 and 1956, which cover respectively the temporary importation of private and commercial road vehicles. The CPD also forms part of the 1990 Istanbul Convention, administered by the World Customs Organization. Under these international conventions, the CPD facilitates the temporary importation of motor vehicles by providing security for the payment of any customs duties and import taxes chargeable should the vehicle not be re-exported.

How does the CPD system function?

In countries where the CPD is required for temporary importation, the guaranteeing association must undertake to pay to its customs authorities the import duties and taxes levied by those authorities due to the non re-exportation of a vehicle temporarily imported under cover of the CPD. The relationship between customs administrations and guaranteeing associations is defined in the international conventions (UN and WCO). The relationship between the guaranteeing and issuing associations as well as that between the issuing associations and the carnet holders is set down in the AIT and FIA Guarantee Agreement.

In countries where the CPD is required for temporary importation, the guaranteeing association must undertake to pay to its customs authorities the import duties and taxes levied by those authorities due to the non re-exportation of a vehicle temporarily imported under cover of the CPD. The relationship between customs administrations and guaranteeing associations is defined in the international conventions (UN and WCO). The relationship between the guaranteeing and issuing associations as well as that between the issuing associations and the carnet holders is set down in the AIT and FIA Guarantee Agreement.

Description of a CPD

The CPD cover shows the name of the holder, the name of the issuing association, the international organisations - the AIT and FIA - under which the network functions, and the validity of the document. The inside front cover bears a description of the vehicle covered under the CPD. The back cover lists the countries where the carnet may be used and the names of the guarantor association in that country. The inside of the back cover includes instructions and information essentially for the holder.

The CPD is printed in English and French and is of standard A4 dimensions. Carnets may have 5 to 25 pages inside, each of which with a detachable importation and exportation voucher and a counterfoil which remains attached to the CPD. A separate page is used for each country entered or reentered. Each importation and exportation voucher contains the vehicle particulars listed on the inside cover, the full name and address of the carnet holder, the name of the issuing association and the expiry date.

The role of the customs officer

Upon entry of a vehicle, the Customs Officer stamps and signs the importation voucher of the CPD and notes the date and name of the Customs Post. The Customs Officer then enters the date and name of the Customs Post in the space provided on the exportation voucher. The Customs Officer also completes and stamps the left part of the counterfoil. The importation voucher is detached from the CPD and kept on file.

Upon exit of a vehicle, the Customs Officer stamps and signs the exportation voucher of the CPD and notes the date and name of the Customs Post. The Customs Officer completes the right part of the counterfoil, stamps, dates and signs. The exportation voucher is detached and returned to the customs post of entry, so as to furnish the authorities with the necessary proof of re-exportation.

Regulations of CPD

In the event of a claim from the customs authorities (which must be notified within one year of the expiry of the carnet in accordance with the terms of the international conventions) due to the non-discharge of a CPD, the guarantor association has one year in which to provide proof of re-exportation of the vehicle.

Customs stamps of countries subsequently visited and other documentary evidence may constitute proof of re-exportation, as provided for in the international conventions. Proof of re-exportation may also be provided in the form of the 'Certificate of Location', included as the last page in the CPD, which may be completed by a customs official, police, judicial or other authority of another country. A model of the 'Certificate of Location' is included as an annex to the 1954 and 1956 Conventions of the UN and the 1990 Istanbul Convention of the WCO.

Advantages

Although the AIT and FIA advocate the temporary admission of motor vehicles free of import prohibitions and restrictions, but subject of course to re-exportation, there are still many countries around the world which prescribe that such vehicles be imported under cover of a guarantee (such as the CPD).

Where the CPD is required, there are distinct advantages for the customs administrations: the CPD eliminates the need for cash deposit and reimbursement formalities as well as national temporary importation documents.

For the tourism industry, the CPD helps to ensure that travellers and their vehicles can cross national borders with greater ease, fewer formalities and without on-the-spot payment of additional fees or guarantees.

Where and How to get it
  • A special application form must be filled and signed by the car owner.
  • Photocopy of passport and UAE residence visa.
  • Photocopy of car registration.
  • Copy of valid UAE Driving License.
  • Cash or bank guarantee depending on the customers’ country of destination.

Carnet de Passage: Frequently asked questions

I will be away for more than 1 year, how do I renew?

Depending on your plans, Alpha Worldwide will either issue a new Carnet to cover further countries, or it may be possible to extend the Carnet locally with the countries’ Customs authority and overseas motoring club.

It is advisable to discuss your travel plans with Alpha Worldwide before your departure to ensure you are aware of any restrictions and to enable the Carnet team to assist you with the correct advice and to make the necessary notes and arrangements to manage your Carnet requirements.

Further fees will apply for the extension / renewal. Please be aware the Carnet De Passage is for the use of temporary import of a vehicle and a renewal is not guaranteed.

How do I use the Carnet?

Each page is divided into three sections; the lower section is removed by Customs on entry into a country; the middle section is removed on exit; the top, counterfoil section, is stamped once on entry and once on exit. A country re-visited during a return journey will require a new page to be stamped.

It is vital that the holder gets these endorsements, particularly on exit, as they prove that a vehicle has complied with temporary import conditions and discharge responsibility for any possible future import charges providing the Carnet is correctly discharged from each territory where the Carnet is used during your journey.

What is the price of a Carnet?

5 page – 306.31 USD, 10 page – 327.48 USD or 25 page 362.77 USD (From January 2020). Each page represents an entry and exit from a country. Therefore, for an overland journey across Africa a 25-page document would be required.

The applicant must also provide a security amount in the form of either a non-refundable insurance indemnity or a part-refundable deposit guarantee (a percentage of the deposit guarantee will be charged to cover administration and bank fees) to cover the temporary import of the vehicle against the duties and taxes applicable.

How do I apply?

Complete and sign Alpha Worldwide Carnet application form/terms & conditions and submit to Alpha Worldwide Carnets, along with copies of your passport, driving licence & vehicle registration certificate. All must be legible, up to date and in the name and address of the applicant. There is no need to send any fees at this point. Alpha Worldwide and its insurers reserve the right to decline Carnet issue according to risk and vehicle suitability for the journey to be undertaken.

How long does it take to receive a Carnet de Passage en Douane after application?

It takes approximately four weeks after the receipt of a correctly completed application form and all supporting documents to process a CPD application.

How long is a Carnet de Passage en Douane valid?

The CPD is valid for 12 months, but each country has its own rules on the period and the amount of time you can spend in that country. The period of temporary importation is fixed by the laws and regulations of the country visited. These must be strictly respected to avoid any incidents or claims as a result of breaking local laws. Therefore the duration spent in the country is out of Alpha Worldwide control.

Alpha Worldwide can advise on particular countries’ requirements at the time of application. However, these are liable to change at any time. We are unfortunately unable to guarantee current information. It is advised that you check each country’s rules on temporary importation prior to travelling as the CPD and Alpha Worldwide are not liable for any changes the country makes or if entry is refused.

In accordance with the Carnet handbook, your Carnet start date will be the date on which it is dispatched from our office. Please take this into consideration when making your travel arrangements. Please contact us if you are not happy for the Carnet to be dispatched on receipt of your payment.

What are the benefits of a Carnet de Passage en Douane?

The CPD is an easy-to-recognise document that does away with the need to pay cash amounts to border officials to import your vehicle, discouraging the violation of temporary importation laws and helping to curb arbitrary procedures by customs officers. The document offers a link to the vehicle, owner or driver if a vehicle is not re-exported or if any other problems arise. It also helps to ensure that travellers and their vehicles can cross national borders.

What is a Carnet de Passage en Douane?

The CPD international customs document allows you to temporarily import your vehicle into certain countries. This means you don’t have to pay the import duties of the country you are driving through or staying in temporarily.

The CPD is used within the legal framework of the United Nations Customs Convention of 1954 and 1956 on the temporary importation of private and commercial road vehicles and the ‘Convention on Temporary Admission’ (1990). The CPD provides security for the payment of any customs duties and any import taxes chargeable should the vehicle not be re-exported.

Required Carnet documents

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Carnet application

Application Form contains details of the individual and the particular of vehicles that is to be filled by the applicant.

 

Inspection Report

This report has been compiled based on the results of Alpha WorldWide inspection performed by a qualified, specially trained inspector.

 

Costing

Costing to facilitate the travel of vehicles and motorcycles that have UAE number plates across borders and assure its return to UAE.

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