Brazil: A Brilliant Opportunity for U.S. Exporters
August 31, 2016
Judy Lao is a Trade Facilitation Officer for Argentina, Brazil & Central America in the International Trade Administration’s Office of Western Hemisphere. This post contains external links. Please review our external linking policy.
Brazil implements ATA Carnet, allowing duty-free imports of certain goods for temporary entry
Recently showcased on the international stage, Brazil is not only a worldwide cultural champion, but it’s also a gold-medal trading partner for the United States. U.S. goods exported to Brazil totaled $31.2 billion in 2015, and U.S. services exported totaled $28 billion in 2014 – making Brazil the United States’ tenth-largest global trading partner last year.
Working with the private sector and the Brazilian government through the U.S.-Brazil Commercial Dialogue, the International Trade Administration (ITA) at the U.S. Department of Commerce has encouraged Brazil to adopt and implement the temporary entry program known as ATA Carnet.
ATA Carnets are international customs documents that allow certain goods to temporarily enter signatory countries tax- and duty-free. Also known as “Merchandise Passports,” Carnets allow for temporary duty-free imports of goods generally qualified for use in trade shows or as commercial samples and professional equipment. After ten years of advocating for U.S. industry, the U.S. Department Commerce welcomed the news that on June 28 of this year that Brazil began accepting ATA Carnets for professional equipment and items used at trade shows.
Prior to Brazil’s acceptance of ATA Carnet, the goods and supplies that U.S. companies needed to promote products or carry out services in Brazil in these circumstances could have been subject to customs duties and relevant taxes despite their eventual return to the United States. Brazil’s acceptance of the ATA Carnet eliminates the customs duty and relevant taxes, saving U.S. companies money and increasing business potential.
The U.S. Council for International Business (USCIB) administers the ATA Carnet system in the United States, serving as the national guaranteeing association, issuing nearly 20,000 Carnets per year. The National Confederation of Industry (CNI) serves the same function in Brazil. U.S. and Brazilian customs authorities process the Carnets in their respective countries.
“This is fantastic news,” said USCIB President and CEO Peter Robinson. “Brazil is one of America’s largest trade partners, and we are delighted to welcome Brazil as the newest member of the ATA Carnet family. We look forward to working with CNI as our counterpart national guaranteeing association in Brazil to further expand trade between our countries.”
To learn more about the ATA Carnet and its potential business benefits visit the trade services section of USCIB’s website at www.uscib.org. The ITA works to strengthen the international competitiveness of U.S. industry, promoting trade and investment, and ensuring fair trade and compliance with trade laws and agreements. To learn more about how the International Trade Administration’s services can support U.S. exports visit our website at www.trade.gov.