Private sector leader Qatar Chamber officially implements on Wednesday the ATA Carnet, making Qatar one of 77 countries to use the temporary export-import document system.
In a statement on Tuesday, Qatar Chamber said it will begin to issue special registers for the business community.
It noted that business owners and customers can apply for ATA Carnet either by visiting the chamber’s Member Affairs Department or registering on the chamber’s website. 
“The register is then issued in return for a fixed fee and is valid for a year for commercial samples and six months for on-display goods and professional equipment,” the chamber said.
The implementation of the system, in cooperation with the General Authority of Customs and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), is one of the important steps that will enhance Qatar’s status as an attractive investment destination and a global centre for trade and business, said the chamber, adding that this will stimulate the conference and tourism sector and support Qatar’s readiness to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that allows the temporary import of goods for up to a year without the obligation to take any fees, taxes, or customs procedures.
The system covers all goods provided they are re-exported and imported during the period approved by the customs authorities. 
Customs procedures
The system enables marketing representatives, exhibitors, and traveling businessmen to carry out the customs procedures at a predefined cost, and visit several countries without delay in the procedures. 
It ensures the facilitation and simplification of customs procedures through borders and reduction of routine requirements, in addition to allowing exporters and importers to use one document to complete all customs procedures in 77 countries that apply the system.
ATA Carnet covers all goods such as commercial samples, professional equipment, goods specific for exhibitions, markets and entertainment events, provided that they are re-exported and imported during the period approved by the relevant customs authorities.
The system also covers jewellery, clothing, watches, leather products, different types of products, equipment, antiques, paintings and other artworks, exhibition pavilion requirements, broadcast equipment, audio and video equipment, cinematography and musical instruments, clothing, theatre objects, seminar and meeting equipment, display, repair machines, maintenance and equipment used by surgeons, archaeologists, entertainment performers, lecturers, and athletes.
However, the system does not cover perishable and disposable goods, or those that will be subject to processing or repair.
Qatar Chamber announced earlier that it is the national guarantor of the implementation of the system in the country as required by the international convention on the temporary admission of goods. 
The chamber organised a number of introduction workshops on the ATA Carnet system on a weekly basis in July. The workshops also touched on customs procedures and customs responsibilities and rights.
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