Shipping-Exporting FARO Products and Commonly Required Information

U.S.A: Documentation You May Need

• Commercial Invoice

  • A document used to determine the value of the goods, enables exporter to collect money from importer and assist clearing goods through Customs.

• Packing list
  • A list of the shipment's contents, such as: quantities, items model numbers, dimensions and net and gross weights.
• Bill of Lading
  • Describes how the goods will be shipped (Inland, Ocean or Air).
• Certificate of Origin
  • A certificate identifying in what country the goods originated. 
• Regulation Forms, if applicable, for the FDA, FCC, or MA. 
  • For example, you must include a completed FDA form when shipping any product containing a laser, such as the FARO Laser Tracker. See this section of the article for a list of our products and which regulations go with it.

ATA Carnet

• A Carnet is an international customs document commonly known as the "Merchandise Passport".
• Facilitates virtually all types of temporary imports into foreign countries.
• Valid for up to one year and can be used for any number of visits in any member countries.

ATA Carnet consists of:

• A green cover that identifies the shipper, authorized representatives and the countries that will be transited and traveled to.
• A General List which is a detailed description of all the items in the shipment including serial numbers, if applicable.
• Export, import, re-export, re-import and transit certificates are included in the ATA carnet.
  
  The number of certificates in the ATA carnet depends upon the number of countries you plan to transit and travel to and how many times you will leave and re-enter the U.S. You will need a certificate each time you leave a country, enter a country and pass through a country with the exception of the European Union.

Advantages

• Reduces costs to the exporter.
  Eliminates value-added taxes (VAT), duties, and the posting of security normally required at the time of importation.
• Simplifies Customs procedures.
  This single document acts as U.S. registration, thus facilitating re-entry into the U.S. with the merchandise, and enables duty-free and tax-free entry into as many Carnet member countries as needed for up to one year.
• No Surprises.
  Exporters, freight forwarders or business travelers may purchase a  Carnet at a one-time predetermined cost, before the shipment or departure takes place.

Under what conditions might a claim be filed against a Carnet?

• Goods are not re-exported within one year. 
• Goods are lost or stolen and not properly reported. 
• Carnet certificates are not properly validated by customs officials on the way into or out of the U.S. or foreign country. 
• Improper or inadequate description of merchandise on the General List. 

Avoiding Duties, Taxes and Penalties

Important: To avoid duties, taxes and penalties; follow these instructions carefully.

Failure may result in a penalty of up to 40% of the general list value. Review the back of the blue carnet jacket for detailed instructions.
 

1. Departing the United States 

   Prior to leaving the U.S., the holder must sign the first green counterfoil on the bottom right on the space that reads "Signature of Holder". The official carnet (NOT a copy) should be presented to customs for validation before the goods depart. Be certain that the customs official stamps and signs the shaded portions of the green front cover bottom left hand side of form and yellow exportation counterfoil to activate the carnet.



2. Entering into the Foreign Country
   Collect your luggage, both personal and commercial. Present the ATA Carnet to the customs official. Be sure that customs signs and stamps the white counterfoil when entering the foreign country. Then sign the first white Importation Voucher page at the bottom right, under your printed name. The customs inspector will sign and stamp the shaded portion. They will then tear out the voucher. I would suggest, before leaving this customs area, tell customs the day and time you are departing to find out where the customs office is to see an inspector prior to check in and departure (for use in step 3). 


3. Departing the Foreign Country
   Before checking in, YOU MUST SEE CUSTOMS. Present the ATA Carnet to the customs official. Sign the white re-exportation voucher on the bottom, under your printed name. The customs inspector will sign and stamp the shaded portion. They will then tear out the voucher. Be sure that customs signs and stamps the white counterfoil when entering the foreign country. 


4. Arrival back into the U.S.A. – MOST IMPORTANT
   When re-entering the United States – YOU MUST SEE U.S. CUSTOMS. Present the ATA Carnet to the customs inspector. Have customs sign and stamp the yellow re-importation counterfoil at the top. Custom will not remove and part of this page, it should remain in the Carnet.