It might sound like just another bit of paperwork, but the ATA Carnet can be a real gamechanger when it comes to international horse transport. Especially now, with import duties in the US and complex customs regulations in Europe. In this blog, we’ll explain what an ATA Carnet is, how it works, and why it’s more relevant than ever.
What is an ATA Carnet?
An ATA Carnet is an international customs document – often referred to as a passport for goods. It allows you to temporarily import goods – like show horses, tack, or equipment – into a foreign country without taxes or import duties applying, as long as the items return home within a set timeframe.
For horses, that means if you’re traveling abroad for a competition, show, or training, a carnet confirms that the horse is not being sold or staying permanently. Instead of triggering import fees, you simply show the carnet – and you’re good to go.
Like a real passport, the carnet is stamped at entry and exit in each country, so customs can verify the horse’s movements and the duration of its stay.
📝 Important:
- The carnet is linked to the Chamber of Commerce in the country of origin (where the horse departs from).
- It is valid for 12 months from the date of issue – not from the date of travel.
Why is the ATA Carnet especially important in the USA right now?
The US currently applies import tariffs to a wide range of foreign products – and horses are no exception. If a horse enters the USA without a carnet, US customs may treat it as a permanent import, which means tariffs must be paid.
However, if the horse travels under an ATA Carnet, it’s clearly documented as a temporary import, and no import tariffs are due – provided the horse returns within the carnet’s validity period.
In short:
✔ With a carnet = no import duties
✘ Without a carnet = treated as a permanent import, tariffs likely
What if you’re bringing a horse into Europe?
The ATA Carnet also works in the other direction. If you’re a US-based owner or rider bringing horses temporarily into Europe for a competition, training, or event – the carnet helps you stay within temporary import regulations and prevents customs from applying duties or VAT.
Without a carnet, European customs may treat the horse as a permanent import, which can lead to significant costs. With a carnet, you can clearly show the horse is only here temporarily.
Whether you’re flying into France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, or elsewhere – an ATA Carnet helps:
- Ensure no import duties or VAT apply
- Prevent the horse from being flagged as a permanent import
- Provide clear documentation for temporary stay and return
Important points to note about ATA Carnets
🔸 Not for horses that are for sale – If a horse is sold while it’s abroad on a carnet, it no longer qualifies under carnet rules. In that case, duties and taxes will apply, and the carnet can no longer be used for re-entry.
🔸 Validity is 12 months from the issue date, not from the travel date – so be sure to plan ahead.
🔸 You must collect stamps at each border – just like with a real passport. These stamps confirm the horse entered and exited correctly.
The benefits of using an ATA Carnet for horse transport
✅ No import duties or taxes due
✅ Valid in over 80 countries
✅ Ideal for competitions, training, auctions, or shows
✅ Essential for trips between the USA and the EU
💡 Planning a temporary trip abroad with your horse?
The ATA Carnet helps you comply with customs regulations and ensures your horse is recognized as a temporary visitor.
Not sure what documents you’ll need or how to prepare?
Get in touch with EHS – we’re happy to guide you through the process.
