Help!

I have a shoot in Cern, Switzerland coming up in mid October. Do I need at get a carnet to get my equipment through customs? What customs issues should i be aware of.

Thanks, David

You don't have to get one, but I think it would be a good idea - depending on how much equipment you're talking about and what exposure you think you'd have to being charged import duty on it.

For a few $k worth of stuff I think it would be overkill, for $10k or $20k or more probably worthwhile.

The carnet is here to proove that since you do not paid the VAT on the equipment for importing in the country, it will make sure the the equipment does not stay in the country.

If there is a lot of costly parts, they could ask you such carnet ATA (Temporary Admission). It is pretty true if they feel it is professional equipment.

The ATA carnet is not really mandatory, but if you do not get it, the risk is you need to fill forms at both custom control, in and out, and pay for some fee.

ATA carnet (http://www.osec.ch/internet/osec/en/home/export/knowhow/foreign_trade_glossar/ata_carnet.html)

Thanks guys. Much appreciated.

I didn't use a carnet last time I shot in Switzerland, just wheeled it in, wheeled it out.

Giraoud,

About how much in import fees could they charge me without the carnet??

Maybe we could come up with a rule of thumb - if you can drag the equipment in by yourself along with your other luggage you're probably fine without one and if you need help you should probably get one:)

I used to receive equipment from my clients in Japan to take to trade shows/demo to US customers and then ship it back to Japan a couple of months later. Stuff was about $60k per (large) box on a pallet via FedEx.

California tried to get me to pay sales tax on it and it was a long hassle, but once I could prove that the stuff had been sent back to Japan they finally gave up. Next time I had it shipped in with a Carnet - no problems.

I think in the end the worst that will happen is that they will charge you VAT plus duty if any on entry and if you can prove it left the country they will refund what they charged- but it may take time and be a hassle and there will probably be processing fees.

The cost of the carnet is based on the value of the stuff - I don't remember the actual cost but you can look it up here

http://www.uscib.org/index.asp?documentID=1843

As Giroud says, the carnet is essentially evidence of a bond that says that the stuff will be re-exported. Think of it like a passport for stuff.

Got into to Switzerland no problem without a carnet. Shooting over here at CERN for 2 weeks.

But I agree, if it rolls with one person then they don;t question you.

Thanks, David