OSCE supports workshop on temporary admission of goods in Kazakhstan

An OSCE-supported two-day workshop on the temporary admission of goods under Istanbul’s 1990 Convention and the practical application of the Carnet ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) system concluded on 5 April 2018 in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

The ATA Carnet is an international customs and temporary export-import document. It is used in 87 countries and territories to clear merchandise that will be re-exported within 12 months through customs without payment of duties and import taxes. It is often used by performance artists or organizers of traveling exhibitions to facilitate the import and export of relevant equipment.

Some 70 officials from the customs administrations and Chambers of Commerce of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and the Russian Federation as well as representatives of Kazakhstan’s business community reviewed their practical experience regarding the temporary import of goods under the Istanbul Convention’s Carnet ATA system and discussed enforcement challenges.

OSCE-supported experts from the Chambers of Commerce of Belarus and the Russian Federation shared their experiences in enforcing the Carnet ATA system in their countries, focussing on the regulatory framework, practical implementation procedures and co-operation with the customs authorities. The participants from Kazakhstan identified administrative challenges encountered for goods crossing the borders and developed recommendations to consolidate customs procedures for temporarily imported goods.

The workshop was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in partnership with the German Federal Enterprise on Cooperation (GIZ), the Training Centre of the State Revenue Committee of the Finance Ministry and Kazakhstan’s Chamber of Commerce.

The event is part of the Programme Office’s multi-year efforts to assist the host country in promoting good governance and facilitating trade in the region.