Accepts ATA Carnets For:
Commercial Samples, Exhibitions and Fairs*, Professional Equipment
(* reservation with regard to the collection of import duties on samples)
Mexican Customs limits importations to six months only. This period can be extended for a further six months, provided the request is made at least 2 months before the expiry of the first six-month period.
If at the time of extension application the validity of the carnet does not allow a further 6 full months, a replacement carnet issued with the intention to extend the stay of goods beyond the validity of the original carnet can be used, but please bear in mind, that the extension can be made only once.
Holders must also inform the Mexican Customs Authority of their intention to use their carnet(s) in Mexico before their arrival on the Mexican Customs territory. To that end, use the ATA carnet registration system accessible at: http://www.carnet-ata.org/
Registration approval generally takes about three business days
Customs requires translation of the General List into Spanish.
All Mexican Customs ports accept ATA Carnets.
Carnet goods may remain in Mexico for six months. They must depart by the Final Date of Re-exportation on the importation counterfoil.
Carnet must be stamped in the last place in the US that you pass through before you cross to Mexico.
For example, if you are flying from New Orleans to Atlanta and then Mexico City, you need to get your carnet stamped in Atlanta at the airport CBP office. You don't need to pull your baggage.
You'll need to go back through security. Try to allow plenty of time for your layover.
The following information must be entered into the system:
1. Type of ATA carnet (original, duplicate, replacement)
2. ATA carnet number
3. Substitute/replacement ATA carnet number ( if applicable)
4. Name of the guaranteeing organization
5. Holder’s name as per Box A of the green cover
6. Authorized representative’s details as per Box B of the green cover
7. Date of issue/Date of expiration of the carnet (year/month/day)
8. Intended use of the goods (as indicated in Box C of the carnet)
9. General description of the goods
10. Total number of goods/items as per column 3 of the general list
11. Total value of the goods as per columns 5 of the general list
12. Means of transportation (sea, air or road)
13. Purpose of visit to Mexico
To avoid severe penalties for failing to re-export goods within the six-month time period, contact CANACO one month before the deadline explaining the reason for the extension approval request (English template, Spanish template). Attached to the letter should be an electronic copy of the green cover of the carnet, the general list of goods and the importation counterfoil. The letter is to be e-mailed to:
In addition, to obtain clearance of the goods outside the six-month period, the holder must contact CANACO which will inform Mexican Customs that the goods can be cleared. An administrative fee would apply.
CANACO has a registry of companies in Mexico that offer services for the importation and re-exportation of carnet goods that enter the country by cargo or through the services of a freight forwarder (it does not apply to foreign companies directly importing or re-exporting their goods under cover of ATA carnets – passengers’ area). The Mexican company would be responsible for sending the prior notification to CANACO (not the carnet holder). The list can be accessed via http://carnetatamexico.com.mx/home/padron.php.