The ATA Carnet is an internationally recognised customs document for temporary admission: one booklet, one guarantee posted at origin, duty-free entry across member countries — often nicknamed a passport for goods.
Where Indonesia stands on ATA Carnets
| Item | Position |
|---|---|
| Acceptance since | Industry sources: Indonesia has accepted carnets since May 2015 |
| National guaranteeing body | KADIN Indonesia (the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce) |
| Coverage | Valid across 78 member territories (per KADIN) |
| Accepted uses | Exhibitions and professional equipment, among other uses actually practised |
| Not accepted | Commercial samples, postal traffic (industry-sourced position) |
| Conditions | Non-consumable, identifiable goods; no change of form beyond normal wear; re-export on time |
Sources for the scope above are listed at the foot of this page; before shipping, the current confirmation from Indonesian customs and the organiser prevails.
Four endorsements — miss one and the booklet jams
| Endorsement | Where | If missed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 · Export | Chinese port (at export declaration) | The booklet fails abroad |
| 2 · Import | Indonesian port | No lawful entry record in Indonesia |
| 3 · Re-export | Indonesian port (after the show) | Cannot be verified at origin; guarantee claimed |
| 4 · Re-import | Chinese port (on return) | Booklet never closes; deposit stuck |
Applying from China — the essentials
- Issuing body: CCPIT (China Council for the Promotion of International Trade) and its authorised offices — application forms, bilingual packing lists and invitations per its official site (source below).
- Validity: up to one year, as determined by the issuer.
- Guarantee: deposit or bond collected by the issuer, refunded after full verification of endorsements — amounts and timelines per the issuer's current rules.
- Indonesian side: port clearance, venue delivery and the post-show re-export endorsement are chased by our licensed PPJK end to end.
Ask the organiser this before locking a carnet
Not every Indonesian venue can process ATA carnets. Once booth space is confirmed, put this in the first email to the organiser: does this venue accept carnet clearance, and is there a designated temporary-import agent? Do not lock the transport plan before the written reply.
Carnet or temporary import?
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Multi-country tour within a year | Carnet: one guarantee, many borders |
| Single Indonesian fair, single entry | Temporary import is usually more direct (see temporary import in practice) |
| Some exhibits are for sale | Import those under regular trade from the start — never mix them into temporary status |
| Samples by courier | Carnets exclude postal and commercial-sample channels; use temporary import or a normal sample flow |
ATA Carnet · FAQ
Does Indonesia accept ATA carnets for trade shows?
Yes. Indonesian customs has publicly supported carnet use for exhibitions, performances and sporting events, provided goods qualify and are re-exported on time. Venue-level acceptance still needs written confirmation from the organiser.
Where do I apply for an ATA carnet?
In China, the issuing body is the CCPIT system; in Indonesia the national guaranteeing body is KADIN. Both references are linked at the foot of this page.
How long is a carnet valid?
Up to one year, covering the show, the round trip and verification; the exact start and extension rules are set by the issuer.
What if the re-export endorsement is missed?
Without the foreign re-export endorsement the booklet cannot be verified at origin, the issuer's guarantee is claimed, and Indonesian customs may raise duties and penalties. Put the endorsement into the dismantling-day schedule.
Not sure your exhibits qualify for a carnet?
Send the exhibit list. We pre-check it against Indonesian port practice before you discover the problem at the venue gate. Request a quote →
Send the exhibit list. We pre-check it against Indonesian port practice before you discover the problem at the venue gate. Request a quote →
Sources & basis
- KADIN Indonesia (Indonesian Chamber of Commerce) — ATA Carnet service page — kadin.id/en/solusi-bisnis/ata-carnet/ (Indonesia's national guaranteeing association and scope of acceptance)
- Indonesia DG of Customs (DJBC) public statement on ATA Carnet (Feb 2026, as reported) — expatindonesia.id/2026/indonesia-ata-carnet-no-import-tax-for-global-events/ (Customs oversight of temporary import and re-export)
- Indonesia film-service industry notes (ATA Carnet scope and limits) — archipelagofilmservice.com/services/carnet (Indonesia has accepted ATA Carnet since May 2015; commercial samples and postal traffic are excluded)
- Transcon Indonesia industry blog (temporary import vs ATA Carnet) — www.transcon-indonesia.com/en/blog/exhibition-goods-coming-home-or-staying-put-know-your-options-before-its-too-late/ (Not all venues can process carnets; path for on-site sale of exhibits)
- CCPIT ATA Carnet official site (issuing and verifying body in China) — www.eatachina.com/ (Issuing body, application and verification on the China side)
Items above are public-source paraphrases; the current official texts of Indonesian customs and regulations prevail. Data verified 2026-10-16.