In today’s global trade environment, unpredictability has become the norm. Shifting tariff policies, retaliatory trade measures, and regulatory changes have left many businesses second-guessing their logistics strategies and uncertain about the future. For companies moving goods across borders, this volatility can create real operational and financial challenges.
But amid all the noise, here’s the good news:
Some logistics practices remain steady and reliable. While tariffs may rise and fall, certain customs solutions designed for temporary imports, like ATA Carnets and Temporary Importation Under Bond (TIB), continue to offer consistency, flexibility, and cost savings.
These aren’t workarounds. They’re well-established practices that help industries like live entertainment, exhibitions, film production, and sporting events keep moving, even when the trade landscape shifts beneath them.
Uncertainty at the Border, But Not for Everyone
Tariff changes affect many, but not all, import scenarios. If your business only needs to bring goods into a country temporarily (such as for a tour, shoot, trade show, or tournament), there’s often a smarter way to manage duties and taxes.
ATA Carnets and TIB are long-standing customs procedures that make it possible to navigate international logistics without the full weight of changing trade policies. They’re stable, trusted, and still doing exactly what they were designed to do: simplify temporary imports.
ATA Carnets: The “Passport” for Your Kit
An ATA Carnet is an international customs document that lets you move goods across borders without paying duties or taxes, as long as those goods are re-exported within a specified period, typically up to 12 months.
Think of it as a passport for your gear.
It’s ideal for scenarios like:
– Music tours transporting instruments and audio equipment
– Film or TV productions shooting in multiple countries
– Trade show exhibitors showcasing products abroad
Real World Example:
When a major band sets out on a world tour, moving essential gear like guitars, amps, lighting rigs, and stage structures across borders can become a customs minefield. That’s where the ATA Carnet comes in, a powerful document that allows temporary importation of professional equipment without paying duties or taxes in each country.
EFM work with international recording artists daily, and have recently supported a globally renowned rock band as they toured across 15+ countries over six months. Using an ATA Carnet, we helped move over 20 tonnes of gear through North America, Europe, and Asia; without delays or unexpected fees.
Our team coordinated the carnet applications, ensured compliance at every border, and managed logistics down to the minute, giving the crew peace of mind and letting the show go on, night after night.
From small stages to stadiums, EFM keeps the music moving.
Read more about our work in the music industry here.
ATA Carnets are accepted in over 80 countries and typically cover:
- Professional equipment
- Commercial samples
- Goods for exhibitions or trade shows
For globally mobile businesses, they’re a widely recognised and dependable solution.
TIB: A Flexible Option for Short-Term Imports
Temporary Importation Under Bond (TIB) offers a similar benefit: Goods can enter a country temporarily without paying duties or taxes, provided they are exported within a designated timeframe – typically, subject to a refundable deposit.
TIB is especially useful when:
- An ATA Carnet isn’t accepted or applicable
- The goods fall outside the Carnet’s scope
- The import is tied to a specific project or event
Real World Example:
For world-class events like Expo 2020 Dubai, bringing in temporary equipment, from cutting-edge AV systems to custom-built staging and lighting, requires precise planning and a deep understanding of customs regulations.
One key tool? Temporary Importation by Relief (TIB).
Read more about our work with Expo 2020 here.
TIBs are commonly used in:
– Sporting events
– Film productions
– Short-term exhibitions & trade shows
While not as globally recognised as the ATA Carnet, TIB remains a highly effective tool, particularly in countries that are not part of the ATA Carnet scheme.
ATA Carnets vs. TIB: What’s the Difference?
ATA Carnets and TIB ultimately serve a similar purpose: they allow temporary imports without triggering duties, as long as the goods are re-exported. But there are important differences between the two, especially when it comes to eligibility, global reach, and compliance requirements. Choosing the right option depends on your destination, the nature of your goods, and the specifics of your project or the destination required.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of their key features:
| ATA Carnet | TIB | |
| Global Acceptance | 80+ Countries | Country by Country |
| Eligible Goods | Professional equipment | More flexible |
| Time Limit | Typically up to 12 months | Varies depending on project/event |
| Cost Structure | Based on the value and number of countries | May require bonds or deposits |
What Hasn’t Changed: The Ongoing Importance of Customs Compliance
Even in a shifting tariff environment, customs fundamentals remain unchanged, and ignoring them can lead to big problems:
- Accurate product classification: Each item must be classified correctly under the Harmonised System (HS) code. It determines duties and how your goods are treated by customs. Misclassification can lead to delays, fines, or even seizures.
- Complete documentation: No shortcuts here. Detailed paperwork, including commercial invoices, packing lists, Carnet or TIB documents, and any permits, must accompany all imports.
- Timely re-exportation: Whether using an ATA Carnet or TIB, the #1 rule is this: Goods must be re-exported on time. Miss the deadline, and your company could face penalties or unexpected duty charges.
These logistics basics are your safety net in an unstable trade world.
Stability in an Unstable Trade World: The Key Takeaways
- Tariffs will continue to shift. But your logistics practices don’t have to.
- ATA Carnets and TIB offer businesses a way to manage complexity, control costs, and stay focused on delivery, even if a trade policy changes overnight.
- By focusing on the elements you can control, and using established customs solutions, you can add much-needed stability to your international operations.
Looking for Expert Support?
This is where a partner like EFM Global comes in. With deep expertise in international logistics, customs compliance, and temporary imports, we help you stay compliant, avoid delays, and keep your global operations on track, no matter how the trade winds blow.
