The Ultimate Checklist for Importing Audiovisual Equipment into France for Your Video Shoot
If you're a foreign production company planning to bring audiovisual equipment to France for a video shoot, you'll need to fill out an ATA Carnet to avoid unnecessary costs and delays at customs. In this blog post, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to filling out an ATA Carnet, including identifying the equipment, obtaining the necessary forms, and presenting the ATA Carnet to customs officials. By following these simple steps, you can successfully import your audiovisual equipment into France and focus on creating great video content.
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April 3, 2023
3-minute read
If you're a foreign production company coming to France for a video shoot, you may need to temporarily import audiovisual equipment. This can seem daunting, but don't worry—we'll guide you through the process by explaining how to fill out an ATA Carnet, the international customs document required for the temporary importation of your equipment into France. Follow these simple steps, and you can enjoy a hassle-free shoot.
What is an ATA Carnet?
An ATA Carnet is an international customs document used for the temporary transit of goods. It is used in over 87 countries and allows businesses to import and export temporary goods without having to pay duties and taxes at each border. In other words, the ATA Carnet acts as a passport for temporary goods. It also helps avoid delays and unnecessary costs at customs by proving that the equipment is temporary and will be returned after the shoot.
Why do you need an ATA Carnet to import audiovisual equipment into France?
In France, customs officials may require you to pay duties and taxes for the temporary importation of your equipment. This can lead to delays and unexpected costs. The ATA Carnet helps you avoid these fees by proving that the equipment is being imported temporarily and will be returned after the shoot. This saves you time and money by avoiding customs processing fees and wait times.
How to Fill Out an ATA Carnet for Importing Audiovisual Equipment into France
Filling out an ATA Carnet may seem complicated, but by following these simple steps, you can do it quickly and easily:
List the equipment you will be bringing into France, including cameras, lighting equipment, and sound equipment. Be sure to include the make, model, and serial numbers for each piece of equipment.
Contact your local Chamber of Commerce (see below the post—we've listed the links for the UK, the US, and India) or customs office to obtain an ATA Carnet. They will provide you with the necessary forms and instructions for completing the ATA Carnet.
Fill out the ATA Carnet forms completely and accurately, making sure to include all the required information. This includes details about the equipment, the countries you will be traveling to, the dates of travel, and the name and contact information of the person responsible for the equipment.
Start by reviewing the requirements for the ATA Carnet form. The form typically consists of three copies: one for the country of origin, one for the country of destination, and one for the holder of the document.
Fill out the general information section of the form, which includes the name and address of the company or individual importing the equipment, as well as the intended dates of import and export.
List all the goods that will be imported into the country on the ATA Carnet form. This should include a detailed description of the goods, including the make, model, and serial number of each item.
Fill out the "Country of Destination" section of the form. This will include information about the country or countries where the goods will be used.
Fill out the "Guaranteeing Association" section of the form. This refers to the organization responsible for issuing the ATA Carnet and ensuring that all customs procedures are followed correctly.
Sign and date the form, and be sure to have it stamped by the appropriate authorities in your home country before leaving for France.
Have your ATA Carnet validated by customs officials in your home country before leaving for France. This will ensure that your equipment is accepted by French customs.
When you arrive in France,present the ATA Carnet to customs officials along with your other travel documents. They will stamp the ATA Carnet and inspect the equipment to ensure that it matches the information on the form.
When you leave France,present the ATA Carnet to customs officials again. They will stamp it again to indicate that the equipment has been temporarily imported and is being exported.
By following these steps, you can successfully fill out an ATA Carnet and avoid any customs issues when importing your audiovisual equipment into France for your video shoot.
There are certain situations in which an ATA Carnet may not be required for importing audiovisual equipment into France. These include:
Equipment is temporarily imported for personal use: If you are bringing in audiovisual equipment for personal use—such as a camera for your own vacation—you may not need an ATA Carnet.
The equipment is already in France: If the audiovisual equipment is already in France and is not being imported from another country, an ATA Carnet is not required.
Equipment is covered by an existing agreement: If the equipment is covered by an existing agreement, such as a production agreement, it may not be necessary to obtain an ATA Carnet.
Equipment is covered by a temporary admission agreement: If your country has a temporary admission agreement with France, you may be able to bring in your audiovisual equipment without an ATA Carnet.
It is important to note that while an ATA Carnet may not always be required, it is still advisable to check with customs officials to ensure that you have all the necessary documentation for your specific situation.
Rent Audiovisual Equipment in France with Boookable: Avoid the Administrative Hassle of the ATA Carnet
In conclusion, as a foreign production company coming to France for a video shoot, filling out an ATA Carnet for your audiovisual equipment may seem like a daunting task. However, by following the steps outlined in this post, you can successfully complete the necessary paperwork and avoid unnecessary fees and delays at customs. It’s always best to check with customs officials to ensure that you have all the necessary documentation for your specific situation.
Alternatively, you can avoid all this administrative work by renting your equipment in France. That’s where “boookable” comes in. Our rental service offers a wide range of high-quality audiovisual equipment to meet your production needs, and we handle all the necessary paperwork and administrative tasks so you can focus on creating great video content. Contact us today to learn more about our rental services and how we can help make your video shoot in France a success.
Here are some URLs for chambers of commerce in the UK, the U.S., and India:
