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 a Carnet ATA to avoid unnecessary costs and delays at customs. In this blog post, we'll provide a step-by-step guide to filling out a Carnet ATA, including identifying the equipment, obtaining the necessary forms, and presenting the Carnet ATA 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 min 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 a Carnet ATA, the international customs document needed for temporary importation of your equipment into France. Follow these simple steps and you can enjoy a hassle-free shoot.
What is a Carnet ATA?
A Carnet ATA 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 Carnet ATA acts as a passport for temporary goods. It also helps to avoid delays and unnecessary costs at customs, by proving that the equipment is temporary and will be repatriated after the shoot.
Why do you need a Carnet ATA for importing audiovisual equipment into France?
In France, customs agents may require you to pay duties and taxes for the temporary importation of your equipment. This can lead to delays and unexpected costs. The Carnet ATA helps to avoid these fees by proving that the equipment is temporary and will be repatriated after the shoot. This saves you time and money by avoiding customs processing fees and wait times.
How to fill out a Carnet ATA for importing audiovisual equipment into France
Filling out a Carnet ATA may seem complex, but by following these simple steps, you can do it quickly and easily:
Identify the equipment that you will be bringing into France, including cameras, lighting equipment, and sound equipment. Make sure to include the make, model, and serial numbers of each piece of equipment.
Contact your local Chamber of Commerce (see below the post, we list the links for UK, US and India) or customs office to obtain a Carnet ATA. They will provide you with the necessary forms and instructions for completing the Carnet ATA.
Fill out the Carnet ATA forms completely and accurately, making sure to include all of the required information. This includes the equipment details, the countries you will be traveling to, the dates of travel, and the name and contact information of the person responsible for the equipment.
Begin by reviewing the requirements for the Carnet ATA 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 Carnet ATA 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 Carnet ATA and ensuring that all customs procedures are followed correctly.
Sign and date the form, and make sure to have it stamped by the relevant authorities in your home country before departing for France.
Have the Carnet ATA validated by customs officials in your home country before departing for France. This will ensure that your equipment will be accepted at French customs.
When you arrive in France,present the Carnet ATA to customs officials along with your other travel documents. They will stamp the Carnet ATA and inspect the equipment to ensure that it matches the information on the form.
When you leave France,present the Carnet ATA to customs officials again. They will stamp it again to show that the equipment has been temporarily imported and is being exported.
By following these steps, you can successfully fill out a Carnet ATA and avoid any issues with customs when importing your audiovisual equipment into France for your video shoot.
There are certain situations where a Carnet ATA 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 a Carnet ATA.
Equipment is already in France: If the audiovisual equipment is already in France and is not being imported from another country, a Carnet ATA 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 a Carnet ATA.
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 a Carnet ATA.
It is important to note that while a Carnet ATA 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 Carnet ATA Administrative Work
In conclusion, as a foreign production company coming to France for a video shoot, filling out a Carnet ATA for your audiovisual equipment may seem like a daunting task. However, by following the steps outlined in this post, you can successfully fill out 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. This is where "boookable" comes in. Our rental service provides a wide range of high-quality audiovisual equipment for your production needs, and we take care of 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 make your video shoot in France a success.
Here are some URLs for Chambers of Commerce in the UK, US, and India:
