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Satyendra Pathak
Doha
In a major boost to Qatar's preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar Chamber on Tuesday announced that all formalities to implement ATA Carnet in the country from August 1 have been completed.
Qatar has officially become the 77th member of World ATA Carnet Council (WATAC) fortifying its position as one of the ideal global investment destinations and a leading business centre.
ATA Carnet, which is an international customs document that allows duty-free and tax-free temporary import and export of goods for up to one year, holds special significance for Qatar as it would be hosting major events like football World Cup in the next four years.
Talking to Qatar Tribune on the sidelines of an event to formally announce Qatar's accession to WATAC, Qatar Chamber Chairman HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassem al Thani said,"ATA Carnet system will strengthen Qatar's preparations for hosting the 2022 World Cup and other major international conferences and exhibitions."
"The system facilitates and simplifies customs procedures for clearing goods and equipment for fairs, exhibitions and conferences without duties and taxes," he said.
With ATA Carnet coming into effect from August, Sheikh Khalifa said, it would not only reduce costs for companies but would also facilitate customs clearance in both Qatar and foreign countries on multiple trips for up to one year.
Qatar Chamber will be the national issuing and guaranteeing association for the implementation of the ATA Carnet in Qatar, he said.
All organisations and professionals in Qatar can avail this service for moving goods and equipment in the 77 member countries.
Sheikh Khalifa said the chamber will organise regular seminars and workshops on the ATA Carnet system from next July to provide full information and knowledge of the system to country's business community.
General Authority of Customs Chairman Ahmed bin Abdullah al Jamal, who was also present on the occasion, said Qatar's joining ATA Carnet Council would contribute to further simplifying Customs procedures across borders and enhance global trade from and to the country.
Qatar Chamber Legal Affairs Department Director Abdulaziz Saleh al Kuwari made a presentation on ATA Carnet, explaining its benefits and mechanisms.
Kuwari said the most prominent features of the ATA Carnet is that it enables marketing representatives, exhibition participants and businessmen to make advance Customs arrangements at a predetermined cost, visit several countries consecutively and use the ATA Carnet for several trips during its one-year validity.
"ATA Carnet contributes to facilitating Customs procedures across borders by minimising red tape. It permits importers and exporters to use a single document to complete all Customs procedures in the 77 countries that apply the ATA Carnet system," he said.
He said the system includes all types of goods and equipment that can be transported under the ATA Carnet, including commercial samples, professional equipment and goods for fairs and exhibitions.
He said the carnet can be applied to three broad categories: commercial samples, professional equipment and goods for use at exhibitions and fairs.
While the validity of carnet is one year for commercial samples, he said, for professional equipment and goods for fairs and exhibitions it would be six months.
It covers a broad range of goods including commercial samples such as jewellery, leather products, trade show booths and requirements, professional equipment, cinematography, musical instruments, clothing, theater objects, seminar and meeting equipment, display and test equipment, repair and maintenance equipment and equipment for surgeons, archaeologists, entertainers, athletes and others.
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23/05/2018
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