Temporary import system ready for implementation at customs

A temporary admission system that allows goods to be imported more efficiently into the Kingdom will be introduced at Saudi Customs within weeks, according to Mohammed Al-Ghazzawi, executive director of the Saudi Chapter of the International Chamber of Commerce.
The new scheme, which is also called ATA Carnet, is an international customs document that allows the temporary importation of commercial samples, professional equipment or goods going to either a trade fair or exhibition to countries that participate in the ATA Carnet system.
Without an ATA Carnet it would be necessary to go through each country’s customs procedures for the temporary admission of goods, such as lodging a temporary import bond.
The ICC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi Customs in May 2011 to implement the system. Seventy-two countries participate in the scheme.
The executive director said that ATA Carnet simplifies the custom formalities by allowing a single document to be used for clearing goods through Customs in the countries that are part of the ATA Carnet system.
An ATA Carnet is valid for one year and allows for movement of the goods shown on the Carnet as many times as required during the 12 months to any of the destinations applied for.
Al-Ghazzawi said the goods brought into the Kingdom through this scheme could be taken back without delays.
Describing the new scheme as a major step in promoting international trade, he said 14 companies from seven countries such as Romania, Spain, Holland and Brazil have already applied under the proposed scheme.
“We would create a public awareness campaign about the new scheme for the benefit of the public and private sectors in the Kingdom. He added that the ICC will publish brochures to publicize the forthcoming program.
In an unrelated matter, Al-Ghazzawi also announced that the ICC is planning to hold talks with the Chambers of Commerce and Industry in the GCC countries to implement Gulf coordination for the International Chamber of Commerce, which would unify the GCC to help achieve their goals in global trade policies.
He noted the ICC would have uniform principles and policies from the GCC, which would eventually help the countries in the region to expand their businesses in healthy manner. This would facilitate the working out for a uniform currency for the GCC, he added.
By maximizing the participation of ICC members in local and global events, he said Saudi Arabia will strengthen trade relations with other countries.