Equipment Customs and Carnet: Bringing Gear Across Borders
Move gear across borders the easy way with ATA carnets and short-term admission rules
Moving film gear across borders can make or break your shoot budget. One customs delay or surprise duty charge can cost thousands and wreck your schedule. The ATA carnet system was built to fix this. It works like a passport for your pro gear, letting you bring it in short-term without paying duties or taxes. Still, many shoots get caught out by customs, because they either don't know about carnets or misread how to apply. Whether you fly cameras from London to shoot in Lima, or send RED packages from New York for a commercial in Arequipa, you need to understand gear customs. This guide walks through ATA carnets, short-term import steps, and how to keep your gear moving smoothly across borders.
As Fixers in Peru, we bring local expertise to international productions filming in Peru. Our team's deep knowledge of local regulations, crew networks, and production infrastructure ensures your project runs smoothly from pre-production through delivery.
ACT 01
ATA Carnet Fundamentals
Your equipment's international passport
An ATA carnet is a worldwide customs document that lets you bring pro gear in short-term, duty-free. Think of it as your promise to customs that you'll re-export all you bring in.
- Valid for one year from issue date
- Covers gear worth up to $500,000
- Accepted in 87 countries worldwide
- Eliminates need for short-term import licenses
How Carnets Work
The carnet acts as security for customs duties. When you enter a country, customs stamps it and logs your gear. When you leave, they check that all is there and stamp you out. Nothing left behind, no duties owed. In theory it's that simple, though the paperwork must be precise.
What Qualifies for Carnet Coverage
Pro gear used for work qualifies, such as cameras, lenses, lighting, sound gear, monitors, laptops, even special vehicles. Personal items don't qualify, and neither do consumables like batteries, tape, or catering supplies. The gear must return to its home country before the carnet expires.
ACT 02
Carnet Application Process
Getting your paperwork right
Applying for an ATA carnet needs careful records and early planning. Most chambers of commerce handle these applications, though times and fees differ by country.
- Gear inventory with serial numbers and values
- Firm sign-ups and insurance documents
- Detailed travel itinerary with entry/exit dates
- Security deposit (mostly 40% of gear value)
Timeline and Costs
Standard processing takes 2-3 weeks, while express service (3-5 days) costs a lot more. Fees usually run from $200-500, plus the security deposit. You get the deposit back when you return with all gear accounted for. Budget extra time if your list has special items that need more records.
Common Application Mistakes
Incomplete serial numbers sink more carnet applications than anything else. Each piece of gear needs its own tag, whether a serial number, model number, or internal asset tag. Vague lines like 'camera accessories' won't do. Be exact: '24-70mm f/2.8 lens, serial ABC123.' And don't pad gear values hoping for better coverage. Use real replacement costs.
ACT 03
Border Customs Procedures
Smooth sailing through immigration
A carnet alone won't get you instant clearance. Knowing what happens at borders, and how to prepare, prevents delays that cost you shooting days.
- Arrive with all gear organized and easy to reach
- Bring many copies of your carnet and gear list
- Allow 1-2 hours for customs processing at major airports
- Have contact info for your local production coordinator
Entry Procedures
Present your carnet at the customs desk. Officers may check some or all gear to be sure it matches your records. They'll stamp the right pages and note any gaps. Keep stamped copies apart from the originals, since you'll need them to leave. If officers question an item, stay calm and point to your detailed gear descriptions.
Exit Requirements
Leaving can be trickier than arriving. Customs must confirm you take out all you brought in. Missing items trigger duty charges based on the declared values. Damaged gear usually needs a police report or insurance records. Plan extra time to exit, above all if you split gear across different exit points.
ACT 04
Alternative Import Methods
When carnets aren't the answer
ATA carnets suit most pro gear, but they aren't always the best fit. Knowing the options helps you pick the right path for your shoot.
- Short-term admission for EU gear within Europe
- Pro visitor allowances for small packages
- Local gear rental to avoid imports fully
- Customs bonding for high-value specialized gear
When to Skip the Carnet
Short shoots under 5 days with little gear may not be worth the carnet's cost and hassle. If you carry only laptops, small cameras, and basic kit worth under $5,000 in total, pro visitor allowances often cover you. Local rental services can skip customs entirely while adding backup gear and local support.
Rental vs Import Considerations
Compare total import costs, such as carnet fees, deposits, insurance, and transport, against local rental rates. Weigh how well your crew knows their own gear versus learning new kit. Sometimes the 'pricey' local rental saves money once you count hidden import costs and risks.
ACT 05
Country-Specific Requirements
Local customs variations
ATA carnets follow one worldwide standard, yet each country adds its own steps and rules. Peruvian customs has set protocols that differ from other places.
- Peru needs advance customs notification for large gear packages
- Specialized items like drones need extra permits no matter carnet status
- Some countries limit certain frequencies for wireless gear
- Transit countries may need separate customs declarations
Peruvian Customs Specifics
Peruvian customs takes gear imports seriously, above all for commercial filming. Large packages do better with advance notice through your customs broker or our local production team. Some items draw extra scrutiny, such as pro drones, satellite gear, and encrypted devices. Local contacts who know Peruvian customs steps prevent delays that could derail your schedule.
Multi-Country Productions
Shoots crossing many borders face growing complexity. Each country stamps your carnet on its own, creating paper trails that must line up perfectly. Transit countries, where you pass through but don't film, may still need customs declarations. Careful global planning helps you meet these many-country rules smoothly.
ACT 06
Troubleshooting Common Problems
When things go wrong
Even well-planned gear imports hit snags. Knowing how to handle the common ones, like missing stamps, damaged gear, or customs disputes, keeps your shoot on track.
- Missing or incorrect customs stamps
- Gear damaged in transit
- Customs disputes over gear values
- Lost or stolen gear needing police reports
Documentation Issues
Missing entry stamps create exit problems. If customs didn't stamp your carnet fully on arrival, you'll face questions when you leave. Keep detailed records, such as photos of gear, notes from each customs chat, and receipts for any fees paid. These backups help settle disputes. Local fixers keep ties with customs offices to smooth exactly these moments.
Equipment Problems
Damaged or stolen gear makes closing a carnet harder. You'll need a police report for theft, insurance records for damage, or replacement gear with matching specs. Some countries allow short-term swaps on an existing carnet, while others need a fresh application. Local production support keeps these emergencies manageable instead of catastrophic.
ACT 07
Common Questions
How long does an ATA carnet application take?
Standard processing takes 2-3 weeks from submission with complete paperwork. Express service (3-5 days) costs a lot more but suits rush shoots. Start your application as soon as you confirm your international gear needs. Don't wait for a final gear list, since you can change a carnet before you travel.
What happens if I leave equipment behind?
Leaving gear in the country triggers duty payments based on declared values, so accurate values matter. Some shoots choose to 'abandon' older gear to local crews and pay the duty as a kind of sale. This still needs early planning and proper records to avoid legal trouble.
Can I add equipment to an existing carnet?
You can't add items to an issued carnet, though you can drop items before you leave. If you need more gear after the carnet is issued, your options are a separate short-term import, local rental, or an emergency carnet (costly and slow). Plan it all in full from the start.
Do I need carnets for equipment worth under $1,000?
Low-value gear may qualify for professional visitor allowances and skip the carnet entirely. Still, many small items can quickly pass the limits, and some countries check all professional gear whatever its value. When in doubt, a carnet gives you certainty and peace of mind.
What if customs officials don't understand carnets?
Carnets are recognized worldwide, yet a given officer may not know the steps, above all at smaller border crossings. Carry carnet guides in the local language, stay calm and professional, and ask for a supervisor if needed. Local production services include customs liaison support for exactly these cases.
Ready to Roll
Need Help with Equipment Customs?
International gear imports don't have to wreck your timeline or budget. Our local production teams know the customs steps in every country we work in, from ATA carnet applications to emergency gear replacement. Contact Fixers in Peru to discuss your next project.