Increase of 18% in number of ATA Carnet issued in 2005

The Israeli Federation of Chambers of Commerce said last week that in 2005, 18% more Ata Carnet certificates were issued, compared to the number issued in 2004.
 
In a press release issued by the Federation, the head of the Carnet section Mrs. Mali Levi said that the total value of Carnet certificates issued reached $126m compared to $106.5m in 2004.
 
The ATA Carnet is an internationally accepted customs document often called The Merchandise Passport for freight. By presenting an ATA Carnet to foreign customs, the merchandise and equipment pass duty free and tax free into a carnet country for up to one year. At the end of the year all the items listed on the carnet must be returned to the country of origin.
 
Levi noted that the increase in Ata Carnet issued was mainly due to increased activity of Israeli companies in the global economy. Levi also noted that out of the total goods shipped under ATA Carnet the majority were: electronics, telecommunications, photographic equipment, medical equipment & fashion.