I’m looking for a bit of / advice from those more
experienced in export matters than I. As always, Orchid is the best
place to ask.
A little background:
A Japanese company is representing a buyer interested in my work and
the ongoing communications are a bit slow (translations and follow-up
clarification, images, hurricane interruptions, etc.). The buyer
has purchased a few pieces to examine personally and show to his
retailers. He and those reviewers polled are pleased with the designs
and workmanship but since these are one of a kind items, his
retailers would prefer seeing a larger collection of my actual work
prior to committing to purchases.
It was suggested that I send additional pieces as samples using ATA
Carnet customs documents in order to expedite the process.
Has anyone here used the ATA Carnet documents to send samples of
their products to potential buyers? Is this a routine request? Any
suggestions or caveats? I’ve learned that these documents permit
products (samples not to be sold) to pass through customs of
participating foreign countries without incurring duties and taxes
because the items are not sold and will not remain in the country.
The temporary admission document guarantees that the same items will
be returned to the country of origin.
Costs would include about $200 for the document (good for a year’s
unlimited use) plus shipping and insurance fees. I don’t know
whether there are other costs beyond these. Since the representative
has suggested this arrangement, is it reasonable to bill the buyer
for the shipping and insurance?
According to the website (United States Council for International
Business) FedEx and UPS (small package division) generally will not
handle shipments on these documents so insuring through Parcel Pro
may not be an option. Any suggestions if not?
I would appreciate any insight from those who have done this.
Thanks to any who reply and to all who make this forum successful!
From beautiful Arizona where we’re enjoying “double digit”
temperatures (below 100 degrees) 
Pam Chott
www.songofthephoenix.com