CPD - Carnet De Passage
ABOUT CPD
The Carnet de Passage en Douane, or CPD, is the international customs document which covers the temporary admission of motor vehicles. The CPD is still required in numerous countries around the world for the temporary admission of private automobiles, commercial vehicles or other categories of motor vehicles.
The CPD, created in 1911, first entered use in 1913 as a document serving to simplify customs formalities for motoring tourists and travellers.
The CPD is used within the framework of the United Nations Customs Conventions of 1954 and 1956, which cover respectively the temporary importation of private and commercial road vehicles. The CPD also forms part of the 1990 Istanbul Convention, administered by the World Customs Organization. Under these international conventions, the CPD facilitates the temporary importation of motor vehicles by providing security for the payment of any customs duties and import taxes chargeable should the vehicle not be re-exported.
The CPD is used within the framework of the United Nations Customs Conventions of 1954 and 1956, which cover respectively the temporary importation of private and commercial road vehicles. The CPD also forms part of the 1990 Istanbul Convention, administered by the World Customs Organization. Under these international conventions, the CPD facilitates the temporary importation of motor vehicles by providing security for the payment of any customs duties and import taxes chargeable should the vehicle not be re-exported.
How does the CPD system function?
In countries where the CPD is required for temporary importation, the guaranteeing association must undertake to pay to its customs authorities the import duties and taxes levied by those authorities due to the non re-exportation of a vehicle temporarily imported under cover of the CPD. The relationship between customs administrations and guaranteeing associations is defined in the international conventions (UN and WCO). The relationship between the guaranteeing and issuing associations as well as that between the issuing associations and the carnet holders is set down in the AIT and FIA Guarantee Agreement.
In countries where the CPD is required for temporary importation, the guaranteeing association must undertake to pay to its customs authorities the import duties and taxes levied by those authorities due to the non re-exportation of a vehicle temporarily imported under cover of the CPD. The relationship between customs administrations and guaranteeing associations is defined in the international conventions (UN and WCO). The relationship between the guaranteeing and issuing associations as well as that between the issuing associations and the carnet holders is set down in the AIT and FIA Guarantee Agreement.
Description of a CPD
The CPD cover shows the name of the holder, the name of the issuing association, the international organisations – the AIT and FIA – under which the network functions, and the validity of the document. The inside front cover bears a description of the vehicle covered under the CPD. The back cover lists the countries where the carnet may be used and the names of the guarantor association in that country. The inside of the back cover includes instructions and information essentially for the holder.
The CPD is printed in English and French and is of standard A4 dimensions. Carnets may have 5 to 25 pages inside, each of which with a detachable importation and exportation voucher and a counterfoil which remains attached to the CPD. A separate page is used for each country entered or re-entered. Each importation and exportation voucher contains the vehicle particulars listed on the inside cover, the full name and address of the carnet holder, the name of the issuing association and the expiry date.
The role of the customs officer
Upon entry of a vehicle, the Customs Officer stamps and signs the importation voucher of the CPD and notes the date and name of the Customs Post. The Customs Officer then enters the date and name of the Customs Post in the space provided on the exportation voucher. The Customs Officer also completes and stamps the left part of the counterfoil. The importation voucher is detached from the CPD and kept of file.
Upon exit of a vehicle, the Customs Officer stamps and signs the exportation voucher of the CPD and notes the date and name of the Customs Post. The Customs Officer completes the right part of the counterfoil, stamps, dates and signs. The exportation voucher is detaches and returned to the customs post of entry, so as to furnish the authorities with the necessary proof of re-exportation.
Regulations of CPD
In the event of a claim from the customs authorities (which must be notified within one year of the expiry of the carnet in accordance with the terms of the international conventions) due to the non-discharge of a CPD, the guarantor association has one year in which to provide proof of re-exportation of the vehicle.
Customs stamps of countries subsequently visited and other documentary evidence may constitute proof of re-exportation, as provided for in the international conventions. Proof of re-exportation may also be provided in the form of the ‘Certificate of Location’, included as the last page in the CPD, which may be completed by a customs official, police, judicial or other authority of another country. A model of the ‘Certificate of Location’ is included as an annex to the 1954 and 1956 Conventions of the UN and the 1990 Istanbul Convention of the WCO.
Advantages
Although the AIT and FIA advocate the temporary admission of motor vehicles free of import prohibitions and restrictions, but subject of course to re-exportation, there are still many countries around the world that prescribe that such vehicles be imported under cover of a guarantee (such as the CPD).
Where the CPD is required, there are distinct advantages for the customs administrations: the CPD eliminates the need for cash deposit and reimbursement formalities as well as national temporary importation documents.
For the tourism industry, the CPD helps to ensure that travelers and their vehicles can cross national borders with greater ease, fewer formalities and without on-the-spot payment of additional fees or guarantees.
Where and How to get it
- A special application form must be filled and singed by the car owner.
- Photocopy of passport and UAE residence visa.
- Photocopy of car registration.
- Copy of valid UAE Driving License.
- Cash or bank guarantee depending on the customers’ country of destination.