Pro photographer gets £5,000 of his gear seized by customs for not having this important document. What exactly is an ATA carnet, and why did he need one?
UK-based photographer and filmmaker, Jacob Zatorsky, went viral after sharing his stressful experience with Belgian customs officials, which saw his equipment seized for the duration of his trip
British photographer Jacob Zatorsky experienced a stressful situation when Belgian customs seized approximately £5,000 worth of his equipment after questioning him about an ATA carnet. This document, which stands for "Admission Temporaire" in French and English, serves as a passport for goods and allows the temporary entry of expensive equipment into participating countries without raising customs concerns.
Zatorsky, who was traveling to Brussels for a client shoot, was unaware that he needed the ATA carnet and faced confiscation of his valuable gear. The ATA carnet is typically issued through an authorized chamber of commerce in the home country and lasts for up to 12 months. Even if a traveler is not intending to sell or use the equipment during their trip, they may still need to acquire the carnet.
The cost varies depending on the chamber of commerce, equipment value, and carnet duration. While Zatorsky eventually retrieved his confiscated equipment, the experience highlights the importance of understanding ATA carnets for professionals and serious amateurs traveling with expensive gear.
Written by urgent.news from Digital Camera World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
