The ''Carnet de Passages en Douane'' (CPD) is a
customs document that identifies a driver's
motor vehicle. It is required in order to take a vehicle into a significant but diminishing number of countries around the world.
Usage
The ''Carnet'' allows travellers to temporarily import their vehicles without having to leave a cash deposit at the
border. It is, in essence, an international
guarantee for payment of customs
duties and
taxes to a
government should the vehicle not be re-exported from that country. Persons who temporarily import their vehicles into countries where the ''Carnet'' is required must agree to obey the
laws and
regulations of that country and particularly the conditions of temporary importation.
The ''Carnet'' contains relevant information about the vehicle – make, model, colour, engine capacity,
seating capacity, registration number, owner and value.
In order to obtain a ''Carnet'', the owner of a vehicle is required to provide a security based on the age and market value of the vehicle. Generally three types of security are acceptable from motoring organisations:
★
Cash bond;
★ Banker's letter of
indemnity;
★
Insurance policy.
Motorists can obtain a ''Carnet de Passages en Douane'' from their national automobile association or touring club.
The following bodies are authorised to issue a Carnet:
★
North America -
CAA
★
United Kingdom -
RAC
★
India -
Automobile Association of Southern India
Countries where a CPD is accepted
===
Africa===
In certain African countries, the CPD is not officially required, but is often used to facilitate temporary importation of a vehicle. Countries where the CPD may be used include:
Benin,
Botswana,
Burkina Faso,
Cameroon,
Central African Republic,
Chad,
Comoros,
Côte d'Ivoire,
Congo,
Egypt,
Gabon,
Ghana,
Guinea-Bissau,
Kenya,
Lesotho,
Libya,
Madagascar,
Malawi,
Mali,
Mauritania,
Namibia,
Niger,
Senegal,
Somalia,
South Africa,
Swaziland,
Tanzania,
Togo,
Uganda, and
Zimbabwe.
===
Americas===
Argentina,
Brazil (not required for vehicles entering by land routes, but required for vehicles arriving by boat),
Canada,
Chile,
Colombia,
Costa Rica,
Dutch Antilles,
Ecuador,
Jamaica,
Mexico,
Paraguay,
Peru,
Surinam,
Trinidad and Tobago,
Uruguay, and
Venezuela.
===
Asia and
Middle East===
Bahrain,
Bangladesh,
India,
Indonesia,
Iran,
Iraq,
Japan,
Jordan,
Kuwait,
Lebanon,
Malaysia,
Myanmar,
Nepal,
Oman,
Pakistan,
Qatar,
Singapore,
Sri Lanka,
Syria,
United Arab Emirates, and
Yemen.
===
Europe===
Belgium,
Denmark,
Finland,
Greece,
Italy,
Monaco,
Netherlands, and
Turkey. In these European countries, the CPD is required only for certain categories of vehicles. The CPD is not required in these countries for private cars.
===
Oceania===
Australia,
New Zealand, and
Vanuatu.
Countries where a CPD is required
This list has countries that are known to require a CPD but there may be more that are not yet verified.
===
Africa===
Kenya,
Egypt,
Senegal (for vehicles older than 5 years),
South Africa
All other countries have a mechanism for temporarily importing a vehicle. This document is often referred as Passavant, LaizzePasse or SalvoConducto. A small fee is often charged to obtain it, and it allows the vehicle to be imported and driven for up to 1 month. It replaces the Carnet in that country, and should be returned to the customs office upon leaving the country.
The only countries which do not issue passavants, and hence a Carnet is required to enter are:
Senegal and
Egypt.
From 2006 Senegal is easing the requirement for a Carnet de Passage. It is only required at the North Border, and drivers usually get through without a Carnet by paying a variable amount between 80-100 Euros.
Also from 2006, Egypt now has its own Carnet, available for those without a valid Carnet de Passage at the borders. It still requires a cash deposit (up to 2000 Euros) which is returned upon exit.
===
Americas
None
Asia and
Middle East===
Bangladesh,
India,
Indonesia,
Iran,
Japan,
Jordan,
Nepal,
Pakistan,
Singapore,
Sri Lanka,
Syria,
Yemen
===
Europe
None
Oceania===
Australia (not required, but strongly recommended),
Vanuatu,
New Zealand.
External links
★
Alliance Internationale De Tourisme