Customs Convention on the Temporary Importation of Professional Equipment

General Information

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What is it about?

The State Parties to this Convention, adopted under the auspices of the World Customs Organization (WCO), have to temporarily admit professional equipment without imposing import duties, restrictions or prohibitions. Three Annexes define the concerned equipment, stipulate the conditions of grant of temporary admission and provide illustrative lists. Annex A: equipment for the press and for sound or television broadcasting; Annex B: cinematographic equipment; Annex C: equipment not referred to in the other annexes, including all material necessary for the professional activity of a person visiting a country in order to accomplish a specified task. The ratification of the Annexes is at the discretion of the State Parties. The Convention also applies to component parts imported to repair temporarily admitted equipment. Equipment granted temporary admission has to be re-exported within six months from the date of importation.

Why is it relevant?

By facilitating the temporary importation of professional equipment the Convention promotes the international exchange of specialized skills and techniques. It should be noted that the Convention on temporary admission (Istanbul 26 June 1990) takes up the provisions of the 1961 Convention and incorporates into one single instrument goods and materials to date ruled by numerous international Customs Conventions.

Additional Information

The provisions of the present Convention do not preclude the application of prohibitions or restrictions imposed under national laws and regulations on grounds of public morality or order, public security, public hygiene or health, or for veterinary or phytopathological considerations, or relating to the protections of patents, trade marks and copyrights. All State Members to the United Nations can become a member to the present Convention.

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