If you are travelling with filming equipment and visiting a country which takes part in th ATA Carnet system, you must use a Carnet. The Carnet lists all items of equipment along with serial numbers and distinguishing marks. Customs officials at the port of entry will temporarily import the items using an importation voucher. A corresponding exportation voucher will be used as the items leave the country thus proving that they have not been permanently imported into the country.
It's really important to get the correct customs stamps at the point of entry and exit from the country you are visiting as any omissions can cause serious problems and may end up costing your production a lot of money. You also need to leave yourself plenty of time before your flight.
Customs officials won't be hurried and in some cases will inspect the serial numbers of every single piece of kit! A carnet is usually accompanied by an insurance bond to cover the cost of import duty if the items are not re-exported for any reason.
A Carnet document can be obtained from your local Chamber of Commerce or from specialist shipping companies.
