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Temporary Admissions

The NAFTA requires Canada, Mexico and the United States to grant duty-free temporary admission to certain classes of goods imported from another NAFTA country. Duty-free entry cannot be conditioned on whether or not directly competitive or substitutable goods are available in the importing country. In addition, the goods do not have to originate in a NAFTA country.

Certain Professional Equipment, Sports Goods, and Goods for Display

A person can temporarily import duty-free: professional equipment (tools of the trade), equipment for the press or for sound or television broadcasting, cinematographic equipment, goods for sports purposes, and goods for display or demonstration. As a condition of duty-free entry, a NAFTA country may require that these goods:

not be sold or leased while in its territory;

  • be accompanied by a bond if they are not originating goods as defined in Chapter 4 of the NAFTA;
  • only remain in the importing country until the departure of the person or within a reasonable time established by each country;
  • be capable of identification when exported;
  • be imported in no greater quantity than is reasonable for its intended use;
  • be imported by a national or resident of another NAFTA country that seeks temporary entry;
  • be used solely by or under the personal supervision of the person importing the good in the exercise of the business activity, trade or profession.

Commercial Samples and Advertising Films

Commercial samples and advertising films may also be imported temporarily without payment of duties. As a condition of duty-free entry, a NAFTA country may require that these goods:

be imported solely for the solicitation of orders for goods, or services from another country;

  • not be sold, leased or put to any use other than exhibition or demonstration while in its territory;
  • be capable of identification when exported;
  • be exported within such period as is reasonably related to the purpose of the temporary admission; and
  • be imported in no greater quantity than is reasonable for its intended use.

 

Last Modified: Mar 06, 2024