Are goods shipped under a carnet exempt from general U.S. import and export restrictions?

Goods shipped under a carnet are not generally exempt from U.S. import and export restrictions. A carnet serves as a temporary admission document, primarily used to simplify the customs process for goods that will return to the country of origin without being sold or altered. While a carnet can facilitate the temporary export or import of certain items, it does not provide a blanket exemption from all customs regulations and legal requirements governing exports and imports.

For example, items that are restricted or prohibited from export, regardless of the use of a carnet, still fall under the jurisdiction of U.S. export control laws. This includes military equipment, certain technologies, and items that may violate trade sanctions. Therefore, while the carnet plays a crucial role in easing the process for specific goods, compliance with broader regulatory frameworks remains essential.