The World ATA Carnet Council (WATAC), the body responsible for managing the international guarantee chain for ATA Carnets – which allow for temporary duty- and tax-free export and import of goods – has elected Cynthia Duncan, USCIB’s senior vice president of Carnet and trade services, as its next chair.

The announcement came at the 8th World Chambers Congress, a biennial event organized by the ICC World Chambers Federation (WCF), in Doha, Qatar. Duncan takes over the leadership role from Peter Bishop, who stepped down after nine years at the helm.

Managed jointly by the WCF and the World Customs Organization, the ATA Carnet system enables duty-free and tax-free temporary import of goods of professional equipment, commercial samples, and goods for trade fairs and exhibitions for up to one year. Today the Carnet system is in force in 73 countries.

Ruedi Bolliger, executive director of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce Alliance, was also elected deputy chair of WATAC.

“With the sound foundation established by Peter Bishop, support of the new vice chair, and the continuing efforts of the carnet community, I expect that the ATA system will grow even stronger in the years to come,” Duncan said.

Duncan has served as head of USCIB Carnet and Trade Services since February 2000. She also serves on the steering committee of World Trade Week NYC and is a member of the New York District Export Council. She is a former member of the board of directors of the Organization of Women in International Trade, New York and previously served in a number of other capacities at USCIB, including as vice president for membership.

Staff contact: Amanda Barlow

More on USCIB’s Carnet and Trade Services Department