The Cannes Film Festival is the world's most prestigious film event, drawing 15,000 industry professionals, filmmakers, and press to the French Riviera each May. Film crews, production companies, and press organizations from outside the EU need an ATA Carnet to bring cameras, audio equipment, lighting rigs, and film reels into France without paying EU customs duties and French VAT. Cannes is also home to MIPIM (March) — a single carnet covering France can serve both events in the same year.
Non-EU film crews and press organizations at Cannes need an ATA Carnet covering professional equipment. France accepts carnets for all standard ATA categories, including film production equipment, cameras, audio gear, and physical film materials. The carnet is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Cannes Film Festival is held in France. Review the specific ATA Carnet requirements, accepted uses, and entry procedures for France before you travel.
Full France Carnet Guide8 weeks before Cannes (March)
Begin equipment list. Film festival equipment — cinema cameras, rare lenses, film archives — should be described precisely. French Douane is experienced but thorough.
5–6 weeks before
Submit carnet application. France requires standard ATA documentation; include all equipment intended for press coverage, screenings, and production work.
3 weeks before
Receive carnet. Coordinate with your logistics partner for freight routed through NCE or CDG.
Arrival at NCE
Present carnet to French Customs at Nice airport or the freight terminal. Officers stamp importation vouchers. Allow extra time during Cannes week — NCE is extremely busy.
Festival days (12 days)
Keep carnet at your base of operations. French Customs may check credentials for equipment used on the Croisette and in official venues.
Post-Festival departure from France
Obtain re-exportation stamps from French Douane before equipment leaves France. Essential for carnet discharge.
Within 2 weeks of return
Return completed carnet to EasyCarnet for USCIB or Canadian Chamber discharge.
Nice CĂ´te d'Azur Airport (NCE)
Closest airport to Cannes — French Customs (Douane) experienced with carnet processing during May Festival season
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)
Alternative gateway 2.5 hours from Cannes; used for freight arriving from North America
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Main French freight hub; large shipments clear at CDG and are transported by road to Cannes
Palais des Festivals et des Congrès
Festival venue on the Croisette; freight coordinated through official logistics partners
Ready to apply?
Starting at $499 for equipment under $10k. Same-day processing available.
Start ApplicationStarting at $499 for equipment valued under $10k. Same-day processing available for last-minute bookings.