Cosmoprof Bologna is the world's largest professional beauty trade show, drawing 250,000 visitors and 3,000+ exhibitors to BolognaFiere each March. Non-EU beauty brands — from US indie labels to Korean K-beauty companies — need an ATA Carnet to bring professional equipment, salon devices, and display systems into Italy without paying EU customs duties or Italian VAT.
Non-EU exhibitors at Cosmoprof Bologna need an ATA Carnet covering professional equipment, commercial samples, and exhibition goods. Italy accepts carnets for all standard ATA categories. The carnet is valid for up to 12 months, covering the show, setup, and return shipping.
Cosmoprof Bologna is held in Italy. Review the specific ATA Carnet requirements, accepted uses, and entry procedures for Italy before you travel.
Full Italy Carnet Guide6 weeks before Cosmoprof (early February)
Begin equipment list. Include all beauty devices, professional tools, and display equipment. Italian Customs is thorough about descriptions.
4 weeks before
Submit carnet application. Coordinate with your Bologna freight forwarder — they must be authorized to present the carnet at BLQ or MXP.
2 weeks before
Receive carnet. Confirm all items match your shipping manifest. Italian Agenzie delle Dogane may compare physical goods against the carnet list.
Arrival in Italy
Present carnet to Italian Customs (Agenzie delle Dogane) at BLQ or MXP. Officers stamp importation vouchers.
Cosmoprof show days
Keep carnet at your stand. Italian Customs inspects booth exhibits at Cosmoprof — your carnet is your duty-free authorization.
Post-show departure from Italy
Obtain re-exportation stamps from Italian Customs before equipment leaves Italy. Required for discharge.
Within 2 weeks of return
Return completed carnet to EasyCarnet for USCIB or Canadian Chamber discharge.
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ)
Closest airport to BolognaFiere — Italian Customs handles carnet processing; allow extra time during Cosmoprof season
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Larger international hub 2 hours from Bologna; commonly used for freight arriving from North America and Asia
Port of Genoa
Sea freight gateway for large shipments; road delivery to Bologna takes approximately 2 hours
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.