Hannover Messe is the world's leading industrial trade fair, drawing 200,000 professionals across automation, energy, digital manufacturing, and logistics each spring. Non-EU exhibitors bringing industrial robots, CNC machines, and demonstration equipment to Germany need an ATA Carnet to avoid EU customs duties and German VAT — which can represent a significant cost for high-value machinery.
Non-EU companies exhibiting at Hannover Messe need an ATA Carnet covering professional equipment and exhibition goods. Germany accepts carnets for all standard ATA categories. The carnet is valid for up to 12 months, covering the show, any pre-show setup period, and post-show transit to other European venues if needed.
Hannover Messe is held in Germany. Review the specific ATA Carnet requirements, accepted uses, and entry procedures for Germany before you travel.
Full Germany Carnet Guide8–10 weeks before Hannover Messe
Start equipment list. Heavy industrial machinery and robotics require detailed technical descriptions. Begin compiling specifications, values, and serial numbers.
6 weeks before
Submit carnet application. German Customs (Zoll) is meticulous — accurate equipment descriptions prevent delays at the border.
3 weeks before
Receive carnet. Coordinate with your freight forwarder — authorize them in writing to act as your carnet agent if freight arrives separately.
Arrival at FRA or HAJ
Present carnet to German Zoll at point of entry. For sea freight, clearance occurs at Hamburg. Officers stamp importation vouchers.
Show days
Keep carnet on-site. German Customs may inspect exhibits on the show floor during Hannover Messe.
After the show — before leaving Germany
Present carnet to Zoll at your exit point. Obtain re-exportation stamps before equipment leaves German soil.
Return home
Return completed carnet to EasyCarnet within two weeks for USCIB or Canadian Chamber discharge.
Hannover Airport (HAJ)
Closest airport to the fairgrounds — German Customs experienced with Hannover Messe season
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Largest German freight hub; most air cargo routes through FRA for onward road transport to Hannover
Hamburg Port
Sea freight entry point for large machinery shipments from North America and Asia
Hannover Exhibition Center (Deutsche Messe)
One of the world's largest exhibition venues — freight delivery coordinated through Hannover Airport or Hamburg
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.