Customs and temporary import

ATA Carnet, Temporary Import and Customs for Filming in Uzbekistan

How to prepare equipment for entry: invoices, serial numbers, temporary import, ATA Carnet checks, radio systems, drones and re-export.

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Temporary import starts with the equipment table, not at the border.

Cameras, lenses, monitors, radio systems, batteries, lighting, generators, drones and props all carry different levels of customs and regulatory risk. The producer's goal is simple: the package enters and leaves without delay, extra cost or equipment being held.

Bayram-Film helps prepare the equipment manifest, flag risk items, suggest local replacements when import is not worth it and coordinate the customs route with a broker or relevant authority.

B.2 professional equipment annex has been accepted by Uzbekistan

1 complete equipment manifest is needed before shipping or crew travel

100% of temporarily imported equipment must be accounted for at re-export

Important for budget and schedule

ATA Carnet has a formal basis for professional equipment, but drones, radio systems, batteries and the import route still need separate checks.

Can we use an ATA Carnet in Uzbekistan?

Yes, Uzbekistan has joined the Istanbul Convention on temporary admission and accepted Annex B.2 on professional equipment. That is an important practical basis for cameras, lenses, lighting and other professional production equipment. A producer should still verify the route, issuing country, carrier and broker before travel: drones, radio-frequency equipment, batteries, generators and special props may still need additional documents or permissions.

Who handles ATA Carnet matters in Uzbekistan?

2 institutions matter for initial checks: the State Customs Committee as the competent authority and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan as the guaranteeing organisation for Carnets. If a foreign crew travels with its own Carnet, confirm in advance how it will be handled at the specific airport or border point, who the local contact is and which manifest items may raise additional questions.

What is temporary import of film equipment?

The temporary admission regime can allow equipment to enter for a limited period with an obligation to take it out again. For filming, that usually means each item must be described, valued and linked to a responsible person or company. Missing the deadline, losing a serial-numbered item, replacing equipment without documents or selling temporarily imported gear locally can create customs and financial risk.

What should the equipment manifest include?

6 columns are essential: item name, brand and model, serial number, quantity, estimated value and purpose. It is also useful to include weight, dimensions, country of origin, owner, responsible contact, case number and photos of serial plates. The clearer the list, the lower the risk of the package being treated as commercial import rather than temporary production equipment.

Which items are the highest risk?

7 categories need separate checks: drones, radio systems, satellite communication, high-capacity batteries, generators, weapon or military-style props and dual-use equipment. Cameras and lenses are usually straightforward, but a production package can include items that trigger other rules: frequencies, aviation safety, lithium batteries, aerial filming limits or special transport permits.

How should batteries be handled?

A separate battery sheet should be prepared early. Lithium batteries have airline restrictions for transport, packaging and hand-luggage or checked-luggage carriage. List type, capacity, quantity, condition, packaging and distribution between passengers or freight. For a large lighting package it may be better to compare bringing batteries, using local power, renting generators or building a hybrid plan.

Do we need to import the whole package?

There is no sense in importing items that can be reliably covered locally. Lighting, grip, many monitors, cables, stands, power, caravan and transport are often more efficient through Bayram-Film. Camera and lenses can be arranged through 2.39-Bayram when the project needs a specific package. Less unnecessary import means easier customs, travel, insurance, loading and re-export.

How should drones be declared?

No drone should be packed as ordinary camera gear. UAVs require separate checks for import, storage, operation and flight zones. The manifest should include model, serial number, controller, batteries, pilot, purpose, dates and route. If permission is not confirmed in writing, the producer needs an alternative shot plan: crane, long lens, rooftop, vehicle platform or approved local operator.

What happens at re-export?

100% of temporarily imported items must match the outbound paperwork. If a camera, lens, monitor or case is lost, replaced or sent on another flight, it should be explained with documents before departure. The production coordinator should own the pack-out checklist, case photos, passenger list and freight route. The shoot ends only when import and export are cleanly closed.

What documents should we ask from the equipment owner?

5 documents should be collected early: invoice or valuation list, proof of ownership or rental, insurance, serial-number manifest and a letter explaining temporary import for filming. If equipment belongs to rental house 2.39 or another partner, the agreement should clearly state responsibility for transport, insurance, customs payments, delays and damage.

How can customs-delay risk be reduced?

3 actions reduce risk most: pre-check sensitive items, prepare the manifest in Russian or English and appoint one person to communicate with the broker. The border should not discover for the first time that a case contains a drone, radio system, unusual battery or high-value lens with no serial number. Good prep is dull, but it saves shooting days.

Open questions before production

These points must be confirmed for the specific project and dates, especially if the shoot involves state locations, drones, imported equipment or a large crew.

Procedure for the issuing country and exact entry point.
Separate permissions for radio systems and drones.
Broker and responsible importer before shipping.

Sources for initial verification

Rules and public services can change. Before budgeting and filing applications, check current official pages and written replies from the competent authorities.