Carnets

/kɑrˈneɪz/ noun

Definition

Plural of carnet; official documents or permits that allow goods to cross international borders without paying full customs duties.

Etymology

From French 'carnet,' meaning a small notebook or booklet, derived from Old French 'quaer' related to Latin 'quaternus' (set of four). The term came to refer to official booklets used for customs purposes in the early 20th century.

Kelly Says

Carnets are the passport for your stuff—they let a company temporarily take merchandise across countries without paying taxes, which revolutionized international trade and touring. Think of them as the invisible infrastructure that lets concert equipment, art exhibitions, and trade samples move freely worldwide!

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