Monaco

You're arriving in Monaco from an EU country with your GoPro Hero 12 and its housing (value ~€500). Since Monaco is integrated into the European customs territory via France, there are no customs formalities when entering from an EU country. You have nothing to declare. If you were arriving from a non-EU country (for example, via a direct flight to Nice then transferring to Monaco), French customs rules would apply, with a duty-free allowance of €430 per person for goods imported by air. Your equipment would then potentially be subject to declaration if its value exceeds this threshold, but without customs duties for the camera itself.

You're an advanced diver arriving in Monaco from the United States with an APS-C mirrorless system (Sony A6700), an entry-level Nauticam housing, and two strobes (total value ~€4,000). You land at Nice airport, then travel to Monaco. Your equipment significantly exceeds the €430 air travel allowance. You will need to declare your equipment to French customs in Nice. Although digital cameras are exempt from customs duties (0%), French VAT of 20% will be applied to the value exceeding the allowance. An ATA Carnet would have allowed for temporary importation without paying taxes.

You're arriving in Monaco from Japan with a full-frame system (Sony A7RV), a Subal housing, arms, two high-end strobes, and macro/fish-eye lenses (total value ~€15,000). You've prepared an ATA Carnet for all your equipment. Upon arrival at Nice airport, you present your ATA Carnet to French customs. This allows you to temporarily import your equipment without having to pay customs duties or VAT. It is crucial to have the ATA Carnet validated upon entry and exit from the European customs territory to avoid any subsequent taxation.

Do I need to declare my underwater photography equipment when arriving in Monaco from France?

No, there are no customs controls between France and Monaco because Monaco is integrated into the European customs territory via France. You can travel freely with your equipment without declaration.

What is the customs allowance for camera equipment if I arrive in Monaco from a non-EU country?

If you arrive from a non-EU country (for example, via Nice airport), the customs allowance is €430 per person for goods imported by air. Above this amount, French VAT of 20% applies to the excess value, even if digital cameras are exempt from customs duties.

Is the ATA Carnet accepted in Monaco for the temporary import of professional equipment?

Yes, the ATA Carnet is accepted. As Monaco is integrated into the EU customs territory via France, French customs rules apply. France is a member of the ATA Carnet system, which allows for the temporary import of professional equipment without payment of duties and taxes. For more information, please consult the official website directly: https://en.gouv.mc/Policy-Practice/Monaco-Worldwide/Monaco-and-the-European-Union.