As of 1 June 2026, the international trade community has reached a major milestone: the official launch of Digital ATA Carnets (eATA). This development marks a significant step toward modernising cross-border logistics and simplifying temporary exports for UK businesses.
What is an ATA Carnet?
An ATA Carnet is often described as a “passport for goods”, allowing businesses to temporarily export and import items such as professional equipment, exhibition and trade fair goods, and commercial samples without having to pay import duties or taxes, provided the goods are re-exported within the permitted timeframe. Traditionally, this process has relied on paper documents stamped at each border crossing, which can be time-consuming and prone to loss or errors.
The Move to Digital
With digital ATA Carnets:
- Documents are stored and accessed via mobile apps or desktop platforms
- Users can prepare and manage declarations electronically
Customs officials validate movements by scanning QR codes instead of stamping paper forms. This shift is part of a global initiative led by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) to fully digitise carnet procedures by 2028.
What You Need to Know
The introduction of digital carnets will not immediately replace paper. Instead, businesses should expect a transition period where:
- Both digital and paper carnets may be used, depending on destination requirements
- Issuing Chambers will advise which format is required for each journey
- Existing paper carnets issued before 1 June 2026 remain valid until expiry
This phased rollout ensures minimal disruption while customs authorities across different countries gradually adopt the digital system.
Key Benefits of Digital ATA Carnets
The move to digital delivers several clear advantages for freight forwarders, logistics providers, and exporters:
1. Faster Border Processing: QR-code validation reduces manual checks and speeds up customs clearance.
2. Reduced Paperwork: Eliminates the need for physical carnet booklets, lowering administrative burden.
3. Improved Security: Digital documents are less likely to be lost, stolen, or damaged
4. Real-Time Visibility: Users can track carnet usage and status electronically throughout the journey.
5. Greater Efficiency: End-to-end digitisation improves accuracy, transparency, and data sharing across stakeholders.
How the Digital Process Works
Although the application process remains largely unchanged, the way carnets are used at the border is significantly different:
1. Apply for a carnet through your local Chamber of Commerce
2. Receive digital credentials
3. Download the carnet to the official ATA Carnet app or desktop system
4. Create journey declarations (“travels”) in advance
5. Present a QR code to customs for scanning at each checkpoint
This replaces the traditional process of presenting and stamping paper vouchers.
Preparing for the Transition
The advice is logistics providers and businesses to take proactive steps to ensure a smooth transition:
- Review upcoming shipments involving temporary exports
- Check destination requirements (digital vs paper acceptance)
- Train staff and partners on using the digital system
- Download and familiarise teams with the carnet app
Early preparation is essential, especially for companies handling high volumes of temporary exports or operating across multiple regions.
Looking Ahead
The go-live of digital ATA Carnets represents just the beginning of a wider transformation. Around 30 countries are already participating in the initial rollout, with more expected to follow over the next two years. By January 2028, the ATA Carnet system is expected to be fully digital worldwide, fundamentally reshaping how temporary cross-border trade is managed. This announcement signals a major shift for the logistics industry, bringing ATA Carnets in line with modern digital trade practices. For UK freight forwarders and exporters, the message is clear: Digital is now the standard, and preparation is key. By embracing the new system early, businesses can unlock faster processes, improved compliance, and a more seamless global trading experience.
