What Is A Digital ATA Carnet?
An ATA Carnet is a document often referred to as the “passport for goods”. It allows you, as the business owner, to export goods to foreign countries without having to pay duties or taxes if the goods are brought back in the SAME CONDITION within a certain time limit.
A traditional ATA Carnet is typically issued in the form of a paper booklet. Each time you cross a border with your goods, you must show your ATA Carnet to customs officials who stamp your booklet.
A Digital ATA Carnet (“eATA Carnet”) allows users to store an electronic copy of their carnet on their mobile device instead of a paper booklet. Transactions are recorded digitally instead of with physical stamps.
Digital carnets are currently being developed by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and authorised customs bodies across the world.
Why Are ATA Carnets Going Digital?
The ATA Carnet system has historically relied on paper booklets that must be stamped by customs officials each time goods enter or leave a country. However, various international trade bodies are working towards going fully digital with ATA Carnets.
Some of the issues with paper ATA Carnets include:
Physical carnets can be lost or damaged
Processing times can be lengthy at borders
Incorrect stamps or missing vouchers can cause problems if foreign customs officials make claims against your carnet
Digitising ATA Carnets
Digitising ATA Carnets throughout their lifecycle will help to simplify the process and minimise headaches for businesses and customs authorities alike.
The digital carnet life cycle will include:
Issuance of carnets
Declaration of goods to customs
Processing at borders
Tracking of transactions
Digital ATA Carnet Pilot in the UK
Recognising the impending changes, UK National ATA Carnet Organisation (UKNATACO) has been developing systems and processes for digital carnets with assistance from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
In a recent interview with Logistics UK, Dr Alice Christie, Director of UK NATACO said:
“We have set up what we call the Digital Carnet Pilot Programme, which really is a mechanism by which anybody can test drive digital carnets; that might be the traders that are using them, it might be chambers issuing them, or it might be Customs authorities”.
Essentially, UK customs authorities and businesses will be able to use paper and digital carnets at the same time to test out the new digital processes.
Customs officers will confirm transactions using their mobile devices, and users will have the opportunity to provide feedback on their experiences.
Countries part of the ATA Carnet scheme worldwide will likely follow suit with their own pilot programmes as the move to digital carnets continues.
How Do Digital ATA Carnets Work?
Digital ATA Carnets will be managed through the ATA Carnet app. Users will store their carnet on their mobile device instead of carrying around a paper booklet.
Steps generally include:
The issuing organisation will create a digital carnet and provide the carnet holder with a reference number and PIN.
The Carnet holder downloads the ATA Carnet app and imports the digital carnet.
Prepare a declaration before crossing the border.
Customs officers will scan or verify the declaration.
A digital confirmation stamp is added to the record.
Instead of crossing borders with large paper books, carnets can now be managed through a mobile app.
Businesses can complete each transaction digitally without needing to worry about paper vouchers or lost stamps.
Benefits Of Digital ATA Carnets
Digital ATA Carnets are an exciting development that will benefit businesses in a variety of ways. Some benefits digital carnets will provide include:
Faster Processing: Customs authorities should be able to verify carnets much more quickly.
Fewer Errors: Without the need for physical stamps, missing vouchers and incorrect stamps should be a thing of the past.
Easy Tracking: Businesses will be able to easily keep track of where their carnets are within the app.
Less Paperwork: Digital ATA Carnets eliminate the need to carry around large paper books.
Secure: Easier to store data and keep digital carnets secure.
Digital carnets have the potential to make temporary exporting a breeze for companies that frequently travel abroad with goods.
When Will Digital ATA Carnets Be Available? June 2026 Roll-Out
Digital ATA Carnets are expected to begin rollout in 2026. Digital Carnets for the UK, EU, Norway, and Switzerland have gone live as of 1st June 2026. Though the exact timing will vary between countries, businesses can expect digital solutions to become available in the next few years.
International governing bodies are working with customs offices around the world to begin pilot programmes that will allow users to trial digital carnets.
Initially, it is likely that both paper and digital carnets will still be accepted. However, as more customs offices become digitally compatible, the physical booklet will eventually become obsolete.
Need Help With ATA Carnets In 2026?
Our team of experts at Carnet Wizard is on hand to help UK businesses prepare for digital ATA Carnets in 2026. We can help you:
Prepare and submit your ATA Carnet application.
Understand how digital carnets work.
Prepare the necessary documents for your temporary export.
Obtain an urgent carnet even on short notice.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about moving your goods abroad with an ATA Carnet.
What is the Digital ATA Carnet UK?
Digital ATA Carnets are an electronic alternative to paper carnets that allow users to temporarily export goods without paying duties or taxes.
When will the Digital ATA Carnet start in the UK?
Rollout of digital ATA Carnets is expected to start in 2026. However, it may take some time for the digital solution to be accepted at all border crossings.
Will paper carnets still be around?
Yes, both digital and paper carnets will likely be accepted at borders until the digital process is fully adopted by customs offices.
Do I need to download an app for my Digital ATA Carnet?
Yes, users will need to download the ATA Carnet app in order to use their digital carnets abroad.
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