Faster. Cheaper. Friendlier. Smarter. We’re here to make ATA carnets simple and stress-free.
Faster. Cheaper. Friendlier. Smarter. We’re here to make ATA carnets simple and stress-free.
Businesses in the United Kingdom will soon be able to use Digital ATA Carnets to temporarily export goods overseas for exhibitions, trade shows, or professional use.
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 the full digitalization of ATA Carnets.
Fully digital ATA Carnets (eATA Carnets) are expected to streamline customs procedures and significantly reduce paperwork.
If your business regularly sends goods abroad, you’ll need to understand how Digital ATA Carnets work and when they will be available.
Below, we explain everything businesses need to know about Digital ATA Carnets in 2026.
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 within a certain time limit.
A traditional ATA Carnet is typically issued as 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.
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 worldwide.
Currently, ATA Carnets are issued in paper documents and vouchers. Several countries are aiming to replace their paper-based customs procedures with digital alternatives.
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 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 both paper and digital carnets simultaneously to test 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.
It is likely that countries worldwide will follow suit with their own pilot programmes as the move to digital carnets continues.
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 worrying about paper vouchers or lost stamps.
Digital ATA Carnets are an exciting development that will benefit businesses in many 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 track their carnets in 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.
Digital ATA Carnets are expected to begin rollout in 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, both paper and digital carnets are likely to be accepted. However, as more customs offices become digitally compatible, the physical booklet will eventually become obsolete.
Our team of experts at Carnet Wizard is on hand to help UK businesses prepare for digital ATA Carnets. We can help you:
Preparing and submitting your ATA Carnet application.
Understand how digital carnets work.
Prepare the necessary documents for your temporary export.
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?
The rollout of digital ATA Carnets is expected to begin 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.
Do you need help applying for an ATA Carnet?
Get in touch with Carnet Wizard today to learn how we can help you take your goods abroad with confidence.
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help with all your customs and logistics needs.
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