ATA Carnets

What is a Digital eATA Carnet?

In very simple terms, a Digital eATA Carnet is a paper or manual Carnet presented on a mobile phone app.

Apply through eCert

ATA Carnets are becoming digital.

In very simple terms, a Digital Carnet is the equivalent of a paper Carnet, but from 1st June 2026, will be accepted in the UK, EU, Norway and Switzerland in place of the paper Carnet. 

Referred to as a ‘passport for goods’ a Carnet is an international customs document that permits duty-free and tax-free temporary import of goods for up to one year. Carnets cut red tape by simplifying and unifying customs border crossing regulations for temporary export and import in over 80 countries around the world. Carnet digitisation is a worldwide project and the UK is one of the first countries to go live with Digital Carnets on 1st June 2026.
  

How do Digital Carnets work?

  • The holder applies for the Carnet online via eCert (Business West’s trade documentation platform)
  • The holder downloads the Carnet onto a smartphone/tablet/iPad via the eATA Carnet app
  • The Declaration (or ‘Travel’ as it is known in Digital Carnet terms) is completed in the App and the QR code is presented to Customs
  • Customs scan the QR code, verify the data and process the transaction
  • The transaction is recorded in the Holder App and Customs' software. This is visible to the Holder, Customs and Issuing Chamber
  • The holder 'returns' the Digital Carnet on the App and then Business West discharges it
  • For further help, refer to the 'how to' guides

What are the benefits of Digital Carnets?

ATA Carnets can contain more than one hundred pieces of paper, requiring numerous physical authorisation stamps. Digital Carnets aim to ease the administrative burden of traditional ATA Carnets, whilst also reducing the financial and logistical risk as well as having a positive environmental impact. 

Some of the benefits:

  • Save paper, ink, printing and energy costs
  • Save time and simplify the administrative side of ATA Carnets
  • Reduce the likelihood of errors and Carnet loss
  • Reduce the likelihood of financial penalties from overseas customs

Want to learn more about Digital Carnets? Watch our video, featuring insights on how eATA Carnets can transform your temporary export process.

ATA CARNETS

Apply for a Digital eATA Carnet today on eCert

Apply for your Digital Carnet today. Currently, Digital or eATA Carnets are being trialled alongside paper Carnets, so you will need to use both concurrently.