Getting ready for Digital ATA Carnets

Fiona Parsons Business West
07 January 2026

Over the past year, we’ve been busy working behind the scenes to help our customers prepare for one of the biggest changes to international trade documentation in decades: the move to Digital ATA Carnets. 

We’ve been: 

  • Briefing our customers on what’s coming 
  • working closely with trade associations and other partners 
  • supporting early testing of the digital system 

Now, as we move into the final few months before Digital Carnets go live in April 2026, the focus shifts from awareness to practical preparation. 

The good news? Getting ready doesn’t need to be complicated. 

Here are five simple steps you can take now to make sure your business is ready to use Digital Carnets with confidence. 

 

1. Test using the Digital Carnet system.If you haven’t already, now is the ideal time to familiarise yourself with how Digital Carnets work in practice. 

This will allow you to: 

  • understand how Carnet information is accessed digitally 
  • see what border officials will view 
  • build confidence before live use 

Our team can guide you through what to expect and how the digital process differs from paper, without disrupting your existing movements. 

2. Download the Digital Carnet app 

Digital Carnets are accessed via a dedicated app, which allows Carnet data to be stored securely and presented electronically at borders. 

Downloading the app early means you can: 

  • explore the interface in advance 
  • ensure it works smoothly on your device 
  • avoid last-minute issues when travelling 

This is especially important for businesses whose equipment travels frequently or at short notice. 

3. When you next apply, ask for a Digital Carnet PIN and ID 

The next time you apply for an ATA Carnet, simply ask our team to issue you with a Digital Carnet PIN and ID alongside your Carnet. This ensures you’re set up correctly and ready to access your Carnet digitally. 

4. Download your Carnet to your smartphone or tablet 

Once you have logged into the Carnet app, you can download your Carnet to your smartphone or tablet. 

Once Digital Carnets Go-Live, this means: 

  • no reliance on a single paper document 
  • easy access when travelling 
  • quicker presentation at borders 
  • It also provides added reassurance if paperwork is misplaced or delayed. 

5. Use the Digital Carnet alongside your paper Carnet 

Before April 2026, Digital Carnets will be used alongside paper-based Carnets. 

This dual approach allows: 

  • border authorities and traders to adapt gradually 
  • businesses to build confidence using digital systems 
  • continuity and security during the transition period 

We’re here to help 

Digital ATA Carnets represent a major step forward, modernising temporary exports while maintaining the integrity of a system businesses rely on every day. 

If you: 

  • use ATA Carnets regularly 
  • rely on tight timelines 
  • want reassurance ahead of April 2026 

our International Trade team is on hand to support you through every stage of the transition. 

To help guide you through this new world of Digital Carnets, take a look at our practical webinar which guides you through and demonstrates the new Digital Carnet app and how to use it.

 
Contact us when applying for your next Carnet, to discuss Digital Carnet readiness. Email us at carnets@businesswest.co.uk or call us on 01275 373 373.