One month of digital Carnets: Businesses share their early experiences

One month after digital ATA Carnets were introduced across the UK, EU, Switzerland and Norway, businesses are beginning to share their first experiences of the new system.

Often described as a "passport for goods", an ATA Carnet enables businesses to temporarily move professional equipment, exhibition goods and commercial samples without paying customs duties or taxes.

The new digital system, which sits alongside traditional paper Carnets during a transition period, allows businesses to manage and present their Carnet electronically through an app, reducing paperwork and modernising the movement of goods across international borders.

As one of the UK's leading ATA Carnet issuers, Business West supports thousands of businesses each year with the temporary export of goods, issuing more than 4,000 Carnets annually through its team of 25 international trade specialists.

To gain first-hand experience of the new process, Catherine Stephens, Head of International Trade Services at Business West, undertook the UK's first digital ATA Carnet journey on launch day, travelling from Bristol to Paris using the new system.

"The journey gave us the opportunity to experience the process exactly as our customers do," said Catherine. "The technology worked well, but it reinforced the importance of preparation. Knowing where customs facilities are located, preparing your journey in the app before travelling and allowing extra time can make a significant difference while border authorities continue to familiarise themselves with the new procedures."

Early customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

Pro Logist, a boutique logistics provider specialising in the global transportation of high-value luxury vehicles and classic cars, has already seen operational benefits from the new system.

"Our experience with digital Carnets has been overwhelmingly positive from start to finish," said Hannah Briggs, Head of Operations.

"Preparing travels within the app is simple and presenting the digital Carnet to customs authorities has been seamless. The digital Carnet allows our drivers to be more confident in hitting short time frames, as many of our jobs are last-minute, urgent movements, which require tight deadlines to be met."

Hannah added: “Business West have provided guidance every step of the way. They were well ahead of the curve last year, with a comprehensive roll out of training and guidance to Carnet users, and their guides are superb.”

Sign IT UK, print and digital branding and signage firm, reported a similarly straightforward experience when applying for and preparing its digital Carnet.

In terms of validating the Carnet itself, Lesley Yorke, Office Manager, said: “Customs at this side was easy” and went on to say that they encountered some confusion at Calais, but confirmed the journey was successfully processed through the app and the overall experience was positive. She also noted: “It is easier than having to make sure everything is signed in the right place on the paper Carnet.”

Hilary Rossborough, Compliance and Carnet Manager at Business West, says the growing confidence among businesses reflects the benefits the new system is already delivering.

"The move from paper to digital ATA Carnets is a welcome step, bringing an important customs procedure in line with wider digital developments in international trade. While a change of this scale inevitably brings challenges as traders and border officers gain practical experience, we're already seeing digital transactions increase week on week, reflecting growing confidence in the new process."

Hilary also praised UKNATACO for its support during the rollout, working closely with customs authorities to help ensure digital ATA Carnet procedures are adopted successfully.

The first month of digital ATA Carnets has shown encouraging progress, with growing confidence among businesses and customs authorities alike. As more countries adopt the digital format over the coming months and years, the Business West Carnet team will continue to support customers through the transition, helping them make the most of the new system with practical guidance and first-hand expertise.