Digital ATA Carnets
Information about digital ATA Carnets, also known as eATA Carnets.
Digital ATA Carnets (also known as eATA Carnets or ecarnets) are part of the global eATA initiative led by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Digital Carnets have been piloted in the UK in partnership with UK National ATA Carnet Organisation (UKNATACO) and HMRC.
The ICC aims to complete the global transition from paper carnets to fully digital Carnets by the end of 2027.
During the transition phase, from 1 June 2026, users may still be required to present both paper and digital Carnets in certain limited operational scenarios. The issuing chamber will make sure the correct kind of Carnet is issued for the countries to be visited during the transition phase.
Each digital Carnet is issued by an authorised chamber. In the UK Carnets are issued by a Local Chamber of Commerce as listed by UKNATACO.
It contains three main digital elements that mirror the paper version:
- front cover — showing the:
- carnet number
- holder and representative details
- validity period
- issuing chamber
- general list — describing all goods covered by the carnet, including item numbers, weights and values
- ‘Travels’ (declarations) — each ‘Travel’ records one movement of goods for:
- export
- import
- re-export
- re-import
- transit
Read more information on the General list of goods in this handbook.
The digital Carnet aims to simplify administration for businesses and customs by replacing paper vouchers and counterfoils.
Most operational steps used for paper ATA Carnets are the same for the digital Carnets.
Application
Applicants will continue to apply through their issuing chamber. Once a digital Carnet is approved, the holder receives a digital PIN and can download the Carnet to the ATA Carnet app on their smartphone.
‘Travels’
A ‘Travel’ records one movement of goods and replaces the paper vouchers and counterfoils.
Before each movement, the holder selects the relevant goods from their own general list and creates a new ‘Travel’. The app generates a unique QR code for that ‘Travel’, which is presented to customs officers for scanning.
‘Travels’ can be created for each movement required during the Carnet’s validity. There is no published fixed limit, but the number of uses is governed by the Carnet’s overall validity period and the guarantee conditions set by the issuing chamber.
For more information, read the Security and guarantees section of this handbook.
Customs processing
At the border, the customs officers will scan the QR code presented by the Carnet holder or declarant to process the declaration. Each ‘Travel’ is time-stamped and cannot be edited once validated. Holders receive immediate confirmation in the app once the transaction is validated.
All digital Carnet data is encrypted and securely stored on ICC servers.
Issuing chambers and national guaranteeing organisations can access real time movement history for monitoring and audit.
Holders are encouraged to regularly synchronise their app to ensure all customs endorsements are recorded correctly.