Chamber issues UK customs’ first digital carnet
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce has marked a major milestone in international trade documentation after issuing the first digital carnet to be processed by UK customs.
The digital ATA Carnet was issued by the Chamber’s international documentation team on behalf of automotive giant Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), following the rollout of digital carnets across the UK, EU, Switzerland and Norway from 1 June 2026.
The rollout signals a significant step forward for businesses moving goods, equipment and commercial samples temporarily across borders, with digital carnets replacing traditional paper documents with a secure mobile-based app.
Using QR codes for customs checks, the new system is designed to make border processes faster, more secure and more efficient, while reducing reliance on paper documentation.
The Chamber’s documentation team supports businesses with a wide range of export documentation services, including ATA Carnets, certificates of origin, EUR1 movement certificates and other key trade documents required for international business.
The team can issue both digital and paper carnets, depending on a company’s itinerary.
Businesses travelling to the EU, Switzerland or Norway now receive a digital carnet, while those travelling to other countries continue to receive a paper version.
For businesses travelling to a combination of digital and non-digital carnet countries, GBCC can issue both formats under the same carnet number, with a single payment.
Jonathan Crosbie, international documentation manager at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “The first digital carnet to be processed by UK customs is a significant milestone for international trade documentation - and we are proud that it was issued by our team here at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.
“Carnets have long been an essential tool for companies moving goods temporarily across borders, and the shift to digital marks a major step forward in making international trade documentation quicker, safer and more accessible.
“Our documentation team works closely with businesses of all sizes to help them navigate export processes and keep goods moving.
“This milestone underlines the role Chamber continues to play in supporting international trade.”
Digital ATA Carnets are available for businesses, professionals and organisations that need to temporarily export goods, commercial samples or professional equipment.
Businesses can apply for an ATA Carnet through the eCert web platform. Instead of receiving a physical document in the post for eligible destinations, they receive a carnet number, carnet ID and carnet PIN, which can be entered into the ATA Carnet app or desktop portal.
From there, users can prepare declarations, known as ‘Travels’ in the app, and generate QR codes for customs to scan during export, import, re-export or re-import.
Nicola Brightwell, customs governance process coach at JLR, said: “This is a positive step forward for international trade documentation, helping to simplify and streamline cross-border processes.
“We value the support of partners like Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce in enabling the efficient movement of goods globally.”
Find out more information about the GBCC’s documentation services.
