A step by step guide to Digital ATA carnets
View our step by step guide to digital ata carnets and how to use the new digital ata carnet app.
Digital Carnets - in the palm of your hand
Digital Carnets are expected to go live in June 2026 for the UK, EU, Switzerland and Norway which means no more paper or manual Carnets. Instead, your Carnet will be in the palm of your hand in the ATA Carnet mobile app.
What is a digital ATA carnet?
A digital ATA Carnet (or eATA) is a secure, electronic version of the traditional "passport for goods" used for temporary, duty-free, and tax-free importation of goods, samples, or professional equipment. Managed via a smartphone app (eATA app), it replaces paper documents with QR codes, offering real-time tracking, reduced customs border queues, and increased security for international trade.
How do digital Carnets work?
You will still apply for your ATA Carnet via the eCert web platform but instead of receiving a physical document in the post you will receive a Carnet number, Carnet ID and Carnet PIN.
Add these details into your ATA Carnet App on your smartphone/table to “download” your Carnet to your device.
You will then use this to prepare declarations (or ‘Travels’ as they are referred to in the App) and this will generate QR codes that customs will scan when you export/import/re-export or re-import.
Will I receive a paper carnet for my EU/Norway/Switzerland trips after 1st June 2026?
From 1st June 2026 EU/Norway/Switzerland will be processing and accepting digital carnets only. Whilst we expect the digital transition to be mostly smooth, we will be issuing paper versions of all EU/Norway/Switzerland carnets for the first few weeks of June 2026 to ensure that there are no delays to your travels. Paper Carnets will be back up only and for use only in cases where a customs authority cannot process digital carnets.
How will customs scan my digital Carnet from 1st June 2026?
Customs will use Portable handheld QR code scanners to access your carnet. In areas where they do not have these in place yet they will be using mobile phones or tablets to scan your Carnet QR codes.
Will Digital Carnets still require letters of authority from 1st June 2026?
Like physical carnets, unless you are the holder of the carnet or your name appears in Box B of the carnet then letters of authority will be mandatory. From 1st June 2026 a physical Letter of Authority on company letterhead will still be needed when travelling but over Summer 2026 the functionality will be added to the ATA Carnet App to upload these electronically.
How will digital Carnets benefit you?
- Digital Carnets are safer and more secure than paper documents
- Easier to use than paper Carnet
- Reduced queues at the border
- Reduced financial risks as the document cannot be lost
- Full visibility of where the goods are
- 24/7 worldwide support once it goes live
- Environmentally friendly
Moving to digital Carnets will ease the administrative burden of traditional paper Carnets and will save businesses that export their goods temporarily time and money, whilst also reducing risks and environmental impact.
Who are digital ata carnets for?
Digital ATA Carnets are for businesses, professionals, and organisations needing to temporarily export goods, equipment, or commercial samples duty-free. They replace paper documents with a secure, mobile-based app (eATA) for faster, paperless customs clearance and real-time tracking.
Digital ATA carnet frequently asked questions
How can I access my digital carnet?
You can download the ATA Carnet App via Google Play Store or Apple Store. You can also access your carnet via a desktop web portal.
What countries will accept digital carnets?
From June 1st all EU countries, Switzerland and Norway current will accept digital carnets for goods travelling from and to the UK.
Will other countries start accepting Digital Carnets?
Over the next 12-24 months we expect all countries to go live with Digital Carnets. We will update our website and communicate this to clients as and when they go live.
Will I also get a paper carnet for my trips?
Depending on your itinerary you will have the following scenarios:
- Going to the EU, Switzerland or Norway only – You will only get a digital carnet
- Going to any other country – You will only get a paper carnet
- Going to a combination of EU, Switzerland, Norway and any other country – You will get a digital carnet to use for digital carnet countries and a paper carnet to use for other countries. They will have the same number and you only pay once.
Can I still use my paper carnet that was issued prior to 1st June 2026?
If you have a live paper carnet then you can still use this for travelling until the expiry date of the carnet.
What happens if I lose my mobile device whilst overseas, is my Carnet lost?
The digital carnet can be redownloaded on to another device that has the ATA Carnet App installed or can be accessed on a laptop via a web portal. Losing your device does not mean your carnet is lost so this means no costly fees to get a new carnet sent overseas.