Digital logistics
can be issued under a single carnet number and payment.
Once you have the carnet details, you can share the carnet and PIN straight from the app. Once this is shared, anyone who has access to the details can prepare transportation.
The eATA Carnet Since 1 June 2026, paper-based documents are now being replaced by the eATA Carnet in the UK, EU, Norway and Switzerland. Part of the global eATA initiative led by the World Customs Organisation( WCO) and the International Chamber of Commerce( ICC), the ICC aims to complete the global transition from paper carnets to fully digital equivalents by the end of 2027.
Instead of presenting documents in a paper format at customs, holders taking goods into those countries must now present QR codes. These, when scanned and processed, transfer all the ATA Carnet data that would have previously been held on a customs document straight to the customs portal.
Why businesses need to take note of the change Failure to comply could result in border delays and hold-ups. Digital ATA Carnets may seem like a small procedural change, but they represent a meaningful step towards more efficient international trade. By removing paper-based delays and enabling faster, more reliable customs processing, businesses can plan temporary movements with greater confidence and significantly less friction.
How the digital carnet works The majority of the operational steps involved in submitting an ATA Carnet are exactly the same for its digital descendant. And the process is very straightforward. Digital ATA Carnets use QR codes for customs checks and are accessed via an app or portal, allowing organisations to plan ahead re: declarations, generating scannable codes for import, export, re-export and re-import.
In the UK, applicants should go through their issuing Chamber of Commerce. Once a digital Carnet has been approved, the holder will receive a digital PIN and can then download the Carnet onto their phone via the ATACarnet app. This is available on Android, Apple and via a desktop version.
Following a short period of tandem operation which provided for supporting paper copies organisers importing or exporting to the EU, Switzerland or Norway are encouraged to subscribe to the digital-only carnet. Those exporting or importing to other countries will only receive a paper carnet. It’ s important to note that businesses that have been issued a paper carnet before 1 June can still use it until the carnet expires.
For businesses moving goods across multiple regions, both formats
Additional requirements To use a carnet, you’ ll also need to:- List the countries the goods will be visiting and passing through in transit- Describe how you intend to use the goods in the countries they’ re visiting- Give the number of consignments that will be used to return the goods to the UK
A phased transition It’ s important to note that the transition period for the countries where the eATA Carnet has already been adopted is over. If your destination requires a digital carnet, you must use a digital version with paper versions only considered where a fallback scenario exists.
Remaining countries are expected to make the transition to the eATa carnet by Friday 31 December 2027. This is also the very last day a paper carnet can be issued. The traditional paper carnet will be phased out by 2028.
It’ s important to know also that as this is a phased transition, digital carnets are operational in some parts of the world, but some locations still require paper documentation alongside the digital version. We’ re helping customers to get to grips with the new rules, so please do get in touch if you require assistance.
Businesses can apply for a Carnet via the eCert platform. EW
n The Rhenus Group is a leading logistics specialist with global business operations and annual turnover amounting to € 8.2bn. 41,000 employees work at 1,330 business sites in more than 70 countries. www. exhibitionworld. co. uk Issue 5 2026 15