From 1 June 2026, ATA Carnets will begin transitioning from paper to a digital format across the UK, EU, Norway and Switzerland. This marks the start of a global shift, with both paper and digital Carnets running side by side until 31 December 2027, allowing customs authorities worldwide time to adapt.
What’s Changing?
During the transition, the type of Carnet issued will depend on your travel itinerary:
- Paper-only destinations: Paper Carnets will continue to be issued and used as normal
- Digital-only destinations: Digital Carnets will be issued, accessed via the ATA Carnet App or Desktop App, with customs clearance completed by presenting a QR code
- Mixed destinations: Both paper and digital Carnets will be issued, and you will need to use the correct format depending on the country
Paper Carnets issued before 1 June 2026 will remain valid until they expire. However, for Carnets issued from this date onwards, digital formats will become the standard for countries using the new system. Backup paper Carnets may still be provided during the transition as a contingency where needed.
What’s Involved for Your Business?
The application process remains the same. Once your application is complete, you will receive a digital ID and PIN.
You can then download the ATA Carnet App (or Desktop App), enter your PIN, and access your Carnet directly from your device,ready to present at customs using a QR code.
What Businesses Should Do
- Check which format applies to your itinerary before applying
- Make sure you are familiar with using the ATA Carnet App if travelling to digital countries
- Consider keeping a printed QR code as a backup when travelling
- Allow time to prepare both formats if travelling across mixed destinations
What This Means for You
- Less paperwork, more efficiency
Reduce the need for physical documents and manual processes, making your Carnet easier to manage. - Faster customs clearance
QR codes and digital processing help speed up border checks and reduce waiting times. - Reduced risk of errors and delays
Digital records lower the chance of mistakes, lost documents or rejected entries. - Lower administrative costs
Spend less time and resource on paperwork, helping to cut overall costs.
Support Available
Guidance materials and support are available to help you navigate these changes, including instructions for both paper and digital Carnets and practical user guides.
- Important Notes for Carnet Users – General Instruction Sheet
- Important Notes for Carnet Users – Paper Carnets
- Important Notes for Carnet Users – Digital Carnets
- Important Notes for Drivers and Hauliers
- Detailed Guide – Practical Guide to Digital Carnets
Our International Trade Team is here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or require assistance with your ATA Carnet, please get in touch at: [email protected]