Digital ATA Carnet launches in 30 countries

The rollout marks a major milestone in the digitalisation of global trade. More Customs administrations are expected to join before the end of 2027, with ATA Carnet procedures set to become fully digital worldwide by 1 January 2028.

The launch is the result of more than a decade of joint work between ICC and the World Customs Organization (WCO) to modernise a widely used trade facilitation tool, in line with ICC’s broader efforts to advance trade facilitation and digitalisation.

Julian Kassum, ICC Deputy Secretary General Network and Director of the ICC World Chambers Federation said:

“ICC is proud to provide its digital solutions to modernise the lifecycle management of the ATA Carnet. The chambers network is once again demonstrating how, working together, they are a vital bridge between the public and private sector shaping and facilitate global trade. The enormous support from the WCO and national Customs administrations has been crucial in launching the eATA global transition. ICC remains committed to working with all parties involved to ensure a smooth and inclusive transition that delivers tangible benefits for traders, chambers and border agencies worldwide by 1 January 2028.”

Ian Saunders, Secretary General of the WCO said:

“This milestone represents a major step forward for modernising international Customs and trade procedures. The digital ATA Carnet will strengthen the global trade system and carries immense benefits for Customs administrations and traders alike by improving security, increasing transparency, enhancing data quality, and enabling faster and more efficient processing. Reaching this point has required strong international cooperation and our partnership with the ICC has been instrumental in advancing this global digital transition.”

From paper to digital

The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that allows the temporary duty- and tax-free admission of goods across borders for up to one year. It is widely used by businesses transporting a broad range of goods – including professional equipment, commercial samples and exhibition goods – and has historically relied on paper documents. The use of ATA carnets facilitated the importation of more than 118,000 pieces of equipment for 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

ICC’s eATA Carnet system fully digitalises the ATA Carnet lifecycle management process, allowing users to initiate, manage and track carnet declarations digitally throughout their cross-border journey.

The system modernises carnet issuance, declarations, transactions and claims management, while improving traceability, security and operational efficiency for businesses, chambers and border agencies.

The eATA initiative was first endorsed in 2016 by the WCO ATA/Istanbul Convention Administrative Committee and has since evolved through years of pilot testing, operational development and international coordination.

Declan Daly, Chair of the ICC WCF World ATA Carnet Council said:

“The global transition to eATA is becoming a reality thanks to the mutual trust, close collaboration, and practical working relationships among chambers, Customs authorities, and the business community. A project of this scale and international coordination is truly remarkable in today’s environment. I would especially like to recognise WATAC and the members of the eATA Project Team for their tremendous contribution in shaping, refining, and championing this important digital transformation.” 

During the transition period, issuing chambers may issue ATA Carnets in paper format, digital format or both formats depending on the digital readiness of the countries and customs territories involved in a carnet itinerary.  

Yuan Chai, ICC Lead ATA Carnet said :

“For 10 years, eATA has progressed from concept to reality. We are indebted to Customs and chamber colleagues worldwide, who dedicated resources to test the system and provide invaluable feedback that helped us refine the system to its production standard. International cooperation is essential for carrying out such a global project.”

ICC is encouraging additional Customs administrations and chambers globally to prepare for the transition and join the growing international network adopting digital ATA Carnet procedures. 

More information on the transition process, readiness requirements and digital tools is available here.