ICC wins international innovation award for ATA digitalisation

ICC has received international recognition for the digitalisation of the ATA Carnet system, winning the GIMI Innovation Award for Most Innovative Public Sector Project. The Award recognises ICC’s contribution to modernising global trade processes through digital innovation.

“After more than a decade of collaboration between ICC, the World Customs Organization (WCO), national Customs administrations, guaranteeing and issuing chambers, IT partners and industry stakeholders, we are delighted to be recognised for our efforts in advancing the future of trade facilitation by transforming a historically paper-based procedure into a secure and efficient digital ecosystem.”

Iva Hristova, Deputy Director, ICC Global Partnerships and Development Department

Since the launch of digital ATA Carnet procedures across 30 countries on 1 June 2026, more than 210,000 cross-border transactions have been completed digitally, demonstrating strong adoption by businesses, chambers and Customs administrations worldwide.

The milestone marks a significant step in the modernisation of one of the world’s most widely used trade facilitation instruments. The increasing volume of digital transactions confirms the growing confidence of traders and border authorities in digital ATA Carnet procedures and highlights the benefits of enhanced efficiency, transparency, traceability and security.

Expanding the global digital network

More countries are preparing to introduce digital ATA Carnet procedures in the coming months, building on the successful adoption across the European Union, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

The United Arab Emirates is scheduled to implement digital ATA Carnet procedures on 9 November 2026, followed by Moldova on 1 January 2027 and Serbia on 1 February 2027. These developments will further expand the international network of countries participating in the digital transition and bring the ATA Carnet system one step closer to full digitalisation.

As the ATA Carnet network continues to expand globally, ICC encourages ongoing cooperation between Customs authorities, chambers and businesses to support a smooth transition.

Positive feedback from users

Since launching on 1 June 2026, the ICC ATA Carnet System has received positive feedback from users across the ATA Carnet chain, including businesses, chambers and Customs administrations. Users have highlighted improvements in operational efficiency, visibility of carnet movements and the simplification of cross-border procedures.

The digital platform enables stakeholders to manage carnet operations electronically throughout the carnet lifecycle, reducing reliance on paper documents while supporting more accurate and timely Customs processing.

Towards a fully digital ATA Carnet system

The global ATA Carnet community has made significant progress since ICC eATA concept was first endorsed in 2017. With increasing transaction volumes, expanding country participation and growing international recognition, the transition is now firmly underway.

ICC encourages all Customs administrations that have not yet begun preparations to establish their implementation roadmap and adopt digital ATA Carnet procedures before the completion of the global transition. Working together, chambers, Customs authorities and businesses can ensure that the ATA Carnet system delivers a fully digital experience for international trade in the years ahead.

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