Digital ATA Carnets are coming – Get ready for 1 June 2026

Monday 2 February 2026

UK National ATA Carnet Organisation (UKNATACO), an operational unit of LCCI, has been working alongside the International Chamber of Commerce, World Customs Organisation and HMRC on this momentous digital transformation project.

Used in more than 80 countries, an ATA carnet helps businesses move goods across borders temporarily, duty-free and tax-free. Digitisation of the international customs document and their lifecycle management process will make temporary exports to other countries easier, safer, and smarter for the ATA Carnet Holder.

1. The process to obtain a carnet from your issuing Chamber will remain the same. To obtain a Carnet from LCCI, you need to submit an online application through our ecarnet system. You will be able to declare all the goods you need the Carnet to cover and pay for any applicable fees.
   
   
2. Once issued, you’ll receive a PIN and QR code via email.
   
   
3. Download your approved Carnet to the ATA Carnet App.
   
   
4. At customs, simply show your QR code for scanning – no paper needed.

The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that permits duty-free and tax-free temporary import of goods for up to one year. It contains pre-prepared unified customs declaration forms to be used at each customs border offices and serves as a guarantee to customs duties and taxes. With an ATA Carnet, exhibitors, salespeople, artists, athletes, TV crews, technicians, event participants and business travellers may travel through customs without paying import duties or taxes at each customs border office. LCCI has an experienced team of experts on hand to support you through the process of applying for and purchasing an ATA Carnet.

For a practical guide on how digital carnets will work please visit the UKNATACO website.

For more information on ATA carnets and the digitalisation project please visit our article.

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