The Digital ATA Carnet: A New Era of Temporary Importation

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In the near future, the digital ATA Carnet will be utilized by travelers and businesses across all sectors for the temporary import of their goods, merchandise, and equipment—providing savings on import duty and taxes when clearing customs.  The ATA Carnet, currently a paper customs document, will soon be carried exclusively on exporters’ smartphones aiming to streamline the customs process for temporary imports in unprecedented ways. 

At boomerang carnets®, we look forward to supporting our customers through all phases of this digital transformation of the ATA Carnet, ensuring they can take full advantage of the efficiencies and benefits digitization will bring.  We want our customers to stay informed, stay prepared, and embrace the future of temporary imports with confidence.

Presently, the Preparation phase of the digital ATA Carnet transformation is at its end and the start of the global Transition phase is projected this year in 2026.  Some “first” countries will start using digital Carnets.

Digital ATA Carnets are projected to go live on June 1, 2026 for the United Kingdom, European Union, Norway, and Switzerland, allowing for electronic customs procedures.  

In this current new phase, it’s important to note that Digital Carnets will be used in digital countries and paper Carnets in paper countries.  
 

The Temporary Union of Paper and Digital

To ensure proper processing and compliance, the transition period will require carnet users to carry both formats depending upon your travel itinerary.  Though this dual-document process introduces a learning curve, it is a step toward a faster and more efficient customs experience.  One of the greatest advantages of the ATA Carnet is its ability to expedite border crossings, and the digital carnet promises to enhance this benefit even further.  As Curt E.H. Wilson, President and CEO of boomerang carnets, states, "The eATA Carnet will make the ATA Carnet process even more beneficial than it already is for temporary imports."

According to the guaranteeing association in the U.S. for ATA Carnets, the United States Council for International Business (USCIB), “The US plans to join the next wave countries implementing eATA carnets in the second half of 2026, subject to final readiness and coordination with US Customs and Border Protection.”

These developments mark a major step toward modernizing and streamlining the ATA Carnet system, reinforcing its role in facilitating international trade and temporary imports.

Visit our Digital Carnet web page for more information:  Digital ATA Carnet | ATA Carnet and our list of more than 90 countries and territories in the ATA Carnet system of countries.
 

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