Global trade takes a digital leap with eATA rollout

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has welcomed the launch of the digital ATA Carnet by the first group of Contracting Parties to the ATA Convention and the Istanbul Convention — the European Union, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

This important milestone represents a major advancement in the modernisation of international Customs and trade procedures. The shift from paper-based Carnets to a digital system will benefit businesses, enhance border efficiency, and support the digital transformation of Customs operations worldwide.

WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders applauded the launch and said: “The digital ATA Carnet marks a significant advancement in the modernisation of international Customs and trade procedures. By digitising the Carnet system, we are strengthening global trade through greater security and more efficient processing for both Customs administrations and the business community. This achievement reflects the power of international collaboration, and our close partnership with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has been essential in driving this global digital transformation forward.”

John Denton, ICC Secretary General, said: “As the architect and custodian of the global ATA Carnet system, ICC is committed to driving ATA modernisation in line with our goals to make international trade faster, more secure and more efficient for businesses everywhere. Our thanks to the WCO and Customs administrations across pioneering countries for their collaboration and early adoption of the system, enabling the global transition to a fully digital, future-ready carnet framework.”

The transition is being advanced through complementary roles. ICC has developed and is rolling out the eATA Carnet platform through the international ATA Carnet network, including chambers and National Guaranteeing Associations. The WCO, through the ATA/Istanbul Administrative Committee and the eATA Working Group, provides the institutional forum for Contracting Parties and Customs administrations to coordinate the transition, align procedures and support the acceptance and use of digital ATA Carnets at the border.

The ATA Carnet system has long served as a valuable international Customs instrument, allowing goods such as professional equipment, commercial samples and exhibition materials to be temporarily admitted across borders without paying duties and taxes at each border crossing, provided that the goods are re-exported within the required period. This simplifies procedures for businesses and reduces administrative burdens for Customs. The introduction of the digital ATA Carnet will further strengthen the trade system by improving security, increasing transparency, enhancing data quality and enabling faster and more efficient processing for Customs administrations and traders alike. The transition from paper to digital formats will enable Customs administrations to receive the pre-arrival notices and monitor the transaction history through the system, allowing them to detect potential risks and streamline the temporary admission process for more efficient risk management, informed a communique.

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