ATA Carnets goes fully digital across the EU, the UK, Norway and Switzerland
0ATA Carnets, the international customs documents used for temporary cross‑border movements, have now gone fully digital across the EU, the UK, Norway and Switzerland.
These documents allow goods to move temporarily across international borders without duties or taxes.
The Rhenus Group is urging businesses to factor in a major international customs documentation change into temporary cross-border movements.
ATA Carnets, the international customs documents used for temporary cross‑border movements, have now gone fully digital across the EU, the UK, Norway and Switzerland. These documents allow goods to move temporarily across international borders without duties or taxes.
Industries that regularly move goods temporarily across borders – including trade fairs, sporting events, musicians, film, technical equipment demonstrations and specialised industrial projects – will benefit from more efficient processing and improved visibility throughout the customs journey.
The transition, effective since 1 June 2026, replaces paper-based documents, which will be issued in tandem with its digital counterpart with electronic processing, streamlining temporary imports and exports for a number of sectors.
UK businesses must now apply for an eATA Carnet. Part of the global eATA initiative led by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the ICC aims to complete the global transition from paper carnets to fully digital equivalents by the end of 2027.
For competition horses, for example, travelling internationally, transport is only part of the journey. Customs formalities and temporary import rules have traditionally added complexity to equine logistics. The introduction of eATA Carnets simplifies these processes, enabling faster border crossings, reduced administrative burden and more predictable timelines for owners, riders and logistics providers.
Failure to comply could result in border delays and hold-ups, says Rob Mulligan, UK Customs Manager, The Rhenus Group. “Digital ATA Carnets may seem like a small procedural change, but they represent a meaningful step towards more efficient international trade. By removing paper-based delays and enabling faster, more reliable customs processing, businesses can plan temporary movements with greater confidence and significantly less friction.
“It’s important to know also that this is a phased transition. Digital Carnets are operational in some parts of the world, but some locations still require paper documentation alongside a digital version. We are helping customers to get to grips with the new rules, so please do get in touch if you require assistance.”
ATA Carnets, the international customs documents used for temporary cross‑border movements, have now gone fully digital across the EU, the UK, Norway and Switzerland.
These documents allow goods to move temporarily across international borders without duties or taxes.
The Rhenus Group is urging businesses to factor in a major international customs documentation change into temporary cross-border movements.
ATA Carnets, the international customs documents used for temporary cross‑border movements, have now gone fully digital across the EU, the UK, Norway and Switzerland. These documents allow goods to move temporarily across international borders without duties or taxes.
Industries that regularly move goods temporarily across borders – including trade fairs, sporting events, musicians, film, technical equipment demonstrations and specialised industrial projects – will benefit from more efficient processing and improved visibility throughout the customs journey.
The transition, effective since 1 June 2026, replaces paper-based documents, which will be issued in tandem with its digital counterpart with electronic processing, streamlining temporary imports and exports for a number of sectors.
UK businesses must now apply for an eATA Carnet. Part of the global eATA initiative led by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the ICC aims to complete the global transition from paper carnets to fully digital equivalents by the end of 2027.
For competition horses, for example, travelling internationally, transport is only part of the journey. Customs formalities and temporary import rules have traditionally added complexity to equine logistics. The introduction of eATA Carnets simplifies these processes, enabling faster border crossings, reduced administrative burden and more predictable timelines for owners, riders and logistics providers.
Failure to comply could result in border delays and hold-ups, says Rob Mulligan, UK Customs Manager, The Rhenus Group. “Digital ATA Carnets may seem like a small procedural change, but they represent a meaningful step towards more efficient international trade. By removing paper-based delays and enabling faster, more reliable customs processing, businesses can plan temporary movements with greater confidence and significantly less friction.
“It’s important to know also that this is a phased transition. Digital Carnets are operational in some parts of the world, but some locations still require paper documentation alongside a digital version. We are helping customers to get to grips with the new rules, so please do get in touch if you require assistance.”