Imagine months of planning for a major exhibition, trade show, or client demonstration, only for customs delays or unexpected duties to hold your equipment at the border. ATA Carnets, often called the “passport for goods,” allow temporary imports and exports without paying duties or taxes, keeping your projects on schedule and on budget.

With temporary international shipments increasing in 2026, planning ahead is critical. ATA Carnets give you the flexibility and peace of mind to move goods across borders smoothly and efficiently.

The way ATA Carnets are issued and processed is changing.

Starting in June 2026, a number of countries will begin transitioning from paper ATA Carnets to a digital system, often referred to as the eATA Carnet or Digital ATA Carnet. As global trade processes modernise, many businesses are reassessing how ATA Carnets are evolving for international logistics in 2026. While the underlying purpose of a carnet will remain the same, the way it is presented, processed, and validated at the border will evolve.

For event organisers, touring teams, and exhibition exhibitors moving equipment internationally, this change is significant. This page explains what digital carnets are, what is expected to change, and what it means in practical terms for the live events and touring industries.

The global carnet system is administered by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) World Chambers Federation, which has been coordinating the transition toward a fully digital carnet environment across participating customs authorities. We will continue to update this page as further guidance becomes available.

What Is a Digital ATA Carnet?

A Digital ATA Carnet is the electronic version of the traditional paper ATA Carnet.

An ATA Carnet allows goods to be temporarily exported and re-imported without paying duties and taxes, provided the goods return within a defined time period. It is often described as a passport for goods.

Under the digital system, the carnet is no longer a paper booklet that is physically stamped at each border. Instead, it exists electronically. Customs authorities validate entries and exits digitally, typically through a secure system that may involve QR codes, digital wallets, or online declarations.

The legal framework behind the carnet system does not change. What changes is how it is administered and recorded. The shift toward Digital ATA Carnets is part of a wider effort by customs authorities to modernise border procedures. Many governments are digitising documentation processes to improve transparency, reduce administrative errors, and create real-time validation systems for international trade documentation.

What Is Changing in June 2026?

In June 2026, a number of countries, including the United Kingdom and members of the European Union, are expected to begin accepting Digital ATA Carnets as part of a phased global rollout.

This does not mean paper carnets disappear overnight. During the transition period, both digital and paper formats are likely to operate in parallel, depending on the country and the specific journey involved.

The transition will be gradual. Some countries may adopt the system more quickly than others. Certain ports or airports may be ready before others. As with any customs change, there will be a bedding-in period.

For businesses moving goods across multiple territories, this mixed environment will need careful planning.

How the eATA Carnet System Works

While the exact process may vary by country, the digital carnet system is expected to work broadly as follows:

• The carnet holder receives a digital carnet rather than a physical booklet
• Before crossing a border, a digital declaration is prepared
• Customs authorities validate the transaction electronically
• Records are stored digitally rather than through stamped counterfoils

In theory, this should reduce paperwork and minimise the risk of lost or incorrectly completed documents. It should also create a clearer audit trail.

However, digital does not necessarily mean simpler. Border officials, freight agents and carnet holders will all need to understand the new process. Transitional confusion is likely in the early stages.

What This Means for Events and Touring

For live events, exhibitions and touring productions, carnet errors can be costly. Delays at the border can impact build schedules, rehearsals and opening nights.

The move to digital carnets introduces both opportunity and risk.

Potential Benefits

• Reduced physical paperwork
• Faster processing once systems are fully embedded
• Improved tracking and visibility
• Lower risk of damaged or lost documents

Potential Risks During Transition

• Inconsistent implementation across countries
• Border officials unfamiliar with the new system
• Mixed journeys requiring both digital and paper carnets
• Uncertainty around documentation requirements in the early months

For event professionals working to immovable deadlines, clarity and preparation will be essential.

Which Countries Are Adopting Digital Carnets?

The digital rollout is being coordinated internationally, but adoption will not happen simultaneously in every carnet-issuing country.

The United Kingdom and European Union member states are among those preparing for implementation from June 2026. Other countries are expected to follow as systems are tested and approved.

Because events and touring schedules often involve multiple territories, it is important to confirm the format accepted in each destination country before departure.

We recommend reviewing guidance from issuing bodies and seeking specialist advice when planning complex itineraries.

Digital Carnets for Exhibitions and Trade Shows

Exhibitors regularly use ATA Carnets to move stands, demonstration equipment, and promotional materials internationally.

Under a digital system, exhibitors will still need to:

• Provide accurate goods lists
• Ensure temporary export compliance
• Track re-import deadlines
• Maintain clear documentation records

The difference lies in how the border interaction is handled.

In the early months of transition, exhibition freight may face additional scrutiny while authorities adapt to the new system. Early preparation will reduce the risk of on-site delays.

Digital Carnets for Touring Equipment

Touring productions often move high-value and specialist equipment across multiple borders within short timeframes.

Any shift in documentation procedures can have operational consequences.

Production managers and logistics teams should:

• Confirm which format is accepted at each border
• Allow additional time in early transition periods
• Ensure digital access to carnet documentation at all times
• Work with logistics partners experienced in temporary exports

The fundamentals of compliance do not change. Accuracy and timing remain critical.

Implementation Timeline

Preparing for the Transition

The move to Digital ATA Carnets is part of a broader modernisation of customs processes.

For businesses operating internationally in events and touring, the key is not simply understanding that the system is changing, but understanding how it affects real-world operations.

Practical preparation includes:

• Reviewing upcoming itineraries
• Confirming carnet format requirements by country
• Building additional time into schedules during early rollout
• Working with experienced temporary export specialists

How EFM Supports Clients Through Carnet Changes

EFM works with event organisers, touring teams, and exhibitors to manage complex international movements, including ATA Carnet processing and border compliance.

As the digital transition progresses, we are closely monitoring guidance from issuing bodies and customs authorities to ensure our clients are prepared.

If you are planning international movements in 2026 and beyond and would like clarity on how digital carnets may affect your schedule, our team is available to advise.

Ongoing Updates

This page will be updated as further detail is released regarding implementation timelines, country participation and operational guidance.

If you would like to stay informed about Digital ATA Carnet developments and what they mean for events and touring, please check back for updates or contact our team.

Access Expert Resources for 2026

Why ATA Carnets Matter for Temporary Imports in 2026

Using ATA Carnets allows you to:

Get a Quote and Secure Your 2026 Temporary Shipments