For decades, ATA Carnets have functioned as the quiet enablers of international exhibitions, tours and brand activations, acting as a paper “passport for goods”; enabling equipment to cross borders without triggering duties or taxes. Now, as global events rebound and cross-border logistics grow more complex, the Carnet itself is changing.

The UK and EU are in the early stages of transitioning toward digital ATA Carnets (eATA), replacing paper booklets with secure digital platforms that use QR codes, mobile access and real-time customs validation. For organisers planning international projects in 2026 and beyond, the shift is no longer theoretical – it’s operational.

“ATA Carnets have always been about speed and certainty at the border,” said Ben Silas, Group CCO at EFM Global. “Digital Carnets don’t change the rules, but they significantly reduce the risk of human error, lost documents and delayed sign-offs that can derail a live event schedule.”

ATA Carnets remain widely used for the temporary movement of AV equipment, staging, exhibition stands, prototypes and professional tools, allowing duty and tax-free imports for up to 12 months across more than 80 countries. But the limitations remain strict: Items must be re-exported on time, the item list is locked at issuance, and every border crossing requires accurate endorsement.

Since Brexit, the consequences of mistakes have become more visible. In 2024, a UK jewellery exhibitor attending Paris Fashion Week was fined 10% of the item’s value after arriving in France without a valid Carnet, despite having alternative paperwork. The incident underscored that Carnets are no longer optional for UK–EU event movements; they are mandatory.

Digital Carnets aim to address some of these pain points. Customs officers can validate shipments faster, logistics teams gain clearer visibility across multi-country tours, and the reliance on paper counterfoils is reduced. Sustainability is also a factor, with fewer physical documents circulating across borders.

However, adoption remains uneven. Not all countries fully accept eATA yet, and hybrid paper-digital processes will persist through the transition period.

“Digital doesn’t mean simplified planning,” Silas said. “The fundamentals still matter: accurate item lists, timeline discipline, correct stamping and knowing which countries accept what. The difference is that digital systems give teams fewer excuses for getting it wrong.”

As international events scale back up in 2026, Carnets remain one of the most powerful tools available. Used correctly, they protect budgets, schedules and reputations. Used incorrectly, they can stop a show before it starts.