Digital Carnets: What you need to know

Effective 1 June 2026 — UK, EU, Norway & Switzerland

From 1 June 2026, ATA Carnets for journeys involving the UK, EU, Norway and Switzerland begin moving to a digital process using the ATA Carnet App and QR codes. Depending on the route, the carnet may be digital, paper, or mixed.

This change affects any operator moving goods temporarily across international borders in these territories — live events productions, touring artists and athletes, exhibition freight, film and television equipment, automotive samples, and high-value prototypes.

For the broader industry, this marks the end of a paper-based system in place since the 1960s.

⚠️ Key Advisory: Carry Both Formats

Carry your paper carnet as backup alongside your digital documentation for the foreseeable future. Ports and airports are completing their transition over the coming weeks. Customs has confirmed it will work with operators through this bedding-in period.

If a digital system is unavailable at a border post, your physical carnet is your protection.

What Is Changing

  • QR codes replace manual stamps at customs for digital routes.
  • Documentation is stored and presented via mobile, tablet, or laptop.
  • The route determines whether the carnet is digital, paper, or mixed.
  • Some itineraries will still require paper — do not assume every country is digital yet.

The fundamental legal purpose of the ATA Carnet is unchanged: temporary import and export clearance without duties or taxes on goods returned unaltered.

What You Should Do Now

  • Confirm. Confirm digital access to carnet documentation before your next border crossing.
  • Carry both. Retain your paper carnet alongside digital documentation during the transition.
  • Brief your team. Ensure truck drivers, production managers, and freight agents know how to present documentation in both formats.
  • Tell EFM. Send your full itinerary to EFM early so we can advise on digital, paper, or mixed requirements.

Global Transition Timeline

  • June 1, 2026: Digital carnets go live in UK, EU, Norway, and Switzerland. Paper and digital run in parallel.
  • Through 2026–2027: Additional countries adopt digital on a rolling basis.
  • End of 2027: Full digital implementation expected across all participating carnet countries.

“June 1 is not a drop-dead deadline; customs has confirmed it will work with operators through the transition — because as we know, the show must go on.”

Ben Silas, Group Chief Commercial Officer, EFM Global

Download the Full Client Guide

Everything in one place — the step-by-step workflow, mixed journey examples, client checklist, and full FAQ. Share it with everyone crossing these borders.

→ Download the Digital ATA Carnet Guide (PDF)

Need Guidance? Reach Out Here.

Our team is ready to help you prepare – before you reach the border.

carnets@efm.global | +44 (0)1606 872222 | efmglobal.com