A Digital Carnet is a paper or manual Carnet presented on a mobile phone app.

Carnet digitisation is a global initiative, with the UK participating as one of the pilot countries for Digital Carnets. We are currently in the preparation phase, testing digital carnets between the UK and ten other countries. Traditional ATA Carnets can involve over one hundred pages of paperwork, requiring multiple physical authorisation stamps. Digital Carnets aim to simplify the administrative process of traditional ATA Carnets, while also reducing financial and logistical risks and offering a positive environmental impact.

How do Digital Carnets work?

• The holder applies for the Carnet online via eCert
• The holder downloads the Carnet onto a smartphone/tablet/iPad 
• The Declaration (or ‘Travel’ as it is known in Digital Carnet terms) is completed in the App and the QR code is presented to Customs
• Customs scan the QR code, verify the data and process the transaction
• The transaction is recorded in the Holder App and Customs' software. This is visible to the Holder, Customs and Issuing Chamber
• The holder 'returns' the Digital Carnet on the App is discharged

From the 2nd January 2025 there will be some changes in the first steps towards moving to Digital/eCarnets. These changes will bring about some minor adjustments to how the Carnet application is presented on SGS (eCert).

The Chamber account will be linked to the Digital platform however, the Carnet application process remains exactly the same, and the Carnet produced is still a paper document.

If exporters would like to test a Digital Carnet alongside their paper Carnet we would be delighted to demonstrate how this can be done. Please get in touch with us for further information.

From the 2nd of January the following changes will be in place :

1. Where a weight is shown, the ‘Unit’ field on the general list will be mandatory (as usual, a minimum of a total weight is required, if not listing individual item weights).

2. Origins will be selected via a drop-down menu. Please note: If you are entering the 2-letter ISO code directly onto a general list CSV file, please use 'GB' for United Kingdom. ‘UK’ will not be accepted as an origin.

3. Both headings and free text data will not be transmitted as part of the Digital Carnet data and as such you will see a note advising of this in each field. Although this will not interfere with both headings and free text data being included on paper Carnets, we are encouraging exporters to begin moving away from using these fields. Once Digital Carnets go live, these two fields will not be useable.

To learn about ATA Carnets take part in our workshop.

Our virtual workshop will focus on this international scheme for the temporary movement of goods.

Since the UK left the EU there has been an increase in the need to control temporary movements, and if you are sending or receiving goods for demonstration, exhibitions, testing or as professional equipment, you should consider this Passport for Goods.

This workshop will cover the application process and how to control the use of ATA Carnets effectively, and is ideal for businesses that move goods temporarily, for example – sending tools and equipment with an engineer to perform repairs & servicing, taking equipment to sporting or entertainment events or taking part in a Trade Show.

Date:   Tuesday 11th February  10.00am to 12.00pm 
Virtual:  Zoom Platform
Cost to attend:  Members £140.00 + VAT and Non-Members £220.00 + VAT