UAE Launches Digital ATA Carnet System, First Country Outside Europe to Adopt Paperless Process

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has implemented the electronic ATA Carnet (eATA) system to allow businesses and professionals to export and import goods temporarily. The UAE is now the first non-European country to implement the paperless process. The system is designed to make the temporary export of goods for international trade shows, trade fairs, professional equipment and other approved reasons easier. It will also reduce the bureaucratic process.

What is an ATA Carnet?

It is an international customs document that enables you to import goods into an associated country temporarily, without having to pay customs duties and taxes.

An ATA Carnet is used for goods that need to temporarily cross international borders and will be exported again within the allowed timeframe. They can generally last for up to a year and can be used across many journeys.

Common examples of goods are,

• Goods for trade shows
• Samples
• Professional equipment

Generally, perishable items are not covered by this scheme.

How does it work?

The eATA system provides a digital version instead of the traditional paper system.

The system was developed by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) with the World Customs Organization (WCO).

Key features include,

• Digital – Apply for the Carnet via an authorized issuing association. You will receive a Carnet ID and PIN
• Mobile – Download the electronic Carnet via the ICC ATA Carnet app
• Declaration – Prepare your declaration via the app for each journey
• QR Code – A QR code will be created to show to customs officials.
• Electronic – Customs officials will verify the Carnet, they will also check the items declared have been included.
• Digital – Confirmation will be provided and records of the transaction will be kept.

This provides greater traceability and reduces reliance on paper documentation.

UAE Implementing eATA Carnet System

The UAE began using the digital system on 9 th November 2026. It is the first non-European country to implement the eATA Carnet.

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce has acted as the National Guaranteeing and Issuing Association since 2011. They have collaborated with customs officials and the ICC to ensure they are ready for the digital process.

Between 2011 and 2025, 63,591 ATA Carnets have been issued and received by the UAE, valued at around AED 54.4 billion.

Global Implementation

The global implementation started on 1 st June 2026 when the European Union (27 member states), Norway, Switzerland and United Kingdom started using the digital process.

The UAE joined the digital process on 9 th November 2026.

The ICC and WCO are aiming for full digitalization of the ATA Carnets globally by 1 st January 2028. During this period, businesses may still need to use paper versions for countries that are not using the digital process.

Benefits of eATA Carnet

Using the digital method should provide benefits to international trade and allow temporary international movement of goods by,

• Speeding up customs – Using digital declarations and QR codes will speed up the process.
• Less paperwork – Businesses can keep their Carnet documentation digitally.
• Less administration – The process has been simplified, meaning less time and effort will be required.
• Greater transparency – Businesses can track the transactions via digital records.
• Easier trade – Exhibition goods, samples and professional equipment can be moved with ease, meaning international trade can be supported.

This will help the UAE with its goals to improve its status as an international trade, logistics and exhibition hub.