| The move to digital ATA Carnets, known as eATA, is approaching. The UK is in preparation, with pilots under way and training across ports. Paper Carnets remain the only legally valid document for now, with digital transactions processed for test purposes alongside paper.
What is changing and when According to UKNATACO, the first block of countries, including the UK, EU, Norway and Switzerland, is expected to begin switching to eATA from April 2026. A full digital environment is targeted for 2028, when paper will no longer be used. Exact UK go live will be confirmed by December 2025. During the current phase, traders can test eATA at participating locations, but they must present the paper Carnet first, then ask customs to process the matching digital transaction. Pre-notification to ensure a trained officer is available is advised. How eATA works in practice Applicants apply through the issuing Chamber system, receive a Carnet ID and PIN, then download the ATA Carnet app to a smartphone. Users prepare a Travel in the app, which functions as the declaration, generate the QR code, and present it to customs. Customs scan the code, check the goods and validity, and return a verification code which the holder records in the app. Where a freight forwarder handles movements, holders can either share the whole Carnet using the ID and PIN or forward individual declaration QR codes. A letter of authorisation is still required when an agent lodges declarations. Split consignments require multiple Travels. Impact on UK businesses UK exporters and event organisers depend on Heathrow, major seaports and inland border facilities for exhibitions, demonstrations and professional equipment. eATA should bring quicker processing, cleaner audit trails and fewer manual errors once fully embedded. During the transition, dual running of paper and digital will add steps, especially for time-critical show freight and samples. Early pilots in the UK will help teams refine procedures and cut disruption ahead of the planned 2026 change. TVCC expert perspective Our customs team has been tracking the pilots and port readiness. We recommend building eATA into logistics planning now. Create internal instructions for the ATA Carnet app, decide when to share full Carnets with agents, and rehearse pre-notification to customs at your chosen port. To help companies understand the changes, we will host a forthcoming eATA Carnet webinar. These sessions will help equip teams and accelerate readiness. Immediate actions for members 1) Ask your issuing Chamber to enable your profile for digital testing. 2) Confirm whether your departure or arrival port accepts test digital Carnets. 3) Train travellers and drivers to prepare Travels and handle verification codes. 4) Pilot eATA on a low-risk movement before peak season. 5) Keep paper as the legal record until the official switchover. TVCC services and support Follow our social channels for updates on the eATA rollout and event dates. TVCC will host webinars to explain the changes and answer practical questions, and we encourage companies to attend. Our Documentation team is on hand to support members with applications, routing and checklist reviews, with additional advice available through our Customs Helpline. If you would like to receive an alert when the forthcoming eATA Carnet webinar is scheduled, please email your interest to trade@tvchamber.co.uk |
ATA Carnets going Digital, what UK exporters must do
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