From 1 June the UK, EU, Norway and Switzerland began issuing digital ATA Carnets, replacing the familiar multi-page paper booklet with an app-based document that customs officers can scan in seconds. An industry briefing published on 16 June confirms the UK transition is proceeding smoothly, with paper carnets still accepted during a parallel-run period. The ATA Carnet acts as a passport for goods taken abroad temporarily – think trade-show exhibits, film equipment or professional toolkit. For mobility and events teams the digital version removes the risk of losing physical slips and allows real-time tracking of clearance status. Users can preload item data, generate declarations en-route and obtain electronic discharge on re-import, cutting airport dwell times. Issuing chambers report high demand and advise exporters to check whether all transit countries on an itinerary have adopted e-Carnets; if not, a hybrid (paper + digital) approach may be required. HMRC guidance emphasises that existing security-deposit rules and six-month validity terms remain unchanged. Longer term, the digital carnet feeds into the UK’s Single Trade Window agenda and dovetails with customs easements promised in the government’s upcoming Border Target Operating Model, signalling a steady move towards paperless trade facilitation.
Source: Strong & Herd LLP
