From Monday 1 June 2026 UK, EU, Norway and Switzerland will start using the digital format of ATA Carnets. The remaining countries are expected to complete their transition by Friday 31 December 2027.
This page has been designed to help UK ATA Carnet users with their digital Carnet journey.
Global digitalisation timeline
Paper Carnets issued before Monday 1 June will remain valid for use in digital countries until expiry. Digital countries will accept paper Carnets if the trader is unable to obtain a digital Carnet. This ensures no delays at the border due to technical issues or countries not yet having transitioned to digital Carnets. For itineraries covering both digital and non-digital countries, issuing Chambers will provide both paper and digital Carnets.
Using your digital Carnet
Digital Carnets will function as smartphone-based Customs documents utilizing QR codes for border crossings. The Carnet user will download Carnets to a mobile phone or web app and create digital itineraries. Customs will scan a QR code in order to access and process Carnet declarations.
Watch The digital ATA Carnet functioning in a nutshell video.
Low volume users
We recommend that occasional users utilise ATA Carnet mobile app. It can be downloaded from Google Play Store (android devices) or App Store (iPhone):
Search for “ATA Carnet App” and the app will look like this:
Once you register the App on your smartphone, you’ll be able to download digital Carnets to it and create Travels (digital Carnet declarations equivalent to completing a paper Carnet Voucher).
Further instructions on how to use Carnets can be obtained below:
- Practical guide
- How to use Digital Carnets
- How to use Paper Carnets
- The digital ATA Carnet functioning, in a nutshell video
High-volume users / freight forwarders
High volume users should utilise a web-based app.
ATA Carnet Desktop is a web-based app that works on the same principle as the ATA Carnet App (users can download Carnets, create and share QR codes and monitor Travels)
- Well suited to frequent or high volume Carnet users.
- Synchronised with the Mobile Phone App (ACA) to avoid duplication of work (for example back office can create Travels (QR Codes) and these will be visible on the driver’s Mobile App after they download the same Carnet to the App)
Further instructions on how to use Carnets can be obtained below:
- Practical guide
- How to use Digital Carnets
- How to use Paper Carnets
- The digital ATA Carnet functioning, in a nutshell video
Where to process your Carnet
On Departure:
Present the goods and the Carnet Declaration at Commercial Exports counter BEFORE checking the goods in (use the red duty phone if no Officer is present).
On Arrival:
Present the goods and the Carnet Declaration at the Red channel.
Note – passenger Carnets get processed at passenger terminals / freight Carnets at freight terminals.
Dover and Eurotunnel (both out and back):
Use SEVINGTON IBF, Junction 10a of the M20, TN25 6GE.
- Hauliers require GMR, ENS and ELO in both directions (exiting and returning to UK)
- Private Cars and Vans driven by the owner do not need a GMR (ENS and a full declaration are only required if shipping goods subject to export licence).
Holyhead (both out and back):
Use Holyhead IBF at Park Cybi, A55 Junction , LL65 2YQ.
- Hauliers require GMR and PBN in both directions (exiting and returning to UK).
- Private cars and vans driven by the owner must email CustomsPBN@revenue.ie with the scan of the Carnet Front Cover and General list and details of sailing (date, time, ferry, port of exit and entry). Hauliers need to apply for PBN online.
Dover Western Docks: To be used only for customers registered with Motis.
All other roro / seaports:
Go to Goods to Declare point and present goods and the QR Code to the Border Force.
• Hauliers require GMR for GVMS Ports.
Inventory Release request (e.g. RRE in Destin8) may be required to release the goods moved under transport contract (Hauliers / Cargo) at the Inventory Linked Ports. If the inventory facilitated release (RRE) is not available at the port, use C21 instead.
Eurostar (St Pancras International):
• Carnet Holders leaving UK by Eurostar should pre-notify Border Force by calling 0207 841 6410.
• 6.00 am departure – there are no Border Force Officers on duty for this departure. Holders should take their Carnet to St Pancras the day before their departure.
Help & Support
Technical questions relating to the App should be submitted to the Help section that can be accessed from both mobile and desktop versions.
ATA Carnet App:
Click on the Help Icon and then on Contact Support:
ATA Carnet Desktop:
Click on “?”, then Links and Support Platform.
Please note that the App Support can only answer technical questions pertaining to the APP. If you have a specific question relating to your ATA Carnet or the application process, you must contact your issuing Chamber.