Planning for Full Global Digital Carnet Adoption by 2028

What Is an eCarnet and the Carnet Wallet

A digital ATA Carnet provides the same duty-free, temporary import/export coverage as a paper carnet but is stored, managed and presented digitally through the Carnet Wallet app.

The Carnet Wallet allows holders to

• Store and manage digital carnets securely

• Create Travels, which are digital customs declarations for each movement

• Display QR codes for customs scanning

• Review transaction history and audit trail

Currently, eCarnets are issued only for pilot testing. From June 2026, they will be accepted in the UK for movements to and from EU countries, Norway, and Switzerland. The full global rollout, expanding digital acceptance to other participating countries worldwide, is expected to be completed by 2028

Issuance and Downloading the Digital Carnet

Once issued, holders receive a Carnet ID and PIN. To access the digital carnet

• Log in to the Carnet Wallet app

• Select “Carnets” and add a new carnet

• Scan the QR code or enter the ID and PIN

• The carnet then appears in the Wallet, ready for use

Managing the Wallet includes deleting carnets once they are no longer required. Removing inactive carnets maintains security and supports faster, paperless processing.

Creating Travels (Digital Declarations)

A Travel is a digital customs declaration corresponding to a movement: export, import, re-export or re-import. To create a Travel

• Open the Carnet Wallet and select the relevant carnet

• Access “Travels” and choose “Prepare Travel”

• Enter departure and destination details, transport mode and goods information

• Select items using number ranges, all items or manual selection

Saving the Travel generates a unique QR code for each movement. QR codes replace manual stamping in a fully digital system and allow customs officers to verify goods quickly.

Managing Agents and Third Parties

Holders can control digital access in two ways:

• Create Travels themselves and send QR codes to drivers or agents, who cannot modify the Travel

• Share PIN or QR access so agents can manage the carnet on their device, while the holder retains financial responsibility

This approach allows freight forwarders and hauliers to participate safely in the rollout while maintaining accountability.

Presenting the QR Code to Customs

Each Travel produces a QR code corresponding to a specific movement: export, import, re-export or re-import. At the border

• Open the correct QR code for the movement

• Customs officers scan and verify the details

• Approval completes the digital record, reflecting the future paperless processes

Ensuring the correct QR code is presented at each stage is essential to avoid delays.

Viewing Transactions and Audit Trail

All movements are logged in the Wallet, including activation, export, import, re-export and re-import. Digital records improve compliance tracking, provide an audit trail and support dispute resolution. Real-time updates reduce administrative effort and create a clear record of each transaction.

Using Digital and Paper Carnets in Parallel

During the current rollout phase, paper and digital carnets must be used together to ensure compliance and avoid delays. Key points to note

• Paper carnet remains legally binding: Even when using a digital carnet, the paper carnet must always be carried, presented, and endorsed first at the border. It is the official document recognised by HMRC and customs authorities.

• Digital carnets are port-specific: eCarnets can only be used at approved pilot ports. At any non-participating ports, the digital carnet has no legal effect, and customs will rely entirely on the paper carnet.

• Activation requirements: Both the paper and digital carnet must be activated with HMRC before travel. This ensures that the digital system mirrors the paper record and is ready for QR scanning.

• Mixed itineraries: For trips that cross multiple countries, some borders may accept digital carnets while others require paper. Travellers must plan routes and confirm port participation in advance.

• Dual-system necessity: Until global adoption is complete (expected by 2028), both paper and digital carnets must be maintained, and travellers should always follow the paper carnet workflow as the legal safeguard while using the digital carnet for operational efficiency and real-time tracking

This approach guarantees that goods on the carnet can move freely across borders while supporting the phased digital transition.

Return and Discharge of a Digital Carnet

Once goods return to the UK, notify our team or your issuing agent to confirm closure. The Chamber of Commerce is then informed by us, and the carnet is formally discharged. A digital carnet cannot be reactivated after closure, ensuring end-to-end compliance and auditability.

Practical Considerations for Global Adoption

During rollout, digital carnets are valid only at approved pilot ports. Early planning should consider

• Routes and ports that will accept eCarnets

• Agent letters and authorisations

• Freight documentation such as GMR/PBN

• Export licences and relevant permits

• Standard customs declarations

 Digital carnets streamline processing but do not replace existing regulatory requirements.

Risks, Responsibilities and Compliance

The carnet holder remains financially liable for all goods. Incorrect or missing endorsements, goods not returned within the carnet’s validity, or digital declarations not matching the inventory can result in claims or penalties. Training, preparation and internal controls are critical to maintain compliance during the phased rollout.

Preparing for Full Adoption by 2028

Your internal team should begin training on the Carnet Wallet, mapping likely routes and identifying digital-ready ports. Planning for mixed paper and digital scenarios and working with experienced providers ensures an easier transition to a fully digital system.

Digital ATA Carnets will transform temporary export procedures by replacing paper vouchers with QR-based, auditable records. The pilot process demonstrates the future model, and early adoption reduces delays, errors and compliance risks.

Contact us for a live demo of the digital site, details on how to participate in trials and for help to prepare for full digital adoption by 2028.