The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the World Customs Organisation (WCO) have launched a digital ATA Carnet to facilitate temporary admission of goods with the EU, Norway, Switzerland and the UK being the first Customs administrations to implement the new process.
The ATA Carnet (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) is a globally recognised customs document that permits the duty-free and tax-free temporary import and export of goods for up to one year. It allows goods such as professional equipment, commercial samples and exhibition materials to be temporarily admitted across borders without paying duties and taxes at each border crossing, provided that the goods are re-exported within the required period.
The shift to a digital system will, the ICO said, benefit businesses, enhance border efficiency and support the digital transformation of Customs operations worldwide.
ICC has developed and is rolling out the eATA Carnet platform through the international ATA Carnet network, including chambers and National Guaranteeing Associations.
The WCO, through the eATA Working Group, provides the institutional forum for Contracting Parties and Customs administrations to coordinate the transition, align procedures and support the acceptance and use of digital ATA Carnets at the border.
WCO Secretary General, Ian Saunders, said: “The digital ATA Carnet marks a significant advancement in the modernisation of international Customs and trade procedures. By digitising the Carnet system, we are strengthening global trade through greater security and more efficient processing for both Customs administrations and the business community.”
The transition from paper to digital formats will enable Customs administrations to receive the pre-arrival notices and monitor the transaction history through the system, allowing them to detect potential risks and streamline the temporary admission process for more efficient risk management.
