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Digital ATA Carnet

eATA Step by Step Instructions

July 31, 2026

Here’s a clear, practical step-by-step guide to using the new Boomerang Digital eATA Carnet, written in a “how-to” format based on how the digital system is currently being rolled out in the EU, UK, Switzerland and Norway.

Download eATA instructions here (PDF).

Step by Step Instructions: How to Use a Boomerang Digital eATA Carnet

1) Apply for your Boomerang Digital ATA Carnet (same as today)

Start exactly as you would with a paper Carnet:

  • Apply through your boomerang carnets online account at https://www.atacarnet.com/
  • Submit your goods list, values, and travel itinerary
  • Receive your approved Boomerang Digital Carnet with ID and PIN code

  Important: The application process itself has not changed with digitalization.

2) Download the eATA Carnet app

Once your Carnet is issued:

  • Download the official ICC/ATA Carnet mobile app to your phone (search ATA Carnet) and/or use ATA Carnet Desktop at app.atacarnet.iccwbo.org   
  • Create a profile and login with your email and password. Save the credentials for login to an accessible location.
  • Your Boomerang Digital Carnet is securely stored in your phone (like a digital wallet)

  The Carnet is encrypted and stored securely—never transmitted openly. Added Benefit

3) Load and verify your Carnet in the app

Before travelling:

  • Download your specific Carnet into the app using Carnet #/ID and PIN code
  • Review:
    • Holder information
    • Representatives
    • Validity dates
    • Goods list
    • Number of available sets
  • Electronically sign the Carnet 
  • Share access to the full Carnet or travels only with a Representatvie if needed (driver, freight forwarder, etc.)

  You can manage and share access digitally—no physical vouchers required anymore. Added Benefit

4) Prepare for departure (know the transition rules)

We are currently in a transition phase, so:

  • You may need to carry both paper + digital Carnet depending on the destination countries
  • Paper is still legally required in many countries
  • Digital is used alongside it for processing
  • Prepare your travels and generate QR codes in advance

  Customs may process paper first, then digital.

5) At export Customs (leaving your country)

At the airport/border:

  1. Open the app
  2. Select your Carnet and transactions (1 validation & 1 exportation)
  3. Generate the QR codes (2)

Then:

  • Customs officer scans the QR codes (2)
  • Or enters the Carnet/transaction code manually
  • They validate the export digitally

  This replaces paper vouchers/counterfoils. Added Benefit

6) At import Customs (entering another country)

Repeat the same process:

  1. Open app
  2. Select importation transaction
  3. Present QR code

Customs will:

  • Scan and review goods digitally
  • Approve entry
  • Record the transaction in the system

  The system matches your declaration with Customs data automatically. Added Benefit

7) During your trip (track everything in real time)

One of the biggest advantages:

  • Every transaction is logged in the app
  • You receive confirmations instantly
  • You can see: Where goods entered/exited
  • What Customs processed

  No more lost paperwork or missing stamps. Added Benefit

8) At re-export (leaving a foreign country)

When exiting:

  • Open app → select re-exportation transaction
  • Generate QR code
  • Customs scans and validates exit

  This step is critical to avoid duties or claims.

9) At re-import (returning home)

Final step:

  • Declare goods returning home via the app
  • Customs validates re-importation digitally → scans the QR code
  • Transaction is recorded and Carnet cycle is completed

10) Before leaving Customs (critical check)

Always confirm:

  • The transaction is completed in the app
  • The QR code is “consumed” / greyed out
  • You received digital confirmation in the transaction history

  Never leave without confirmation—same principle as paper stamping.

Key Differences vs. Paper Carnet

What’s new:

  • "Travels" are Customs declarations
  • QR codes replace vouchers/validations
  • Real-time digital tracking
  • No physical document handling

What stays the same (for now):

  • Customs approval still required at every border
  • Paper Carnet often still required during transition

Practical Tips (from real-world rollout)

  • ✔ Always carry a charged phone (and backup battery)
  • ✔ Take screenshots of your QR codes in case of connectivity issues
  • ✔ Know which countries/ports support digital vs. paper
  • ✔ Allow extra time during the transition phase

Bottom Line

The eATA Carnet doesn’t change the process—it digitizes it:

  • Same steps
  • Same Customs controls
  • Much faster, more transparent execution

It’s essentially turning the Carnet into a “Merchandise Passport” on your phone.

Download eATA instructions here (PDF).

Please call the Digital Carnet HelpLine® 1-800-ATA-2900 |1-800-282-2900 or email us at info@ATACarnet.com with any questions.