The United Arab Emirates has introduced the digital eATA Carnet system, simplifying temporary international goods movement and reducing customs paperwork for businesses.

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• The UAE launched the electronic ATA Carnet system on November 9, 2026, becoming the first country outside Europe to adopt this paperless customs process.
• The system enables businesses and professionals to temporarily export and import goods for international exhibitions, trade fairs and approved professional activities.
• An ATA Carnet is an international customs document allowing temporary goods imports without paying customs duties and taxes, provided items are re-exported within permitted timelines.
• Common eligible goods include trade exhibition materials, commercial samples and professional equipment, while perishable products are generally excluded from the scheme.
• Developed by the International Chamber of Commerce and World Customs Organization, eATA replaces traditional paper documentation with a digital customs declaration process.
• Users apply through authorised issuing associations, receive a Carnet identification number and PIN, and access their electronic documents through the ICC ATA Carnet mobile application.
• Travellers prepare declarations through the application, generate QR codes and present them to customs officials for electronic verification of declared goods.
• The digital system improves transaction traceability, maintains electronic records and reduces administrative procedures, paperwork and processing requirements for international temporary goods movement.
• Dubai Chamber of Commerce has served as the UAE’s National Guaranteeing and Issuing Association since 2011, coordinating preparations with customs authorities and the ICC.
• Between 2011 and 2025, the UAE issued and received 63,591 ATA Carnets covering goods valued at approximately AED 54.4 billion.
• Global digital implementation began on June 1, 2026, with the European Union’s 27 member states, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom adopting the system.
• The UAE joined the international digital customs network on November 9, 2026, marking an important step towards paperless cross-border trade facilitation.