Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero osipsum accusam. ( 200...
If you plan to showcase your products at a trade fair outside of Europe, transport maintenance equipment for a customer facility, or even take horses across borders for an equestrian competition, using a "Carnet" is highly recommended. This "passport for goods" will soon be fully digital.
Businesses and individuals who wish to temporarily export certain goods—such as professional equipment, trade fair articles, or product samples—to non-EU countries do not have to go through the "classic" customs clearance process: By applying for a so-called Carnet (Carnet A.T.A. or Carnet C.P.D. for Taiwan) at their German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK), they can take advantage of a simplified procedure.
Klassischer Anwendungsfall: Mittels Carnet können etwa Regattaboote vorübergehend für Wettkämpfe importiert werden
Whereas the conventional customs procedure would require a "temporary use declaration," the Carnet system offers numerous benefits. For example, processing at foreign customs is faster and easier. Furthermore, no cash securities—in the local currency—are required at customs offices in the third country, as they are in the regular process.
These benefits will soon be fully achievable digitally: You can already electronically apply for a Carnet with IHKs at www.e-ata.de (only available in German). Additionally, DIHK and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) are working on a complete digitalisation of the Carnet—from application to the final processing of the "re-import" of temporarily exported goods.
Launch of the Fully Digital Carnet on 1 June 2026
Soon, it will no longer be necessary to pick up paper Carnets for customs presentation at the IHK. Instead, there will be a QR code that can be electronically read by customs—eliminating the need for paper.
The fully digital Carnet is already being tested in a DIHK pilot project by six IHKs: IHK München und Oberbayern, IHK Berlin, Handelskammer Hamburg, IHK Südlicher Oberrhein, IHK Hochrhein-Bodensee, and IHK Essen.
The European Union, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Norway will jointly introduce it on 1 June 2026. By this date, 30 out of the 81 ICC-represented Carnet countries will participate, with more countries gradually joining.
The ICC aims to complete the full implementation of the digital Carnet by 2027, keeping the transition period as short as possible. However, DIHK kindly asks for understanding if the transition to the fully digital Carnet does not proceed smoothly at all times.
Testing the Fully Digital Carnet
A DIHK guideline explains the key steps for using the fully digital Carnet and participating in the testing phase. It clearly demonstrates how to apply and use the digital Carnet and provides important notes for testing:
Do I register as an individual or as a company? Registration is done as an individual.
Who should register in the app/desktop version – driver or Carnet holder? There are two possibilities:
1. The Carnet holder prepares the trips via the ATA Carnet Desktop version and sends the QR codes to the freight forwarder via the desktop version.
2. By passing on the Carnet ID and PIN. Note: passing on means full access.
Can multiple people access the same Carnet? Yes.
Can multiple people load the Carnet into their app? Yes.
How do I transfer the Carnet to other authorized persons? There are two options:
1. The Carnet holder prepares the trips via the ATA Carnet Desktop version and sends the QR codes to the freight forwarder via the desktop version.
2. By passing on the Carnet ID and PIN. Note: passing on means full access.
Does the driver still need a power of attorney? Yes. It can be uploaded in the app under "Documents".
Can I upload multiple powers of attorney? Yes, in the app under "Documents".
Explore details about the mandatory digital ATA Carnet starting June 1, 2026, along with functionality insights of the web-based desktop version and app.
An essential guide to Carnet usage compiled by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK).
Important details on house inspection procedures for customs clearance post-Brexit. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry offers tips on Carnet processes.
Carnets FAQ: All about travels, country restrictions, and digital transformation.
Can additional documents (e.g. trade fair confirmations) be uploaded? Yes, in the app under "Documents".
Do all goods have to be carried on every trip? When opening the Carnet, all goods listed in the Carnet must be presented to customs. For subsequent individual trips, carrying all items is not mandatory; only parts of the goods list may be transported.
What happens if goods remain abroad? If certain goods are not re-exported, they must be marked under "Items not being reexported" in the app/desktop version upon return.
Must the purpose of use still be indicated in the digital Carnet? Yes.
The IHK provides valuable travel preparation tools to ensure seamless border transitions and Carnet usability during trips.
Will paper carnets still be issued after 1 June 2026? Yes. Paper carnets will continue to be issued – but only for countries that do not yet support the digital carnet.
Will the paper carnet be abolished? Yes. The paper carnet will be abolished after the transition phase. Currently, it is planned for this transition phase to end by late 2027.
How will paper carnets be processed before 1 June 2026? Until 31 May 2026, paper carnets will be fully processed on a paper-based and legally binding basis.
How long will carnets remain stored in the app? The carnets will permanently remain available in the app.
Does the process for applying for a carnet change? No, the application process remains unchanged.
Do the number of sheets and planned trips still need to be specified? Yes, this information is still required.
Are there changes if goods remain abroad with the carnet for a longer period? No, there are no changes. However, not all countries accept continuation carnets.
Can a continuation carnet be opened and used digitally? Yes, provided the respective country already accepts digital carnets.
How long does it take to issue a carnet? Please enquire directly at your local Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK).
FAQ on Carnet downloads, proofs, and procedures.
IHK digital services for Swiss trade within the framework of Carnets available.
Helpful Links
An updated list of customs offices in Germany and abroad that are piloting the fully digital Carnets is available on the ICC website.
The ICC explanatory videos about the digital Carnet have been compiled for you on this page.
For further information about the Carnet topic, your responsible IHK is happy to assist you.
Worum geht es beim Carnet? Wie kann ich es einsetzen? Die Internationale Handelskammer (International Chamber of Commerce, ICC) erläutert das Vorgehen in einer Reihe von englischsprachigen Erklärvideos.
