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Whether for a trade fair appearance, a maintenance mission, or a horse show: Businesses and individuals transporting goods temporarily across borders can avoid customs declarations and insurance securities with a Carnet. A QR code is now often sufficient.
On June 1, 2026, the starting signal for the fully digital Carnet was given: At the same time, the European Union, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Norway switched to the fully digital process. At the beginning, 30 out of a total of 81 Carnet countries are participating — more will follow gradually.
A Carnet (Carnet A.T.A. or Carnet C.P.D. for Taiwan) allows companies and individuals to temporarily export goods such as professional equipment, trade fair articles, or product samples to third countries without the need for "classic" customs clearance. By applying for a Carnet at their German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK), they can benefit from a simplified procedure.
Classic use case: Regatta boats can be temporarily imported for competitions using a Carnet
Under the conventional customs process, a "temporary use declaration" would be required. In contrast, the Carnet procedure offers many advantages. Customs clearance abroad is faster and easier, and cash securities at customs offices in the third country, often required under the typical process, are waived in the Carnet system.
Now these advantages are digitally achievable—from application to final processing of the "re-import" of temporarily exported goods. In "digital countries," it is no longer necessary to present the Carnet in paper form to customs. A QR code that customs can electronically read is sufficient.
Transition phase until the end of 2027
After the introduction of the fully digital Carnet on June 1, 2026, in the aforementioned 30 countries (EU, Switzerland, UK, and Norway), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris has planned a transition phase until the end of 2027 during which the fully digital procedure will be gradually rolled out to the remaining 51 countries. For an up-to-date list of digitally connected countries, visit the ICC website.
The transition phase is intended to be as short as possible. However, DIHK kindly asks for understanding in advance if the transition to the fully digital Carnet does not always proceed smoothly.
What to consider in practice
You can apply for a Carnet electronically at the IHKs via www.e-ata.de.
Only those Carnets issued on or after June 1, 2026, will be digitally processed. Carnets issued earlier will continue to be processed exclusively in paper form—regardless of the actual date of use.
DIHK recommends carrying a paper Carnet as a backup even after the introduction of the fully digital procedure—especially for trips to countries that do not yet fully utilize the digital Carnet. For such trips, you should open both variants (digital and paper) at the German inland customs office. Important: Present both variants (digital and paper) unsolicited and simultaneously to customs; customs will not explicitly request them.
Conversely, note: Even if you only travel to a so-called paper country, you must still open the fully digital (and additionally, of course, a paper) Carnet.
Leaflet
Frequently Asked Questions
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).
What is the Carnet about? How can I use it? The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) explains the process in a series of English-language explainer videos.
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.
What is the Carnet about? How can I use it? The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) explains the process in a series of English-language explainer videos.
