UAE launches digital ATA Carnet system, becoming first country outside Europe to adopt paperless customs process

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched the electronic ATA Carnet (eATA Carnet) system, becoming the first country outside Europe to adopt the digital customs facility. The system allows businesses to issue and process ATA Carnets electronically, reducing reliance on paper documents for the temporary movement of goods across international borders.

The rollout, supported by Dubai Chambers, marks another step in the UAE's digitalisation of customs procedures. The system is expected to accelerate border clearance and simplify the movement of goods and equipment used at international exhibitions, trade fairs, conferences and other commercial activities.

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Dubai Chamber of Commerce, which has served as the UAE's National Guaranteeing and Issuing Association for ATA Carnets since 2011, is leading the implementation in coordination with customs authorities and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

The chamber is among only 13 chambers worldwide, out of 1,200 ICC-member chambers, to have implemented the electronic system.

Before the launch, Dubai Chamber of Commerce conducted technical coordination meetings with UAE customs authorities, organised online sessions with ICC experts and held training workshops for customs representatives. It also carried out pre-production testing to ensure the system was ready for implementation across the national customs network.

“Dubai Chamber of Commerce has spearheaded the UAE’s ATA Carnet journey since 2010, driving the nation’s growth as a premier global hub for international trade, exhibitions, and major events. As the first chamber in the region to introduce the ATA Carnet system back in 2011, we are once again leading the way by championing the transition to eATA Carnet in close partnership with national customs authorities and the International Chamber of Commerce,” said H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers.

Since the UAE joined the ATA Carnet system on April 1, 2011, a total of 63,591 carnets have been issued and received for goods and commodities valued at AED 54.4 billion until 2025.

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In 2025 alone, Dubai Chamber of Commerce issued and received 5,960 ATA Carnets covering goods worth AED 5.6 billion. The number of carnets increased by 11.2 per cent compared with the previous year, while their total value rose by 30 per cent.

H.E. Ahmed Abdullah bin Lahej Al Falasi, Acting Director General of Customs at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, said the system would improve procedural efficiency, reduce documentation requirements and minimise the time and costs associated with temporary imports.

“The system will facilitate the movement of goods and equipment intended for temporary use, including those required for international exhibitions and events, as well as professional and commercial activities, by simplifying customs procedures for their entry and exit. It will also improve the customer experience, enhance efficiency and transparency in processing transactions, and enable the electronic processing and exchange of data. This will strengthen coordination among relevant authorities and improve the accuracy and effectiveness of customs procedures.”

Dr Abdulla Busenad, Director General of Dubai Customs, said the initiative would help reduce business costs and improve access to international markets. He noted that Dubai accounted for 71 per cent of all ATA Carnet transactions across the UAE in 2025.

“The true value of this achievement is measured not merely by the digitisation of procedures, but by its impact in accelerating the flow of goods, reducing business costs and expanding companies’ access to global markets. Dubai’s central position in this field is underscored by its accounting for 71 per cent of all ATA Carnet transactions across the UAE in 2025. This reflects the business community’s confidence in the efficiency of its customs services and its growing role in facilitating international trade. This digital transformation further enhances the speed of procedures and the flexibility of trade operations.”

John W.H. Denton AO, Secretary General of the ICC, said the UAE's adoption would support the global transition towards fully digital ATA Carnet procedures.

The electronic system uses digital declarations and QR codes to process customs transactions. It also provides digital notifications and transaction histories, improving transparency and tracking while reducing manual procedures.

What is an ATA Carnet?

An ATA Carnet, commonly known as a 'Passport for Goods', is an international customs document that allows eligible goods to enter participating countries temporarily without payment of customs duties and taxes, provided they are subsequently re-exported.

Valid for up to one year, it can be used repeatedly across multiple participating countries. It covers goods such as commercial samples, professional equipment, broadcasting and filming equipment, and items intended for exhibitions and trade events. It does not cover consumable or perishable goods.

The system removes the need for businesses to arrange separate customs guarantees in each participating country and replaces multiple declarations with a single international document.

The UAE's adoption follows the rollout of eATA Carnet across 30 countries in June 2026, including all 27 European Union member states, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The ICC expects the global digitalisation of the ATA Carnet system to be completed by January 1, 2028.