If you work in import and export or regularly attend international trade shows, chances are you have come across the term ATA Carnet. It may sound like yet another piece of customs paperwork, but in practice it can make moving goods across borders considerably easier. The topic has become even more relevant since 1 June 2026, with the introduction of the electronic ATA Carnet, commonly referred to as the eATA Carnet. So, what exactly is an ATA Carnet, how does it work, who issues it and how much does it cost? Here is everything you need to know.
What Is an ATA Carnet and What Is It Used For?
An ATA Carnet — ATA stands for Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission — is an international customs document that allows goods to be temporarily exported to and re-imported from participating countries without paying customs duties or import VAT. It is often described as a “passport for goods”. Rather than completing standard customs procedures and paying duties that may later need to be reclaimed, businesses can use an ATA Carnet to move eligible goods across borders temporarily under a simplified customs process.
ATA Carnets are mainly used for goods travelling internationally for trade fairs and exhibitions, professional equipment and commercial samples. For example, a company taking machinery, equipment or prototypes to an international trade show can use an ATA Carnet to avoid paying import duties in the destination country, provided the goods are subsequently re-exported in accordance with the relevant rules.
Not every type of product is eligible, however. Food, consumable goods, products intended for repair or processing and promotional “give-away” items that will remain in the destination country cannot normally be covered by an ATA Carnet. Vehicles are subject to a separate system and may require a Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD), which in Italy is handled through the Automobile Club. An ATA Carnet is valid for 12 months and, except in specific circumstances, cannot be extended. During this period, the goods must remain substantially unchanged: they cannot be consumed or permanently altered and must be re-exported and re-imported within the applicable deadlines.
What Is the Electronic ATA Carnet (eATA Carnet)?
One of the biggest changes to the ATA Carnet system in recent decades came into effect on 1 June 2026. From that date, EU Member States, together with Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Norway, introduced the digital ATA Carnet system for relevant inbound and outbound customs operations. It represents a major shift for a document that, for decades, relied almost entirely on paper-based procedures.
For now, however, the paper ATA Carnet has not disappeared. The system is currently operating under a hybrid model, with both physical and digital documentation being used. Alongside the paper carnet, holders receive identification codes and a PIN that allow them to access the digital version through applications developed by the International Chamber of Commerce. These include the ATA Carnet App (ACA) for iOS and Android and Carnet Desktop (ACD). The digital system allows businesses to prepare trips in advance and provide customs authorities with a QR code or transaction code instead of relying solely on the traditional paper counterfoils and vouchers.
According to Unioncamere, the paper and digital systems are expected to operate alongside each other until the end of 2027, when full adoption of the eATA Carnet across participating countries is planned. Once the transition is complete, the paper document should eventually be phased out. Until then, businesses using an eATA Carnet need to manage both sides of the process carefully and check in advance which procedures are accepted by customs authorities in the destination country.
Who Issues the ATA Carnet?
In Italy, ATA Carnets are issued by the local Chambers of Commerce. Unioncamere acts as the national guaranteeing organisation and is responsible towards customs authorities for both ATA Carnets issued in Italy and foreign carnets used within the country. This forms part of an international guarantee chain coordinated by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) through the World Chambers Federation (WCF). Each participating country has a national guaranteeing organisation responsible for covering customs amounts that may become payable if a carnet issued within its territory is used incorrectly.
How to Apply for and Complete an ATA Carnet
For Italian businesses, the ATA Carnet application process has been fully digital since 2023. Companies must submit their application through the Cert’O platform, which is accessible after registering for a Telemaco account on registroimprese.it. The application must include a detailed list of the goods being transported as well as the documentation relating to the insurance guarantee required for the carnet to be issued.
Provided the application is complete and correct, the ATA Carnet is generally issued within a few working days and often within 48 hours. Since 1 June 2026, only one standard ATA Carnet format has been available, replacing the previous basic version. The standard carnet includes enough sheets for four trips and can be supplemented with additional internal sheets, allowing businesses to make virtually unlimited journeys during its 12-month validity period.
Private individuals and other applicants who are not registered with the Italian Business Register must still use the paper application process. They need to submit the relevant application form and goods list directly to their local Chamber of Commerce.
How Much Does an ATA Carnet Cost and Which Countries Is It Valid In?
Cost is an important consideration for many businesses. Since 1 June 2026, the standard ATA Carnet has been the only model available in Italy and costs €100 plus VAT, for a total of €122, while each additional internal sheet costs €1.22. There is also a compulsory insurance or guarantee policy to take into account. Applicants are required to take out a policy with Generali Italia S.p.A. in favour of Unioncamere. This guarantee covers the risk of customs duties becoming payable if the goods are not properly re-exported. The minimum premium is approximately €56, although the actual amount varies depending on the declared value of the goods and the type of applicant. Simplified procedures are available to businesses that remain within certain annual value thresholds.
As for geographical coverage, the ATA Carnet can be used in countries and customs territories participating in the ATA Convention and the Istanbul Convention. The network includes a large number of European and non-European countries, including many of the markets with which Italian businesses regularly trade. It is always advisable, however, to check the latest list of participating countries on the Unioncamere website before arranging a shipment. Not every country has signed the same agreements, and some destinations may impose specific conditions or, in certain geopolitical circumstances, temporary restrictions.
The ATA Carnet therefore remains an invaluable tool for companies moving goods and equipment internationally, while the transition to the digital format is already changing the way temporary customs operations are managed. Navigating the current paper-and-digital system, understanding which countries already accept the eATA Carnet and calculating costs and insurance correctly can be challenging, especially for first-time users. If you need tailored advice on how to apply for your ATA Carnet or how to organise your import and export operations more efficiently, contact CTI. Our team can support you throughout every stage of your international shipment.
