The UK's eATA system launched on June 1, 2026, digitising the ATA Carnet process for temporary exports from the UK to all EU member states, Norway, and Switzerland. Goods moving temporarily across borders without paying duties or taxes now travel on a digital carnet accessed via smartphone app and validated by QR code at customs.

The ATA Carnet is the international standard for temporarily exporting goods across borders without paying duties or taxes. It covers trade show samples, specialist equipment, commercial samples, film production gear, and artwork. The digital version works through the ATA Carnet app (available on iOS and Android), issued by UK Chambers of Commerce as part of the international ICC/WCO eATA programme. Paper carnets remain available as a backup during the transition period.

UK Border Force expects QR scanners at UK borders from August 2026, completing the infrastructure rollout. The US is expected to join the eATA programme in the second half of 2026, which would extend digital carnet coverage to the most significant bilateral trade corridor for US-origin goods temporarily entering the UK or EU.

• eATA covers all 27 EU member states, Norway, and Switzerland from June 1, 2026.
• Digital carnet stored on smartphone, validated via QR code at customs. Paper format continues as backup through the transition.
• UK Border Force QR scanners expected at UK borders from August 2026.
• US expected to join the eATA programme in H2 2026, expanding digital coverage to the US-UK-EU corridor.

For brands sending trade show samples or commercial samples into the EU as part of their expansion preparation, eATA reduces the administrative friction of the temporary export process from day one.