Digital ATA Carnets: When Will the U.S. Switch to eATA?

Digital ATA Carnets: When Will the U.S. Switch to eATA?

November 2026 · 4 min read

The ATA Carnet is going digital — Europe switched on June 1, 2026, and the rest of the world is following. So when will U.S. carnet holders get one, and what should you do until then? Here's where things stand.

What Is the Digital ATA Carnet (eATA)?

The eATA is the digital version of the paper carnet. Your carnet lives in the ATA Carnet app instead of a green booklet. Before each border crossing, you prepare your declaration in the app. At customs, you show a QR code, and the officer scans it and approves the transaction electronically. The legal purpose is unchanged: duty-free, tax-free temporary import of your equipment. The difference is that there's no booklet to stamp or lose.

Where Digital Carnets Are Live

eATA launched June 1, 2026, in 30 countries: all 27 EU member states, Norway, Switzerland, and the UK. The UAE follows on November 9, 2026, Moldova on January 1, 2027, and Serbia on February 1, 2027. The goal is for every ATA Carnet country to be fully digital by the end of 2027.

When Will the U.S. Go Digital?

There's no confirmed date yet. The U.S. ran its first eATA test at JFK Airport in February 2024. As of October 2026, USCIB says it's working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to be ready "in the months ahead."

Under ICC rules, each country must announce a provisional digital date at least five months in advance. No U.S. date has been announced yet, so the switch is unlikely before mid-2027. The global deadline is the end of 2027. Once the U.S. switches, CBP will process only digital carnets.

Traveling to Europe Now? Here's What to Do

Your paper carnet still works. Digital countries have agreed to be flexible with travelers from countries that haven't launched eATA yet, including the U.S.

• Carry your complete paper carnet for the whole trip.
• If customs asks why you don't have a digital carnet, explain that they aren't yet available in the U.S.
• Build in extra time at recently switched airports and border posts.
• Don't delay your trip. A paper carnet stays valid for its full one-year term.

What Changes Once the U.S. Switches

Mixed trips may need both formats. Any country still on paper will require a paper carnet too.

Your QR code replaces the green cover. CBP will validate an activation QR code when your goods first leave the U.S., the digital version of the activation step in our guide to ATA Carnet customs office visits.

Your item list is still locked. Once issued, the general list can't be changed, so getting your carnet items list right matters as much as ever.

Save your QR codes offline. The app needs an internet connection, so screenshot or print your codes before you travel.

The Bottom Line

Digital carnets are coming to the U.S., but not yet. Keep traveling with your paper carnet, including to Europe. We'll update this post as soon as a U.S. launch date is announced.

FAQ

Can I get a digital ATA Carnet in the U.S. today? Not yet. No U.S. launch date has been announced.

Will my paper carnet still work in Europe? Yes. Digital countries are accepting paper carnets from the U.S. during the transition.

Will a digital carnet cost more? Based on current USCIB guidance, it will cost the same as a paper carnet.

This content is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or customs advice. Regulations and requirements may vary by country and situation. For guidance specific to your needs, it is recommended to consult with a licensed Customs Broker or qualified trade professional.