A major digital transformation is shifting the landscape of international customs. By decision of the European Commission, starting June 1st, 2026, all EU Member States will officially adopt the digital ATA Carnet (e-ATA) for temporary import and export operations. On the exact same date, the digital system will also go live in Switzerland, Great Britain, and Norway.
As a leading Italian international freight forwarder, Asian Logistics is fully prepared to guide global businesses through this transition. If your company moves commercial samples, professional equipment, or trade show materials into or out of Italy and the EU, here is how this change impacts your supply chain.
What is the ATA Carnet? A Quick Refresher for Global Trade
For international businesses, the ATA Carnet (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) is the “passport for goods.” It is an international customs document that allows the temporary admission of goods into participating countries without paying import duties or taxes (such as VAT), provided the goods are re-exported within a set timeframe (usually one year).
It is universally used for:
- Trade Fairs and Exhibitions: Booth setups, displays, and promotional materials.
- Professional Equipment: Tools, instruments, or media gear required to perform work on-site abroad.
- Commercial Samples: High-value goods or collections brought to meetings with prospective clients.
The “Dual Track” Hybrid Phase: Navigating Paper vs. Digital (Until End of 2027)
The switch to a fully digital workflow will not happen overnight. A mandatory hybrid phase will be in place until the end of 2027, during which both paper and digital formats will coexist globally.
If you are shipping goods through Italy or the EU, you need to be aware of the operational rules:
- Double Registration: Italian and EU Customs Authorities are required to record all temporary export, import, and re-import operations both on the physical paper document and within the new digital system.
- Country-by-Country Availability: While the EU, UK, Switzerland, and Norway are ready for the June 2026 launch, other countries worldwide will join progressively. The traditional paper carnet cannot be fully abandoned until the end of 2027, when all countries in the ATA chain complete their digital transition.
Key Operational Changes: The “ATA Carnet” App & Standard Model
From June 1st, 2026, the management of temporary imports/exports evolves:
- Direct App Management by the Holder: The digital Carnet must be managed via the official “ATA carnet” mobile application, developed by the ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) and available on the Apple App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android). The app is accessed via an ID and PIN provided by the issuing Chamber of Commerce alongside the paper carnet.
- Return to a Single “Standard” Model: The digital rollout marks the end of the “Base” Carnet format (which was limited to just two trips). Moving forward, only the “Standard” model will be issued, allowing unlimited trips during its one-year validity period.
Why Partner with an Italian Freight Forwarder like Asian Logistics?
Navigating EU customs during a transition phase requires precise local expertise. Asian Logistics provides the expert customs brokerage and freight forwarding backup needed at the borders.
As your logistics partner on the ground in Italy, we:
- Verify the exact documentation and format requirements (digital vs. paper) for your specific transit points and final destinations.
- Manage the physical handling and customs clearance of your temporary shipments through key Italian ports and airports.
- Prevent costly customs delays, bonds, or fines arising from mismanaged “dual-track” filings.
Ensure your time-sensitive exhibition goods and commercial assets move smoothly through European borders.
Official Sources and Governing Bodies
To monitor the official guidelines and the global rollout of the e-ATA platform, you can consult the following institutional websites:
- ICC (International Chamber of Commerce): For global updates on the e-ATA pilot project and to download the official app, visit ICC – International Chamber of Commerce.
- Unioncamere (Italian Chambers of Commerce): For specific regulations concerning carnets issued or processed within Italy, refer to the SNI Unioncamere portal.
