Dubai – November 09, 2026 -- The UAE began rolling out the electronic eATA Carnet system on 9 November 2026, the first country outside Europe to do so. Dubai Chambers, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and Dubai Customs are implementing the project jointly.
Digital declarations and QR codes replace paper carnets
The system issues and processes ATA Carnets electronically, using digital declarations, QR codes and transaction records in place of paper procedures. It is designed to speed up customs clearance, improve transparency and ease the movement of goods for international trade and events.
ATA Carnets let eligible goods enter participating countries temporarily without customs duties or taxes, provided they are re-exported. They are valid for up to one year and cover exhibition goods, commercial samples and professional equipment. They also reduce paperwork and the need for separate customs guarantees.
Dubai Chamber of Commerce issued 5,960 carnets in 2025, up 11.2%
Dubai Chamber of Commerce has been the UAE's National Guaranteeing and Issuing Association for ATA Carnets since 2011. From 2011 to the end of 2025, 63,591 carnets were issued and received, covering goods worth AED 54.4 billion.
In 2025 alone, the chamber issued and received 5,960 carnets covering goods valued at AED 5.6 billion. The number of carnets rose 11.2% year-on-year, and their value rose 30%.
Dubai Chambers is one of 13 ICC member chambers on eATA
Dubai Chambers is one of only 13 of the International Chamber of Commerce's 1,200 member chambers worldwide to implement the eATA Carnet system. Dubai Chamber of Commerce is one of the three chambers under Dubai Chambers. It prepared for the launch with national customs authorities and the ICC through technical consultations, training and pre-launch testing.
Global digitalisation targeted for 1 January 2028
The UAE's rollout follows the June 2026 launch across 30 European countries. Full global digitalisation of the ATA Carnet system is expected by 1 January 2028.