UAE launches digital ATA Carnet system for temporary exports

The UAE has begun rolling out a fully digital system for issuing and processing ATA Carnets, the customs documents that let businesses bring goods into a country temporarily without paying duties. Arabian Business reported the launch on 10 November 2026.

What an ATA Carnet does

An ATA Carnet works like a passport for goods. Companies use it to move items such as exhibition stands, samples, professional equipment or event gear across borders for a limited time, then take them back out again. Until now the process relied on paper documents.

What is changing

The new eATA platform moves issuing and processing online. According to Arabian Business, the UAE is described as the first country outside Europe to run a fully digital carnet platform. Dubai Chambers is supporting the rollout, with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce leading implementation alongside customs authorities and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

Officials expect shorter customs clearance times, simpler cross-border movement of goods and less paperwork, along with lower cost and effort for companies.

The numbers behind it

Arabian Business cites figures showing that 63,591 carnets were issued and received between 2011 and 2025, covering goods worth AED 54.4 billion. Dubai Chamber has been the national issuing association since the UAE joined the carnet system in 2011, and it is one of 13 chambers worldwide implementing the digital version.

Who it affects

The system is relevant to firms that take part in trade fairs, exhibitions and conferences, or that otherwise need to move goods temporarily across borders. Dubai hosts a large calendar of such events, so exhibitors and event organisers are likely to see the most direct benefit.

Before launch, the partners held coordination meetings, online training for customs officials with ICC specialists, practical workshops and platform testing, the report said.

Businesses planning to use a carnet should check application steps, fees and any transition arrangements directly with Dubai Chambers, as the report does not detail them.