UAE Becomes the First Non-European Country to Launch eATA Carnet System

UAE Launches eATA Carnet System

On November 9, 2026, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) made a significant leap in international trade facilitation by officially launching the eATA Carnet system, becoming the first country outside of Europe to adopt this groundbreaking digital solution. The implementation comes as a result of collaborative efforts involving the Dubai Chambers, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), and the Dubai Customs department.

The eATA Carnet system enables the electronic issuance and processing of ATA Carnets, which are crucial for temporarily importing goods into participating countries without the need to pay customs duties or taxes, provided that the items will be re-exported afterward. This switch to a digital platform replaces traditional paper-based procedures with digital declarations, QR codes, and transaction records, significantly expediting customs clearance processes, enhancing transparency, and ultimately promoting smoother trade flows and international events.

Since 2011, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce has operated as the national association responsible for the guarantee and issuance of ATA Carnets in the UAE. The Chamber has played a pivotal role in the preparation and execution of the eATA system, working closely with national customs authorities and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) on technical consultations, training, and pre-launch testing.

Remarkably, Dubai Chambers is one of only 13 chambers of commerce worldwide, among 1,200 members of the ICC, that have rolled out the eATA Carnet system. The transition presents a considerable advantage for businesses, as the carnet allows eligible goods to enter restricted markets more swiftly and hassle-free. These electronic documents have a validity period of up to one year, making them especially useful for exhibitions, trade samples, and professional equipment while minimizing paperwork and eliminating the need for separate customs guarantees.

Between the UAE's initial adoption of ATA Carnets in 2011 and the end of 2025, the issuance and receipt of 63,591 Carnets occurred, covering goods valued at around 54.4 billion dirhams. In 2025 alone, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce issued and received 5,960 carnets valuing 5.6 billion dirhams—signifying an impressive rise of 11.2% in quantity and 30% in value compared to the previous year.

The UAE's implementation of the eATA system follows the planned rollout in June 2026 to 30 European countries, with a complete global digitization of the ATA Carnet system set for January 1, 2028. This move underscores the UAE's commitment to enhancing its position as a global business hub.

In regards to the mission of Dubai Chambers, it operates as a non-profit public entity that supports Dubai's vision to be a global business center by empowering businesses, providing innovative value-added services, and facilitating access to influential networks. For further inquiries, please contact:

Mohamad Mouzehem
Email: [email protected]

This initiative signals an exciting chapter in trade facilitation not just for the UAE but for international commerce as a whole. As the world continues to embrace digital solutions, the eATA Carnet system stands as a testament to innovation aimed at simplifying global trade.