Overview
- The UAE began applying the electronic eATA Carnet system on Monday, November 9, 2026, becoming the first country outside Europe to use the platform end to end.
- Dubai Chamber is the national guarantor and issuer leading the rollout, after running technical coordination, training for customs officers and pre-launch tests to ensure system readiness.
- Customs authorities will use the digital Carnet to process temporary imports such as exhibition equipment, samples, broadcast gear, musical instruments, vehicles and artworks without paper declarations.
- Officials say businesses should see faster clearance, fewer document fees and simpler cross-border moves for temporary goods, which could make the UAE more attractive for trade shows and international events.
- The UAE move joins 30 countries that adopted eCarnets in 2026 and feeds into a global ICC-led drive to complete digitization of temporary admission documents by January 1, 2028.