eATA Step by Step Instructions

21 April 2026

Here’s a clear, practical step-by-step guide to using the new Boomerang Digital eATA Carnet, written in a “how-to” format based on how the digital system is currently being rolled out in the EU, UK, Switzerland and Norway.

Download eATA instructions here (PDF).

Step by Step: How to Use a Boomerang Digital eATA Carnet

1) Apply for your Boomerang Digital ATA Carnet (same as today)

Start exactly as you would with a paper Carnet:

Apply through your boomerang carnets online account at https://www.boomerangcarnets.co.uk
Submit your goods list, values, and travel itinerary
Receive your approved Boomerang Digital Carnet with ID and PIN code

Important: The application process itself has not changed with digitalisation.

2) Download the eATA Carnet app

Once your Carnet is issued:

Download the official ICC/ATA Carnet mobile app and/or use ATA Carnet Desktop at app.atacarnet.iccwbo.org
Create a profile and login with your email and password
Your Boomerang Digital Carnet is securely stored in your phone (like a digital wallet)

The Carnet is encrypted and stored securely—never transmitted openly.

3) Load and verify your Carnet in the app

Before travelling:

Download your specific Carnet into the app using Carnet #/ID and PIN code
Review:
- Holder information
- Representatives
- Validity dates
- Goods list
- Number of available sets

Electronically sign the Carnet

Share access to the full Carnet or travels only with a representative if needed (driver, freight forwarder, etc.)

You can manage and share access digitally—no physical vouchers required.

4) Prepare for departure (know the transition rules)

We are currently in a transition phase, so:

You may need to carry both paper + digital Carnet depending on the destination countries
Paper is still legally required in many countries
Digital is used alongside it for processing
Prepare your travels and generate QR codes in advance

Customs may process paper first, then digital.

5) At export Customs (leaving your country)

At the airport/border:

Open the app
Select your Carnet and transaction (export)
Generate the QR code

Then:

Customs officer scans the QR code
Or enters the Carnet/transaction code manually
They validate the export digitally

This replaces paper vouchers/counterfoils.

6) At import Customs (entering another country)

Repeat the same process:

Open app
Select import transaction
Present QR code

Customs will:

Scan and review goods digitally
Approve entry
Record the transaction in the system

The system matches your declaration with Customs data automatically.

7) During your trip (track everything in real time)

One of the biggest advantages:

Every transaction is logged in the app
You receive confirmations instantly
You can see:
- Where goods entered/exited
- What Customs processed

No more lost paperwork or missing stamps.

8) At re-export (leaving a foreign country)

When exiting:

Open app → select re-export transaction
Generate QR code
Customs scans and validates exit

This step is critical to avoid duties or claims.

9) At re-import (returning home)

Final step:

Declare goods returning home via the app
Customs validates re-import digitally → scans the QR code
Transaction is recorded and Carnet cycle is completed

10) Before leaving Customs (critical check)

Always confirm:

The transaction is completed in the app
The QR code is “used” / greyed out (if applicable)
You received digital confirmation

Never leave without confirmation—same principle as paper stamping.

Key Differences vs. Paper Carnet

What’s new:

Travels are Customs declarations
QR codes replace vouchers/validations
Real-time digital tracking
No physical document handling

What stays the same (for now):

Customs approval still required at every border
Paper Carnet often still required during transition

Practical Tips (from real-world rollout)

✔ Always carry a charged phone (and backup battery)
✔ Take screenshots of your QR codes in case of connectivity issues
✔ Know which countries/ports support digital vs. paper
✔ Allow extra time during the transition phase

Bottom Line

The eATA Carnet doesn’t change the process—it digitises it:

Same steps
Same Customs controls
Much faster, more transparent execution
Same Customer Service

It’s essentially turning the Carnet into a “Merchandise Passport” on your phone.