The UAE began rolling out the eATA Carnet system on November 9, becoming the first country outside Europe to adopt the digital customs document, Dubai Chambers said.
ATA Carnets let exhibitors and businesses bring goods into a country temporarily without paying customs duties or taxes, provided the goods are re-exported. Dubai Chamber of Commerce issued and received 5,960 carnets in 2025 covering goods worth AED5.6bn ($1.52bn), up 11.2% by number and 30% by value year on year.
The electronic system replaces paper procedures with digital declarations and QR codes, according to the Dubai Chambers press release. It is designed to speed up customs clearance for international trade and events.
The rollout is a joint effort by Dubai Chambers, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and Dubai Customs.
Carnets are valid for up to one year. They cover exhibition goods, commercial samples and professional equipment, and reduce the need for separate customs guarantees.
Dubai Chamber of Commerce, one of three chambers under Dubai Chambers, has been the UAE’s national guaranteeing and issuing association for ATA Carnets since 2011. It worked with national customs authorities and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) on technical consultations, training and pre-launch testing.
Dubai Chambers is one of 13 of the ICC’s 1,200 member chambers worldwide to run the eATA Carnet system. The organisation recently signed an agreement with Emirates to support Dubai’s small businesses with cargo and travel rewards.
Between 2011 and the end of 2025, 63,591 carnets were issued and received in the UAE, covering goods worth AED54.4bn ($14.81bn).
The UAE move follows a June 2026 rollout across 30 European countries. Full global digitalisation of the ATA Carnet system is expected by January 1, 2028.
