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Digitization of the ATA Carnet

In January we published a news article about the digitization of the ATA Carnet. This was also one of the topics last week during our yearly Pincvision Optimizing Supply Chain Event. At this event, we updated our participants about the latest developments on export documents & customs compliance.

With regard to the session about ATA Carnets, our overall conclusion was that when this document would be treated the way it should be, the financial and administrative benefits are demonstrably positive.

​Benefits of the ATA Carnet

The fact that this document can be used for 87 countries, with a duration of 12 months for an unlimited amount of trips makes it a very attractive document.

If we must mention one negative aspect, we can only think of the fact that it is still a paper document, which easily can get lost, when not handled with care.

Despite this fact, the financial benefits are high. You can think in terms of saving 25 % VAT in Norway and an minimum of 10 % VAT in South Africa.

So, even the fact that it still is a paper document does not make us less enthusiastic. As it turns out with all things in this modern world, the ATA Carnet becomes digital eventually. Plans for this digitization project are currently under construction and we would like to share one of the biggest plusses (benefits) of the digitization of this document with you.

Steps of the digital process

Applying for and receiving the ATA Carnet digitally could mean that the Steps of the digital process can be described as follows:

  1. Using the “National Issuing and Claims Systems” (NICS) or Mercury II, a person orders a Carnet online, or, if a Carnet is already held, additional certificates if more trips are planned than originally anticipated.
  2. The “holder” then downloads the Carnet into a safe wallet, stored in a smartphone, and can share it with his/her representative. The Carnet is encrypted and exchanged over secured communication channels.
  3. When crossing a border, the holder, or his/her representative, unlocks the wallet and shows the QRcode to a Customs officer.
  4. The Customs officer scans the QRcode, examines the general list of goods covered by the Carnet, and then reports whether the goods entered or exited the country under a temporary importation, transit or temporary exportation procedure.
  5. The transaction is recorded and the holder or the representative receives a confirmation message through his/her smartphone.
  6. Customs can issue claims through the system and manage them with the NGAs (National Guaranteeing Association)

More about the digitization of ATA Carnets

We are very optimistic about these steps. Our team at Pincvision is looking forward to this development. Are you interested in reading the full article about the digitization of ATA Carnets? You can read it on the WCO website.

Do you have further questions about the ATA Carnet? Please don’t hesitate to contact our specialists by calling +31(0)88-4321800 or send an email to info@pincvision.com

24 May 2019 at 9:13 am