The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) successfully delivered a global training workshop on digitalization of the ATA Carnet from 19 to 20 March 2025.
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the ICC, Deputy Secretary General (DSG) Julian Kassum highlighted the growing importance of the ATA Carnet over the years and the need for its digitalization. DSG emphasized the ICC's digital system aimed at improving efficiency through the digitization of Carnets. DSG Kassum also expressed gratitude to the Customs administrations that participated in the pilot phase, acknowledging their key role in refining the system.
Brendan O’Hearn, Acting Director, Compliance and Facilitation Directorate, delivered an opening remarks on behalf of the WCO. Hethanked the ICC for their long-standing partnership with the WCO and their key role in supporting Customs administrations with the digitalization of the ATA Carnet.
The two-day virtual training workshop was attended by nearly 250 participants from across 58 Customs administrations with the main goal of enhancing awareness and better preparing Customs administrations for the digitalization of the ATA Carnet.
The ATA Carnet digitalization process has been ongoing for several years and has now shifted from a pilot phase to the global transition preparation phase, during which Customs administrations are required to start preparing for the official acceptance of the digital ATA Carnet System as deployed by the ICC. The first group of Contracting Parties is expected to shift to digital procedures in 2026 with the ultimate goal of achieving full digitalization for all Contracting Parties by the end of 2027.
At the core of the training was a live demonstration on how to process ATA Carnets digitally and the key steps required. This, along with other topics like the system concept and components, the main phases and requirements of the Global Transition Plan (GTP) offered a great boost to the participants’ preparedness for digitalization.
Participants actively engaged in the training. As part of the next steps, they are required to designate Single Points of Contact (SPOCs), utilize the available support and materials for better preparation, and coordinate with their respective National Guaranteeing Associations (NGAs) to create a clear action plan and to process test transactions with their respective NGAs.
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