Does a forwarding agent need to create their own account?

Yes. Each individual who uses the ATA Carnet App or Desktop application should create an account under their real identity.

The system operates on a paradigm where a digital signature represents legal consent and responsibility. To ensure this is verifiable at the border:

• Official Name: Users must register using their official name exactly as it appears on their passport or ID document.
• Visibility to Customs: This name is recorded in the metadata of every digital signature and is explicitly displayed to Customs officers during a transaction.

Sharing Options for Holders

The carnet holder has two primary ways to provide access to a forwarding agent or representative:

1. Sharing the Full Carnet (Account Required):

   • The holder provides the agent with the unique Carnet ID and PIN.
   • The agent must have their own account to download the carnet into their digital wallet.
   • This is the best option if the agent needs to prepare and sign declarations on the go.

2. Sharing a Specific Voucher (Account Often Optional):

   • The holder prepares and signs the travel declaration on their own device first.
   • The holder then uses the "Share Voucher" feature to send a secure link via email, SMS, or messaging app.
   • The agent can open this link to present the transaction QR code to Customs without necessarily needing to download the App or register for a full account.

Operational Advice for Agents

• ATA Carnet Desktop: For freight forwarders who frequently handle multiple carnets on behalf of various clients, the ATA Carnet Desktop web application is the recommended tool. It offers the same core features as the mobile app but is optimized for managing high volumes of documents on a computer.
• Power of Attorney: Even with a digital signature, Customs authorities remain responsible for assessing whether the person at the border is authorized. If the agent is not explicitly named in the “Represented by” (Box B) field of the carnet, they must carry a Power of Attorney (POA) issued by the holder.
• Holder Liability: Regardless of how the carnet or voucher is shared, the carnet holder remains fully responsible to Customs and the guaranteeing chain for any misuse or payment of duties and taxes.