Overview

Modified on Fri, 20 Mar at 8:40 AM

The ATA Carnet real-time lifecycle management system (ATA Carnet System) is based on a complex infrastructure. Its core is based on a centralized database that interconnects with other different components passing on carnet data for users. The 6 components comprise of 2 system interfaces and 4 user interfaces. The latter 4 allow each type of user of ATA Carnets access the carnet data based on their respective needs: ATA Carnet Core, the ATA Carnet app and ATA Carnet Desktop (for holders) and the ATA Carnet Customs.

The basic functioning of the system is:

Holder orders carnets online through National Issuing and Claims Systems (NICS), the local systems not part of the ATA Carnet system.
Holder downloads the ordered carnet into his smartphone wallet (ATA Carnet app or ATA Carnet Desktop) and if necessary, shares it with his representative. The carnet is encrypted and never transmitted in ‘open format’ on the network.
During border crossing, the holder or representative, unlocks his wallet and shows a QR code which correspond to a particular carnet and a specific transaction.
Customs officer opens ATA Carnet Customs and scans the QR code, sees the detailed carnet info and confirms transactions.
The transaction is recorded and a confirmation is sent to holder/representative’s smartphone
Customs have the possibility to detect potential claims and to eliminate unnecessary claims through virtual voucher reconciliation and manage them with National Guaranteeing Associations (NGAs).

In the following sections the 3 main applications are briefly presented. Before we do that though, a brief explanation of the pilot phase is needed.

PROJECT TIMELINE information

June 2019: The pilot version of the eATA system is launched.
June 2019 to October 2019: Initial testing of the system is conducted internally to identify any major issues or bugs.
October 2019: A pilot project is initiated to test the eATA system with Customs and chambers.
October 2019 to June 2023: The pilot project runs for a significant duration, during which feedback and suggestions are gathered from Customs and chambers involved in the testing phase.
June 2023: Based on the feedback and suggestions received during the pilot project, the official release version of the ATA Carnet System is launched.
June 2023 onwards: The eATA project enters into a new preparation phase, during which all stakeholders are invited to continue testing the system.
The purpose of the new preparation phase is to get all stakeholder acquainted with how the system works and push for eATA acceptance in each jurisdiction.
Stakeholders, including Customs, chambers, and other relevant parties, continue testing the eATA system during the preparation phase.
The testing during this phase helps identify any remaining issues or areas that require improvement before the official acceptance of digital ATA Carnets.
The eATA project team works closely with the stakeholders, incorporating their feedback and making necessary updates to the system.
The initial group of countries anticipated to activate the official use of the system and to implement digital ATA Carnet is scheduled for 2026.