How do document uploads work in ATA Carnet?

The ATA Carnet System supports different categories of documents, depending on who uploads them and how they are used.

1. Documents uploaded by the Issuing Association

Issuing Associations may continue to upload carnet-level documents during the issuance process.

Examples include:

• Photos of goods
• Packing lists
• Supporting documents collected during the application process

Integrated NICS (national systems)

Use the AddCarnetAttachment API method while the carnet is still in Draft status.

ATA Gateway

Documents can be uploaded during carnet creation before the carnet is issued.

Once the carnet is issued, carnet-level documents uploaded by the Issuing Association cannot normally be modified through the issuance process.

2. Can holders and representatives upload documents?

Yes.

Holders and authorised representatives can upload supporting documents when:

• Preparing a travel
• Creating a pre-declaration

Examples may include:

• Powers of Attorney (POA)
• Transport documents
• Event-related supporting evidence
• Other documents required for a specific customs declaration

Holder-uploaded documents are stored as holder attachments within the carnet and may be reused across multiple travels and pre-declarations. When preparing or editing a travel or pre-declaration, users can select which holder attachments should be associated with the relevant declaration.

3. What document categories exist?

The ATA Carnet System distinguishes between different document categories.

Carnet documents

• Uploaded during carnet issuance
• Managed by the Issuing Association or issuing platform
• Available as part of the carnet record

Yes.

Customs authorities can access the holder attachments that were selected for the relevant travel or pre-declaration when processing the corresponding transaction and from the declaration details screen.

Customs can also distinguish between:

• Carnet attachments
• Declaration attachments

This helps separate issuance-related documents from declaration-specific supporting evidence.

6. What should chambers do?

Issuing Associations should:

• Continue uploading carnet-level documents during issuance when required.
• Inform holders that they can upload holder attachments and reuse them across multiple travels and pre-declarations, subject to the applicable file type and size restrictions.
• Ensure applicants understand which documents belong at issuance level and which should be attached to individual declarations.

Important note

Documents uploaded by holders and representatives do not replace the Issuing Association's responsibility to collect and retain any supporting evidence required under national issuance procedures.

Holder attachments may be uploaded, selected, replaced or removed while a travel remains editable. Once a travel is locked by a committed Customs transaction, the standard travel locking rules apply.