What does "On Hold" mean?

A Customs officer may place a carnet transaction on hold when additional checks, inspections or administrative procedures are required.

The Hold function allows Customs to temporarily suspend processing of a carnet while maintaining the transaction within the ATA Carnet System.

Why would Customs place a carnet on hold?

Examples may include:

• physical inspections;
• warehouse examinations;
• verification of supporting evidence;
• completion of local customs procedures.

The exact reason is determined by the Customs authority.

What happens when a carnet is placed on hold?

When a carnet is on hold:

• further transactions in the same customs territory are blocked;
• the carnet remains visible in the system;
• the holder does not need to generate new transaction codes merely because a hold was applied.

Can another Customs office release the hold?

Generally, holds are managed by Customs through the ATA Carnet System and remain associated with the original hold process. Ticket discussions note visibility and management constraints around holds.

Does the holder need to prepare a new travel?

No.

A hold does not normally require a new travel declaration or new QR codes. Processing can continue once the hold is released.

Why was this feature introduced?

The Hold function replaces situations where Customs would traditionally retain possession of a paper carnet while checks were being carried out. Because a digital carnet cannot be physically retained, the Hold function provides the equivalent operational control within the ATA Carnet System.