In a significant milestone for international trade and cross-border mobility, Slovenia has officially entered the digital age of logistics. As of June 1, Slovenia is one of the first 30 countries in the world to introduce the digital ATACarnet (eATA Carnet).

In addition to EU member states, other early adopters of this system include Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom. This transition represents one of the largest digital customs projects in the world, revolutionizing the way chambers of commerce, customs administrations, and businesses interact.

What is an ATA Carnet?

An ATA carnet (often referred to as a “goods passport”) is an international customs document that allows temporary duty-free and tax-free importation of non-perishable goods for up to one year. It is widely used by businesses and individuals for transportation purposes:

  • Professional equipment (such as cameras, tools, and scientific instruments).
  • Commercial samples for customer presentations.
  • Goods destined for fairs, exhibitions and trade shows.

The main advantage of the ATA Carnet is that it allows users to complete all customs transactions (temporary export, transit, temporary import, re-export and re-import) with a single document, eliminating the need to post expensive customs guarantees at foreign borders.

The Digital Transformation: How It Works

The introduction of the digital ATA Carnet marks the beginning of the end for the traditional multicolored paper booklet.

  • The Global Network: The initiative is massive in scale, ultimately connecting 81 countries, 81 national chambers of commerce, over 500 local chambers of commerce, and more than 2,000 customs offices worldwide.
  • The ATA Carnet App: Users can now download the official ATA Carnet App (available on Android and iOS).
  • Seamless Customs Clearance: Instead of carrying physical paper sheets, users receive a digital eATA Carnet with a unique ID, PIN and QR code. At border crossings, you simply show the QR code on your smartphone or tablet, which customs officials scan to digitally register the transaction.

Transition Period and Next Steps

A hybrid system is currently in place to ensure a smooth transition.

  • Coexistence: For the time being, users traveling within the “digital zone” (EU, Switzerland, UK, Norway) will receive both a digital eATA Carnet and a traditional paper booklet and are encouraged to use both.
  • Global integration: If you are traveling to a country that has not yet adopted the digital portal, you will still need to use the paper-based Carnet.
  • Full Digitalization by 2028: The digital system is expanding rapidly, with the goal of having all 80+ member countries fully digitalized by January 1, 2028, at which point the physical paper format will be completely phased out.

This digital upgrade is designed to make the temporary movement of goods faster, cheaper, and virtually paperless, allowing businesses to respond to global market opportunities with unprecedented speed.

About us

At SIBIZ, we pride ourselves on being the best in Slovenia for business migration, corporate relocation and individual relocation. We specialize in helping business professionals, corporate clients and individuals navigate the complex landscape of Slovenian regulations and administrative procedures. Whether you need assistance with employment law, setting up operations, managing customs compliance, or relocating your family and team, our expert advisory services ensure a smooth, compliant, and highly successful transition.

For more information: www.sibiz.eu