Dubai:The United Arab Emirates has initiated the rollout of the eATA Carnet system, supported by Dubai Chambers, marking a significant milestone as the first nation outside Europe to implement a fully digital platform for issuing and processing ATA Carnets. This move underscores the UAE's leadership in advancing trade and customs procedures.

According to U.AE, the transition to the eATA Carnet system is a crucial component of the UAE's broader digital transformation roadmap. By eliminating paper-based customs procedures, this initiative facilitates faster border clearance, offering a more efficient experience for businesses and further solidifying the UAE's position as a global hub for international trade, major trade fairs, and world-class conferences.

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce, operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has been pivotal in this development. Since 2011, it has served as the National Guaranteeing and Issuing Association for ATA Carnets in the UAE. The chamber is leading the efforts in collaboration with customs authorities and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to provide a seamless customs experience for businesses.

Dubai Chamber of Commerce is among only 13 chambers worldwide to implement the eATA Carnet system out of 1,200 ICC-member chambers. Prior to the official launch, the chamber executed a comprehensive readiness program, which included technical coordination meetings, online sessions with ICC experts, training workshops, and extensive pre-production testing to ensure all stakeholders were prepared for the digital transition.

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, highlighted the chamber’s role in spearheading the UAE's ATA Carnet journey since 2010. He emphasized the milestone as a significant advancement in trade facilitation, offering a more transparent and secure digital experience that streamlines customs procedures and empowers companies to expand globally.

Since the introduction of the ATA Carnet system in the UAE in 2011, 63,591 ATA Carnets have been issued and received for goods and commodities valued at AED54.4 billion.

Ahmed Abdullah bin Lahej Al Falasi, Acting Director General of Customs at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, stated that the eATA Carnet system reflects the UAE's commitment to developing an agile, integrated trading environment. The initiative aligns with the leadership's vision of a digital government ecosystem driven by innovation and international partnerships, enhancing the UAE's competitiveness in global trade.

Al Falasi further noted that the system's implementation represents a step towards a fully integrated digital customs and trade ecosystem, enhancing procedural efficiency, accelerating transactions, and reducing reliance on paper documentation, thus minimizing the time and costs associated with the temporary admission of goods.