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In Brief
11. May 2026

Carnet - Mandatory electronic customs clearance from June 2026

The ongoing digitalisation in customs legislation is leading to a fundamental shift in established practices. The introduction of the electronic Carnet as a customs document will restructure the customs clearance process for the temporary export and import of goods.

On 1.6.2026, the EU, Switzerland the UK and Norway will launch the obligatory fully digital Carnet (dCarnet) so that, as of that date, electronic logging with the customs authorities will be mandatory. The Carnet serves as an international customs pass and allows for the temporary, generally duty-free import and export of goods, such as, trade fair goods, professional equipment, or product samples. The conditions require that the goods must be re-exported in their original state within the period of validity. The previously paper-based process has already made it possible to simplify customs formalities, for example, by eliminating the need for national customs declarations and security deposits.

The shift to the dCarnet means that this process will now be fully digitalised. In the future, identification will be done via a QR code, which must be presented during customs clearance. Paper documents will no longer be accepted for newly issued Carnets. However, Carnets that have already been issued will still remain valid until they expire. In practice, this means a further speeding up and simplification of customs clearance. Companies will benefit from more efficient clearance processing and a reduction in administrative burdens. At the same time, this shift will require timely adjustments to internal processes, particularly with regard to the application, administration, and submission of electronic proof.

Recommendation

Companies should therefore ensure early on that the technical and organisational conditions for the use of the dCarnet have been created in order to avoid delays in the cross-border movement of goods.