The Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the country’s largest business organization, began issuing electronic ATA Carnets on 1 June. As a result, Latvia has become one of the first countries in the world to launch the use of electronic ATA Carnets, marking a significant step forward in the digitalization of international trade.

Electronic ATA Carnets replace the paper-based documents used until now, enabling businesses to arrange the temporary export and import of goods in international markets more quickly, conveniently, and efficiently. The new solution reduces administrative burdens, improves data exchange, and supports the implementation of more modern customs procedures, while strengthening the competitiveness of Latvian companies in the global marketplace. The first three electronic ATA Carnets issued by LCCI have already been successfully used for the temporary movement of goods to Norway and the United Kingdom.

This represents an important milestone in the digitalization of global trade. The digital ATA Carnet system developed by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has currently been introduced in 30 countries-all 27 European Union member states, as well as Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. It is planned that additional countries will join the system by the end of 2027, while from 1 January 2028, ATA Carnet procedures worldwide will become fully digital.

An ATA Carnet is an international customs document issued by LCCI that allows companies to temporarily import goods into other countries without paying customs duties and VAT for up to one year. It is used for the temporary cross-border movement of professional equipment, commercial samples, exhibition goods, and other items.