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Cars by Rocket Shares Early Experience Using Digital ATA Carnets on UK–Calais Journeys

LCCI client Cars by Rocket discuss the experience of using Digital ATA Carnets during the initial phase of the programme for journeys between the UK and Calais.

Pre-Travel Preparation

Ahead of our travel, seven ATA carnets were successfully processed and printed. Digital travels were prepared using the online portal: five via the desktop version and two via the mobile app. The mobile app proved highly user-friendly and more intuitive than the desktop interface. 

Dover Outbound Procedures

We departed Fairoaks on Tuesday 23 June at 04:30. En route, the ATA desktop portal was accessed to email drivers their respective QR code links. Due to localised internet lag near the Motis office, this step caused a minor delay but was successfully completed before arrival.

We arrived at Motis at 07:15 for carnet endorsement, requesting processing for both the digital and electronic versions. Rather than using a dedicated scanning device, the customs officer utilised a tablet camera to capture images of the documents. The physical paper carnets were retained by customs for processing. The ATA mobile app proved highly effective for tracking progress, showing live updates when the carnets were officially activated. The entire endorsement process took approximately one hour, allowing us to successfully board the 10:40 ferry. 

Calais Inbound Procedures

We arrived at the Calais customs office at 13:30. To evaluate operational efficiency, two different methods were tested for presenting the digital carnets:

  • Emailed Links: One driver used live links from the email. Due to an administrative error, the same link was sent twice, resulting in a "code already used" error during scanning. The issue was quickly resolved by emailing the correct link. The customs officer utilised a dedicated scanning device, making the digital transaction instant and eliminating the need to leave physical paperwork behind. 
  • Screenshots: The second driver presented screenshots of the QR codes. While this method is inherently simpler for the driver, the Calais customs office only had one scanning device for the entire building. Consequently, the officer had to manually type the QR code digits into their system. This manual entry extended the total processing time to 20 minutes from arrival. 

No physical paper carnets were stamped at Calais; the transaction was handled entirely through the digital system.

Key Takeaways & Lessons Learned

  • Staff Readiness: Customs officers at both Dover and Calais were exceptionally helpful, competent, and well-trained on the new digital system.
  • Pre-Declarations: A Dover customs officer explicitly confirmed that completing pre-declarations is currently unnecessary, stating they do not utilise that data.
  • Hardware Limitations: Border processing speeds remain dependent on local customs equipment. Calais officers noted that clearance times will decrease significantly once more scanning devices are deployed.
  • Future Workflows: Overall, the transition to digital carnets was highly efficient. To streamline future operations and mitigate email errors, we will compile a step-by-step driver guide for each carnet. Moving forward, providing drivers with direct QR code screenshots is the preferred method over live email links.