TIR Convention

Facilitating Secure and Efficient International Road Transport

TIR Connecting Nations, Accelerating Trade

About the TIR System

The TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) Convention is a multilateral treaty that simplifies and harmonizes administrative formalities for international road transport. Established in 1975 under the auspices of the UNECE, it's a globally recognized customs transit system designed to facilitate trade and transport while ensuring security for customs authorities.

The Five Pillars of TIR

1. Secure Vehicles

Goods transported in customs-sealed vehicles/containers approved to stringent technical standards.

Ensures cargo integrity, preventing unauthorized access during transit.

Reduces need for physical inspections, speeding up border crossings.

2. International Guarantee

A chain of nationally recognized associations guarantees payment of customs duties and taxes if irregularities occur.

Provides financial security to customs authorities across all transit countries.

Eliminates the need for national guarantees or deposits at each border.

3. TIR Carnet

A single, internationally accepted customs transit document serves as proof of the guarantee and cargo declaration.

Standardizes documentation, simplifying procedures for operators and customs.

Reduces paperwork and potential for errors, facilitating smoother customs clearance.

4. Mutual Recognition

Customs control measures taken in the country of departure are recognized by customs authorities in transit and destination countries.

Avoids repetitive and time-consuming checks at intermediate borders.

Significantly speeds up international transit and reduces transport costs.

5. Controlled Access

Only authorized national associations can issue TIR Carnets, and only reliable transport operators are authorized to use them.

Enhances the security and reliability of the TIR system by vetting participants.

Builds trust among all parties and protects the integrity of the system.

How TIR Works: A Simplified Flow

1. Origin Country Vehicle Sealed, Carnet Stamped 2. Transit Border A Seals Checked 3. Transit Border B Seals Checked 4. Destination Country Seals Broken, Goods Unloaded, Carnet Finalized TIR eTIR Data Exchange

Benefits of the TIR System

For Customs Authorities:

  • Reduced administrative burden and processing times.
  • Enhanced security and protection of national revenue.
  • Standardized procedures for easier international cooperation.
  • Lower risk of fraud due to secure vehicles and guarantee.

For Transport Operators & Traders:

  • Faster border crossings and reduced transit times.
  • Lower transport costs (no need for national guarantees/escorts).
  • Simplified and predictable customs formalities.
  • Increased competitiveness in international trade.

The Future: eTIR

The TIR system is evolving with the times. The eTIR international system aims to replace paper TIR Carnets with an electronic exchange of data between national customs systems and international organizations. This will further enhance efficiency, security, and data management, making international road transport even more seamless.

Learning Objectives