What does TIR mean? Transports International Routiers – literally translated as “International Transport Routes”. This term refers to international road transport and is abbreviated as TIR. Therefore, both TIR and TIR are the same terms. What is the difference between this term and others? Deliveries are carried out in accordance with the rules of the Convention on International Transport. Following the rules makes shipping abroad easier and safer. The TIR system, which is used by more than 30 thousand transport and logistics companies around the world, already reduces cross-border transport times by up to 77%, and delivery costs are reduced by 35%. And the electronic eTIR system will not only provide a simplified procedure, but will also provide additional security to the TIR system for the benefit of all customs administrations and carriers using it.

What is a TIR Carnet or Carnet TIR?

The TIR Carnet, also called the TIR Carnet, is the basis on which the delivery is based. It is this that makes deliveries more competitive and efficient, since all customs authorities involved in transportation (on the way and at the destination) will be informed in advance electronically (sending preliminary data by the carrier about the created declaration). There you can find out about taxes and fees that will be assigned at customs. At the end of the cargo transportation, this book is returned to the authority where it was issued. Information to be entered into the book before sending:

  1. Where the goods are shipped from.
  2. Specific loading point of the machine.
  3. What route does the car take, where are customs checks planned?
  4. Information about the car is indicated (this includes the number of the car and trailer).
  5. Transportation permits.
  6. The type of cargo and all details about its delivery are indicated.
  7. The weight of each load inside the machine.

This document is a guarantee of the integrity of the goods. Since cross-border deliveries often take place in transit, there is a high risk of loss of goods in adjacent countries. The book protects the supplier and client from any risks. The TIR Carnet or Carnet TIR is recognized and has legal force only in those countries that are part of the Customs Convention. In other countries it has no effect and will not be considered as evidence of loss of cargo. This document is always provided during customs inspections. There, its authenticity is verified by number and expiration date.

What does TIR Carnet look like?

The appearance of the book is a large A4 sheet with a cover. The outer shell is dark yellow in color. There are also tear sheets inside for customs clearance. The protocols that are included in the book are signed by the authority where the document was issued. The serial number (two English letters and seven numbers) is indicated in the middle of the sheet. There should also be a stamp on the right side indicating the validity of the document. The expiration date is also presented in the form of a stamp. It shows the deadline for delivery.

eTIR electronic system

The Electronic TIR Carnet (eTIR) is a relatively recent project that came into force in the spring of 2021 (May). With it, delivery becomes even more efficient and practical. It ensures high-quality data exchange for increased security. These benefits have been demonstrated in eTIR pilot projects introduced back in 2017. This promotes trade, accelerates economic growth and strengthens business. “eTIR” is a paperless procedure for which you do not need to obtain a book. The main places to receive and work with it:

  1. eTIR portal.
  2. Declaration of TIR-EPD.
  3. SafeTIR.
  4. AskTIRWeb.

With eTIR, e-carnets are issued online upon request, allowing them to submit pre-declarations via TIR-EPD. Customs associations, carnet holders, the United Nations and the IRU can exchange electronic messages and TIR transport information, which also allows all participants to track guarantee status paperless and in real time. Here you can find:

  • answers to questions about stamps and signatures of customs authorities;
  • indications of reservations;
  • alphabet of languages ​​and translations of terms;
  • and other questions about the TIR system.

Which countries can use TIR? 48 countries have expressed interest in participating in the project. These are: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Israel, Lebanon, Montenegro, Morocco, Pakistan, Qatar, the Republic of Moldova, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan and the European Union represented by its 27 member states. In addition, the Russian Federation has requested the secretariat to begin work on a proof of concept for the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (5 contracting parties).

What does the TIR sign on trucks mean? This shows that the driver is transporting the goods in accordance with the rules of the Customs Convention. The TIR plate is a signal to customs officials.

About project acceptance

The digitization of the road freight industry has taken a major step forward after no UN member states objected to new amendments to the TIR system allowing digital documentation, known as eTIR. Key statements about the implementation of the new TIR system:

  • UNECE Executive Secretary Olga Algaerova said: “I invite all contracting parties to the TIR Convention to begin interconnecting their national customs systems with the international eTIR system as soon as possible in order to make the most of its increased efficiency and security.”
  • Umberto de Pretto , Secretary General of the International Road Transport Union (IRU), added: “This key milestone demonstrates widespread support for the digitalization of transport. The IRU and our members will continue to work with governments to fully implement TIR and eTIR to further facilitate border crossings.”

Adopting eTIR will provide a tried and tested system for easy customs procedures.

TIR in the international transport system