The TIR Carnet: How the International Transport System Works Without Stops at Customs
The TIR Book is a document that facilitates international road transport without the need to stop at every border for customs checks and fees. For transport companies, this means significant savings in time and costs, and for customs authorities handling the documentation, it ensures that goods are transported according to international regulations without violations. This is particularly relevant for transit shipments when goods cross multiple countries.
The TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) system is a reliable, time-tested customs control scheme that minimizes bureaucratic procedures. The main idea of this system is that the carrier receives the right to pass through customs with a simplified process by presenting the TIR Book as confirmation that all formalities have been observed.
Why the TIR Book is Necessary for Carriers
Transporting goods across several countries always involves numerous challenges. Each country has its customs control rules, and to comply with them, carriers usually need to file declarations and pay customs duties. The TIR Book helps avoid these difficulties, granting the right to transit freely through all TIR Convention member countries without additional stops for customs procedures. This significantly simplifies the logistics process, reducing the risk of delays and additional costs.
What the TIR Book Looks Like
The TIR Book is a paper document consisting of several sheets, each playing a role in the transport process. The main components of the document’s structure include:
- Stub – tear-off coupons for each country the cargo passes through.
- Tear-off sheets – used by customs at each stage of transportation.
- Book number – a unique identifier to track the movement of goods.
In each country the cargo passes through, customs authorities take the corresponding sheet and record the transit information. This allows for monitoring the movement of goods and reduces the risk of misuse of the system.
How the TIR Book is Used
The TIR Book processing begins in the country of origin. It’s easiest to engage a reliable logistics company, such as ETS, to process the documents in the necessary timeframe. A carrier registered in the TIR system receives the document from an authorized organization responsible for issuing it. This book accompanies the cargo throughout the journey to its final destination. At each customs checkpoint in transit countries, customs officials verify the documents, make notes and remove some sheets. This process allows the cargo to cross borders without delays at customs.
Benefits of the TIR Book
The TIR Book offers several advantages for both transport companies and customs authorities:
- Time Savings – minimizes border stops as customs formalities are kept to a minimum.
- Cost Reduction – no need to pay duties during transit, allowing financial savings.
- Ease of Use – the document is easy to process and accompany, significantly facilitating logistics.
- Security Guarantee – customs authorities are assured that the cargo will not be unloaded or altered during transit.
- Universality – the TIR Book is valid in many countries worldwide, making it an essential tool for international transport.
In Which Countries the TIR Book is Valid
The TIR system operates in many countries in Europe, Asia, as well as some countries in Africa and Latin America. Each participating country adheres to unified customs control rules within this system, ensuring process consistency and simplifying logistics for companies operating in the international market. Among these countries are the European Union, Turkey, Iran, China and many others.
The TIR Book is an indispensable tool for those engaged in international transport. It simplifies customs procedures, saving time and money while ensuring safe and legal movement of goods across the borders of many states. Companies that regularly use this system can optimize their logistics processes and minimize the risks associated with international transport.
For all cargo transport inquiries, contact ETS specialists through the feedback form or the “Contacts” section.