Customs Convention on the International Transport of Goods under Cover of TIR Carnets

General Information

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What is it about?

This Convention, adopted under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), facilitates the international carriage of goods by road vehicles by establishing the procedure of TIR carnets. This allows the transport of goods by road vehicles between a country of departure and a country of destination without being subject to controls or the payment of duties in transiting countries. To prevent abuses customs authorities may inspect goods, particularly when irregularity is suspected. The containers are sealed to prevent goods from being unloaded during transit. TIR carnets are issued by the Member States or by authorized associations. Irregularities in TIR operations result in the obligation to pay import/export duties.

Why is it relevant?

This instrument simplifies and harmonizes administrative formalities for the international carriage of goods by road vehicles and operators have the possibility to convey goods internationally with minimal restrictions. At the same time this procedure provides premium guarantees for the customs administrations of each transit country, especially through the use of vehicles approved for transit under cover of TIR, customs seals and the existence of a financial guarantee on TIR carnets.

Additional Information

A TIR operation may involve several customs offices of departure or destination but its total cannot exceed four. Each Member State to the United Nations may become a member to the present Convention.

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