IRU-TIR-CARNET

IRU TIR Carnet international customs transit.

Definition

TIR Carnet system (TIR Convention 1975): 6 pillars: (1) Sealed/Secure Vehicles or Containers (mandatory exterior TIR plate), (2) International Chain of Guarantee (IRU = central guarantor), (3) Standardised TIR Carnet document, (4) Mutual recognition Customs Controls, (5) Controlled Access (Authorised Transport Companies + IRU certified), (6) Risk Management. TIR Carnet booklet (~14 or ~20 vouchers / carnet, 1 voucher per country crossing). Classic paper format grey + green covers, supplemented by TIR-EPD (TIR Electronic Pre-Declaration) digital ~80% trips 2024. Coverage: 78 contracting parties (EU countries, Russia (EU access suspended 2022), Belarus, Ukraine, Central Asia, Iran, Turkey, Mongolia, China, North Africa). IRU Headquarter Geneva, annual World Road Transport Congress.

Origin

IRU founded 1948 Geneva by 8 European road transport associations ; TIR Convention 1959 (first) revised 1975 (current) ; ~78 contracting parties 2024 ; ~2M TIR Carnets issued/year ; TIR-EPD digital 2010+.

Example in context

Road transport Istanbul Turkey -> Berlin Germany via DSV Turkey truck: TIR Carnet issued Istanbul, sealed container TIR plate, transit Turkey -> Bulgaria -> Romania -> Hungary -> Austria -> Germany without intermediate inspection, final Berlin customs verifies carnet + container seals.

Related terms

• CMR Convention — sister convention.