Members of the IRU Commission on Customs Affairs (CAD) have discussed key measures to optimise trade and transit as well as the growing interest in the TIR system amid the Red Sea crisis.
CAD members focused on key developments in global trade and transport.
Reliable, sustainable and resilient door-to-door TIR transports have become even more important in today’s volatile geopolitical environment, which has most recently been rocked by the Red Sea crisis.
Transport corridors have shifted, and longer itineraries, including ones exceeding 8,000km, have demonstrated the unique efficiency of TIR.
For example, the Milton Group relied on the TIR system to transport goods from Europe to the Middle East – crossing 13 countries – in just nine days, rather than taking 40 days by sea. Or recent TIR truck operations between China and Central Asia which arrived at their destinations three times faster than without TIR.
IRU President Radu Dinescu said, “The global trade community, including exporters and importers, manufactures and freight-forwarders, are increasingly interested in TIR. The clear advantages that they associate with TIR are reduced transport times and costs, increased predictability of deliveries, minimised risk of freight damage, and enhanced cargo security.
“Meetings such as CAD are very important to determine the best approaches to alleviate the burdens facing transit and transport, and to facilitate trade with the efficiency, speed and security offered by TIR.”
“Last year marked IRU’s 75th anniversary. 2024 is another special year as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the TIR system. I encourage everyone to share more TIR success stories,” he added.
CAD President Michaela Havelkova said, “It is very pragmatic and wise that trade partners are favouring transport services provided by reliable and highly professional TIR operators and drivers who transport cargo in highly secure TIR vehicles and containers certified by customs.”
“To maximise these benefits, we should further unlock their potential through TIR initiatives and projects, such as TIR-EPD and TIR Green Lanes,” she added.
In various regions, customs authorities have implemented dedicated “express lanes” for TIR trucks to ease congestion at borders and receive advance information for risk management via the TIR-EPD system. Risk-based facilitation allows customs authorities to separate traffic flows and handle low-risk cargo faster.
The CAD meeting also focused on the digitalisation of transport operations, including eTIR and e-CMR developments, TIR best practices in various regions, and how to support the evolving corridors and foster synergies between different modes of transport.
About CAD
CAD aims to improve the efficiency and security of border crossings, including through the increased use of TIR.
The Commission informs partners on flexibility and security at borders, and monitors trade facilitation legislation.