IRU members came together for a virtual Commission on Customs Affairs (CAD) meeting last week. They assessed the latest cross-border developments – such as implementing eTIR, enhancing TIR’s competitiveness, and digitalising operations – amid continued pressure on logistics routes and supply chains.
In the current polycrisis era, often marked by air freight and maritime traffic disruptions, road transport instantly steps in, keeping supply chains running. The recent conflict in the Middle East is no exception.
The global TIR transit system, with a proven record of security and reliability over the decades, must continue adapting to offer more flexibility and meet the needs of the public and private sectors.
To this end, CAD members have identified legislative and operational improvements that will enhance the efficiency of TIR. The next step is to formalise them and submit them to the relevant international, regional and national bodies.
However, the real change will come with the implementation of eTIR. Customs administrations have several options to connect to the eTIR international system: directly or via the eTIR National Application, a UN open source tool. In this context, CAD members explored practical next steps that will help start implementing digital transit procedures without delay and have the first fully operational eTIR corridors in place this year.
CAD members also discussed the digitalisation of operations, including ICS2, the EU’s new import control system, and e-CMR developments in various regions, as well as other digitalisation initiatives impacting transit and launched by governments at the national and regional levels.
At the invitation of IRU member TOBB, the next in-person CAD meeting will take place in Ankara, Türkiye, on 10 September 2026.
About CAD
CAD aims to improve the efficiency and security of border crossings, including through the increased use and modernisation of TIR.
It informs partners on flexibility and security at borders, and monitors trade facilitation legislation.