Each stage of international transportation requires not only careful planning and preparation, but also competent documentation. The TIR system and the CMR consignment note are two key tools that help carriers and logistics companies work with cargo abroad. They guarantee compliance with agreements between transportation participants and simplify customs control. Let’s figure out what the difference is between CMR and TIR, what cargo is transported using them and why it is so important to know their features.
What is TIR and CMR in international transportation
The TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) system is an international system designed to simplify and speed up cross-border transportation, as well as to ensure the safety and control of transported goods. The TIR system is used to transport goods along international routes passing through several countries and allows you to significantly speed up the process of customs procedures. The principles of the TIR system include:
- Simplification of customs procedures – goods cross the borders of several countries with minimal checks at each stage, the cargo can undergo customs clearance once upon exiting the country of the sender, and customs duties and taxes are paid only in the event of a violation of the transportation conditions.
- Safety guarantees – the cargo will be guaranteed to be delivered without interference in its original integrity, thanks to the use of special seals.
- Use of TIR-books – international transport documents containing all the necessary information about the cargo, route and carrier, as well as data to ensure control at the borders.
The TIR carnet is a single transport document used for all countries participating in the system. This simplifies paperwork, since there is no need to issue separate customs declarations and documents for each country on the route. The features of using the system are the simplicity and speed of crossing borders, minimizing the risks associated with theft and damage. The advantages also include the ability to use it for various types of cargo, guarantees of payment of taxes and duties. CMR (Convention relative au contrat de transport international de marchandises par route) is an international convention that regulates contracts for the international carriage of goods by road, establishes uniform rules and regulations that simplify and unify the transportation of goods between countries that have signed the convention. The system uses CMR – an international consignment note that confirms the contract of carriage between the sender, carrier and recipient of the cargo, describes the main conditions of transportation, including information about the cargo, route, responsibilities of the parties and other important aspects of transportation.
What is the difference between TIR and CMR
CMR and TIR are documents used in international cargo transportation, the purpose, scope and essence of which have certain differences. So, understanding what CMR is in international transportation, it should be understood that it is a consignment note used in the system of the same name only when transporting goods by road between CMR member countries. It is intended to confirm the contract of carriage and is used when crossing the border. Mandatory for road transportation, but does not guarantee the safety of the cargo. While the TIR book (and seals to ensure the safety of the cargo) are intended to simplify and speed up customs procedures, it is used when transporting through several countries with a guarantee of the safety of the cargo. What else is TIR needed for in international transportation is to ensure the safety of the cargo when passing through several borders, it is a guarantee of customs duties.
So, TIR is used when cargo is transported through several countries and it is necessary to simplify customs procedures, avoiding additional checks when crossing borders between member countries. And CMR is a convention that applies to a transportation contract and confirms the carrier’s responsibility for the delivery of cargo. It is used for all international road transport, regardless of whether the TIR system is used. At the same time, CMR does not apply to the transportation of cargo only within one country or using any transport other than road transport.
Thus, TIR is often used to optimize transportation across borders, and CMR is used to legally regulate the transportation process itself and establish the responsibility of the parties. Both systems can be used simultaneously. Since CMR is issued as a transport document confirming the transportation contract, and can be used at all stages of transportation, including border crossings. And TIR is used to simplify procedures at borders and ensure the protection of cargo when crossing several countries. When cargo is transported through countries participating in the TIR system, the vehicle or container with the cargo is sealed, which facilitates customs clearance.
Features of registration and application of TIR and CMR
To understand the nuances of registration and application of TIR and CMR systems, it is necessary first of all to understand where they can be used. Thus, TIR operates in countries that have signed and ratified the TIR Customs Convention. Currently, more than 70 countries around the world have joined it, including countries in Europe, the CIS, Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. Among them are all EU countries, as well as non-EU countries Norway, Switzerland and others. The signatory countries include CIS members, as well as Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, most countries in Asia and the Middle East, as well as Africa, China and Mongolia. This list continues to grow constantly, as many countries seek to simplify international trade and speed up the transportation of goods across borders, while ensuring the safety of transportation, since goods are often transported in sealed containers, which minimizes the likelihood of illegal access to the goods. The main document for road transport is the CMR consignment note, which contains the following basic information:
- Information about the cargo — its type, quantity, weight, packaging, description.
- Information about the carrier — company name, address, contact details.
- Details of the shipper and recipient.
- Detailed route and destinations.
- Start date of transportation and expected delivery date.
- Liability of the parties — determining who is responsible for damage, loss or delay of the cargo.
Conditions of transportation — may include information about the cost of transportation, insurance, and other services.
The CMR Convention generally regulates the conditions and responsibilities of the parties in international road transportation. However, there are exceptions in which CMR does not apply or cannot be used for the transportation of certain types of cargo. Thus, CMR does not apply in cases where the transportation is not international, the cargo requires special transportation conditions (live animals, dangerous goods, mail), or if there is another international agreement that regulates such transportation.
How TVL helps with international transportation
If you want international transportation to be hassle-free, fast and comfortable for you, choose the help of professionals – contact TVL. The experienced carrier has long and successfully provided assistance in international transportation under the TIR and CMR systems. The company’s qualified managers have the skills to develop effective logistics, prepare the necessary documents, and have up-to-date information regarding the transportation of goods. Specialists provide the necessary consultations on the preparation of the necessary documentation, and also provide full support for goods under the TIR and CMR systems at all stages of transportation. Vast experience in international cargo transportation, reliable and competent logistics, a professional and individualized approach to each client and their transportation are the key to successful and timely delivery of any goods.
