Imagine what the world economy would be like if every cargo had to be stopped and additionally checked at every border, and the duty had to be paid in each country in transit. To ensure efficient and continuous international trade, the TIR system was created.
What is TIR and TIR Carnet
TIR is a customs convention on international road transport. Thanks to it, cargo is not opened at intermediate borders, so the carrier overcomes the route without delays. Cargo is placed in containers or sealed vehicles and opened only in the country of destination.
The convention not only optimizes logistics, but also makes it safer. A special international guarantee controls the payment of customs duties when necessary. And the sealing of cargo protects it from theft and counterfeiting.
The system works thanks to the use of a key element – the TIR carnet.
The TIR Carnet is an international document required for transportation under the TIR system. It replaces dozens of declarations that could be required for each country along the route. It looks like a paper book with several tear-off sheets, each of which corresponds to one transit country. The more countries required for transportation, the more sheets.
What does the TIR Carnet consist of:
- cover;
- tear-off sheets (vouchers or coupons);
- spines (for customs marks).
The tear-off sheets remain at customs, and the spines are kept by the carrier.
Tir Carnet is the same as the TIR Carnet, just the last term is a translation into Ukrainian. TIR and Tir Carnet are the original names from French. TIR and TIR stand for the same thing – International Road Transport.
TIR Convention: International Legal Basis
The TIR Customs Convention was adopted in 1975. Since then, more than 75 countries have joined it. Every EU country belongs to the convention, because the European Union joined as a single bloc. It is the TIR Convention that is the legal basis for transportation under the International Road Transport System, the measures of which are recognized by all participating countries.
Ukraine joined the convention (TIR Convention) in 1994. The introduction of the TIR promotes the smooth movement of goods using a single internationally recognized document and standardized processes.
What information is necessarily indicated in the TIR carnet:
- information about the book holder;
- book number, date of issue and its validity;
- vehicle data (license plates, type of vehicle, container data);
- cargo description;
- list of customs offices, transit countries and general description of the route;
- warranty declaration.
The TIR Carnet (Tir Carnet) is filled in French or English, however, some fields may be duplicated in the national language. If the data changes, the book must be obtained anew, because corrections and deletions are not allowed in it.
TIR Carnet: structure and features of use
In Ukraine, the international road transport carnet is issued by the Association of International Road Carriers (AsMAP of Ukraine). Only carriers who meet the requirements of the convention can obtain it.
Requirements for a carrier to obtain a TIR carnet (Carnet Tir):
- be a member of the National TIR Association (in Ukraine, it is AsMAP);
- have access to the TIR system (obtain permission from the customs service to carry out international transportation);
- have no violations of customs or transport legislation;
- the vehicle must be certified as “TIR approved”;
- have insurance or a guarantee;
- pay customs payments.
The carrier (individual or legal entity) in whose name the book is issued becomes the holder of the TIR carnet.
Duties and responsibilities of the TIR carnet holder:
- carrying out cargo according to the carnet;
- ensuring the integrity of the cargo;
- negotiations with customs authorities;
- handing over the carnet with all the marks to the association after the transportation is completed.
The issued carnets must have the appropriate stamps and signatures, and must not exceed the established quota.
What to do step by step to obtain a TIR carnet:
- comply with the requirements and become a member of AsMAP Ukraine (described above);
- submit a written application to AsMAP (filled out in clear print);
- undergo a check of documents, transport and financial capacity;
- obtain a certificate of admission from customs;
- pay the cost of the carnet;
- order the carnet from AsMAP (pick up in person or order courier delivery).
The carnet is valid for only one transportation. Accordingly, the validity of the carnet is equal to the duration of the operation, and it cannot be extended after the TIR is issued. The maximum validity period is 60 days, but it can be reduced.
Usually, one carnet is used per vehicle or container. However, if necessary, one carnet can be used for an entire fleet of vehicles and several containers. A customs broker or a responsible employee of a transport and logistics company can help with the correct filling.
The role of TIR in international road transport
The introduction of TIR helps to simplify and accelerate the transit of goods. Faster and more efficient logistics means less fuel, parking and daily allowances.
The Convention has established uniform standards for the design of containers. Their structure excludes the presence of hidden places, so customs inspection is much faster. Also, the goods cannot be removed from the container without leaving noticeable traces of breaking or damaging the seals. The road transport book provides a security and legal guarantee that in the event of damage or disappearance of the cargo, the association will compensate for the losses by collecting them from the responsible party.
Conclusions
The TIR carnet is intended for international cargo transportation and accompanies the cargo from the country of departure to the final destination. To obtain it, you must meet the requirements of the convention, and for registration, contact the AsMAP of Ukraine.
