Procedures that simplify border crossings and reduce customs risks are of great importance in international road transport. One of these systems is TIR, and in recent years it has been replaced by eTIR, a digital alternative. In this article, we will analyze what these terms mean, how they differ, and what benefits they provide to businesses when using logistics with TVL.
What is the TIR system and how does it work
To understand the differences and similarities between the two customs systems, first of all, it is worth understanding what TIR is. This abbreviation comes from the French Transports Internationaux Routiers, translated as international road transport. It refers to an international customs system created to speed up and simplify the transport of goods across borders and involves minimal intervention from customs authorities in transit countries. This international transport regime allows goods to travel through one or more countries without being inspected in each of them, if the seals and transport conditions are preserved.
The system was founded in 1949 as a pilot project between France and Switzerland. In its current, improved version, it has existed since 1975, when the TIR Convention of 1975 was signed and adopted, which is still in force. It replaced previous agreements between individual countries and became the universal legal basis for the system.
Since the 2000s, the system has been globalized by the accession of European members from Asia, the Middle East, South America and Africa, when more than 70 countries became participants. In 2018, China joined, making an important step in the development of transport corridors, including the “New Silk Road”. International TIR transportation has many advantages for signatories of the Convention, since it significantly minimizes customs checks, speeds up border crossings, allows for delivery times and safety. This is possible due to the presence of only a few participants in the system – the carrier, customs and IRU – the International Road Transport Union, which unites and protects the interests of national road transport unions and organizations.
The main document of the system is the TIR carnet, which serves as a customs guarantee and accompanying document, which can be obtained through the national association of international carriers, which is a member of the IRU. To obtain a TIR Carnet, the carrier company must be accredited and registered in the TIR system, which is possible with the availability of special transport and compliance with safety standards. To issue and use a TIR Carnet, a special customs terminal (sealing) is required, as well as compliance with the requirements for vehicles (for example, the presence of protective seals on containers).
What is eTIR and why is it needed
Like many other processes in the surrounding life, TIR transportation is undergoing innovative changes, in particular the transition of registration procedures to the digital space, which is dictated by the logic of modern realities.
Today, an electronic version of the traditional TIR Carnet has been created — eTIR, which simplifies and automates TIR logistics. Unlike a paper document, eTIR is a fully digital system based on the exchange of data between customs authorities and carriers. It was developed to:
- reduce the use of paper documents;
- secure and speed up procedures;
- increase efficiency.
The system operates in the following stages:
- Registration in the national customs system that supports electronic data exchange and obtaining eTIR — possible through the national association of international carriers or directly through the relevant customs service with the provision of data on the vehicle, cargo and other necessary elements of the transportation.
- Electronic registration of the transportation. All information about the transportation is entered into the system through an electronic form, all the necessary fields are filled in — data on the carrier, information on the cargo, route and country of destination. eTIR Carnet is generated and signed at the national level. After that, the document is transferred to the system of other countries that will be transit.
- Border crossing process. Data from eTIR is automatically transmitted to the customs office of the country whose border the cargo has reached. The customs authority checks the data through the system and confirms its compliance. The cargo passes customs without opening the container or additional checks if there are no claims. Customs can easily access the data and verify the correctness of the transport thanks to electronic identifiers – for example, QR codes or other electronic tags.
- Use of electronic seals. Such seals ensure the security of the cargo. Being linked to the eTIR system, they can be checked at each stage of the transport.
- Completion of the transport. Once the cargo has reached its final destination, the eTIR system completes the process, updating all transport data in real time, including the delivery status.
The eTIR sign can now be received by transport from many countries that have joined the pilot project, including Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan, Georgia. In the near future, most EU countries and Ukraine may join the system.
Comparison of TIR and eTIR: main differences
eTIR and TIR, the decoding of which describes the essence of the process, have many similarities in the principle of organization, but differ significantly in the methods of implementation. When participating in the TIR system, the documentation is drawn up in paper form and must be filled out perfectly, after all signatures and approval, even if minor typos and inaccuracies are found, it is not subject to correction. eTIR carnet assumes generation in electronic form with the ability to correct during the filling process.
Automation of data entry and access to them in the eTIR system allows you to:
- minimize the time of data verification at customs;
- effectively track cargo;
- check the integrity of seals;
- successfully cross borders.
The customs authority gets more opportunities for quick control and identification of cargo, which reduces delivery time. The absence of the need for multiple checks and preparation of numerous documents has a positive effect on the speed of international transportation and its cost.
How TVL helps with TIR and eTIR
If you need to send cargo in transit through several countries with a minimum of headaches and maximum safety, contact TVL. With them, you will understand what the presence of the TIR sign on trucks means – it is the safety of your cargo, compliance with standards, support at all stages. TVL employees organize transportation under the TIR system, including Carnet preparation, constant monitoring and tracking of cargo. TVL clients are also provided with any consultations and support on eTIR. By choosing TVL as a carrier, you will ensure fast and safe delivery of your cargo with minimal costs.
