1. REGIONAL TIR SEMINAR Sofia, 11 and 12 May 2006
TIR Convention

2. Background First Convention 1958, revision 1975
From 6 to 65 Contracting Parties (Operational: 55 countries)
Only global transit procedure
Intermodal (trucks and containers)
Regional TIR Seminar
Sofia, May 2006

3. The TIR Convention, a Customs Convention
Objectives
The TIR Convention, a Customs Convention
Facilitate international transit transport of goods through
Simplified Customs procedures for transit
Protect Customs revenue through
An international guarantee system
Regional TIR Seminar
Sofia, May 2006

4. The five Pillars of the TIR system
Secure vehicles
or containers
International
guarantee
Document
(TIR Carnet)
Controlled
access
Mutual recognition
of Customs
controls
Regional TIR Seminar
Sofia, May 2006

5. Additional, non-obligatory security elements
Time-limits
Fixed itineraries
Escorts
Regional TIR Seminar
Sofia, May 2006

6. Advantages Customs Authorities
No physical inspection of goods in transit
No national guarantee system
No national Customs documentation
Efficient control procedures for goods in transit
Transport and Trade
Minimum procedures delays at borders
Lower transport costs, i.e. export/import costs
No restriction in the modes of transport
Regional TIR Seminar
Sofia, May 2006

7. Geographical scope Contracting Parties: 65 States +European Union
Contracting Party where Convention is applied (2003)
Contracting Party where Convention is not applied (2003)
Potential Contracting Party
Regional TIR Seminar
Sofia, May 2006

8. Number of TIR Carnets issued
YEAR
TIR CARNETS ISSUED
1959
67,000
1969
790,035
1980
718,612
1990
748,600
2000
2,782,600
2005
3,240,650
Regional TIR Seminar
Sofia, May 2006

9. Public Private Partnership (PPP)
Public sector :
Contracting Parties
UNECE, Convention Bodies
UNECE, Guardian of the legal text of the Convention
Support / training / capacity building all parties
Private sector:
IRU (National Associations, Transport Operators)
Administration of TIR Carnets and Guarantee
Extensive & harmonized admission procedures
Training/support national associations and operators
Regional TIR Seminar
Sofia, May 2006

10. Issues for consideration
Correct national implementation by both Customs and operators paramount
Geographical expansion
Intermodal application
TIR transit is an element in supply chain security
Implementation of modern ITC practices is important for TIR efficiency
Regional TIR Seminar
Sofia, May 2006

11.
Regional TIR Seminar
Sofia, May 2006