TIR is tried, tested and affordable facilitation instrument for international transport: Senior Advisor, IRU, Geneva

May 28, 2021

NEW DELHI, 28 May 2021: Mr Kazem Asayesh, Senior Advisor, IRU, Geneva yesterday said, "TIR is a tried, tested and affordable facilitation instrument for international transport and trade and today it has 77 contracting parties."

Addressing the webinar on 'Export Awareness on UN TIR System - An easy tool for hassle free movement of goods across international borders', organized by FICCI, jointly with CHEMEXCIL, Mr Asayesh further stated that TIR could be used for the activation of INSTC and Chabahar corridors. It will help India move goods faster without inspection en route along the corridor which is an ambitious multi-modal transportation established in 2000 by India, Iran and Russia to promote transport co-operation.

Mr Raphael Hirt, Project Manager, IRU, Geneva spoke on the e-TIR IT tools and said that the new legal framework for the full digitalization of the TIR system has entered into force across globe on 25 May 2021. He further informed that IRU is closely working with CBIC and FICCI for its early implementation in India.

Mr Deepak Gupta, Acting Executive Director, CHEMEXCIL said, "TIR has proved to be useful and successful instrument and it is the only global customs transit system existing. It significantly reduces the transport time by around 40 percent and costs by 30 percent and over 34000 logistics and transport companies use TIR to move goods across international borders."

Mr PS Pruthi, Senior Consultant, FICCI & Former Member Customs Excise & Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) said that TIR is like a visa for international movement of cargo and facilitates multinational connectivity. "There is a lot for potential for chemical exports from India to Azerbaijan and other CIS countries and members of CHEMEXCIL may link both TIR procedure and export potential to these countries to take maximum advantage of the system," he added.

TIR aims to facilitate the international transport of goods under customs seal with a maximum coverage. The system provides a guarantee covering the customs taxes and duties at risk which is required to pass transit countries and provides a balance between the responsibilities of the customs authorities and the international business community. It prevents delays in border crossing operations- by minimizing the formalities decreases the transportation costs, as a result, encourages the development of international trade. TIR is governed by the United Nations TIR Convention, overseen by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), and managed by IRU, Geneva. TIR stands for "Transports Internationaux Routiers". FICCI has been functioning as National Issuing & Guaranteeing Association for its operation in India.