TIR – International Transportation

We are often approached with the following question: “What is ‘TIR Carnet’?”. In order to answer this question we need to find out what “TIR” stands for. TIR is a translation from French and means “International Transportation”, or ITC (Transports Internationaux Routiers). Companies that specialize in international transportation and are members of TIR Convention, receive a so-called “TIR Carnet”.

“TIR Carnet” is a customs document which is used in transportation of goods, when customs control between EU and third countries takes place. It is a carrier’s document, according to which payment of customs duties are guaranteed. The payment cannot exceed 50 000 USD (60 000 EUR within EU) for each ITC book with a condition that goods will fall in free circulation before completion of customs formalities and the payment of import duty.

The aim of the above document is to relieve duty procedures and guarantee rapid movement of goods. In reality, this means that after the goods are loaded, the car is being sealed, and a driver, by providing the TIR Carnet, drives to the destination without cargo inspection at the borders.