TIR System: Agreement on International Road Transportation of Goods (TIR Convention)

In November 1975, during a summary conference held under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the 1975 Convention on the International Carriage of Goods by Road was presented. This convention, which entered into force in 1978, is the most active international transport convention and, essentially, the only universal transit system.

The establishment of the TIR customs transit system began after the end of the Second World War under the auspices of the European Economic Commission. The first TIR agreement was signed by several European states in 1949. The success of this agreement led to the adoption of the TIR Convention by the Transport Committee of the Economic Commission for Europe in 1953. The convention came into force in 1960.

The 1975 TIR Convention replaced the 1949 TIR Convention upon its entry into force. However, the old version of the convention remains in force because some parties to the 1949 TIR Convention are still not parties to the 1975 TIR Convention.

The customs transit system aims to simplify cargo transportation in international trade with customs control and necessary guarantees for transit countries. The TIR system was developed to reduce the difficulties faced by carriers. Additionally, it provides customs authorities with an international control system that can replace traditional national procedures while protecting transit countries from illegal cargo entry.

The achievements of the TIR system can be measured by the number of TIR books issued daily. In 1952, more than 3,000 books were published, and by 1960 this number increased to 100,000. In the 1970s and 1980s, demand for TIR books ranged from 500,000 to 900,000 per year. Due to the expansion of economic ties between Eastern and Western Europe and the increase in the volume of international road transport, the number of transport operations using TIR carnets exceeded 1 million in 1992 and reached 3.6 million in 2006.

This success is attributed to the TIR system's ability to simplify the work of customs authorities and carriers. The TIR system and the 1975 TIR Convention have proven to be powerful and effective tools, significantly contributing to the development of international trade and transport networks both within Europe and between Europe and the rest of the world.