International transport is a fundamental building block of global trade and is critical to economic growth and development. However, customs procedures, security measures, and regulations of different countries can complicate cross-border transport. In this regard, the TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) System, developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), stands out as a mechanism that ensures safe, rapid, and efficient international transport.
Given its geographical location, Turkey serves as an important highway bridge between both Europe and Asia. This strategic location has made Türkiye a critical player in international transport. The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) manages the implementation of the TIR System in Türkiye and leads various digitalization projects to increase its effectiveness.
TIR System: History and Basic Principles
The TIR System is based on the TIR Convention, which entered into force in 1975. This system is designed as a mechanism that enables transport vehicles to cross borders safely and quickly, without being subject to customs control. The TIR Carnet enables customs procedures to be carried out with a single document, reducing bureaucratic obstacles at border crossings and reducing logistics costs.
The fundamental principles of the TIR System include security, speed, transparency, and international harmonization. These principles are constantly updated and improved to ensure the system’s effectiveness and sustainability.
UNECE and WP.30: International Management of the TIR System
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) plays a central role in the management and supervision of the TIR Convention. Working Group 30 (WP.30), operating within the UNECE, oversees and guides the implementation, updating, and digitalization of the TIR System. WP.30 meets twice a year to strengthen cooperation among the parties to the TIR Convention and enhance the system’s effectiveness at the international level. The WP.30 meetings address topics such as the digitalization of the TIR System, eTIR projects, security measures, and the improvement of customs procedures. These meetings are a critical platform for ensuring the harmonious and effective operation of the TIR System at the international level.
eTIR: Digitalization and Future Steps
Today, digitalization has initiated a significant transformation process in the logistics and transportation sectors. The TIR System is also experiencing this transformation, transitioning from paper-based processes to digital platforms. eTIR (electronic TIR) is a system that enables the digital issuance of transport documents and the secure sharing of these documents with customs authorities.
The main advantages of eTIR include increased processing speed, reduced bureaucratic barriers, enhanced security, and support for environmental sustainability. UNECE is carrying out various pilot and interconnection projects to increase the international applicability of eTIR. These projects enable the integration and data exchange of customs systems of different countries.
Turkey plays an active role in eTIR projects and contributes to the international dissemination of these projects. TOBB is managing Türkiye’s integration into the eTIR system and providing the necessary infrastructure and training support in this process.
The TIR System in Türkiye and TOBB’s Role
Turkey became a party to the TIR Convention in 1966 and has been effectively implementing the TIR System since then. TOBB is the sole authorized institution in Türkiye to issue and guarantee TIR Carnets. TOBB’s role in the TIR System is not limited to issuing documents but also includes authorizing transport operators, providing training, and managing the system’s digitalization processes.
TOBB’s responsibilities include ensuring the safety of transport vehicles, streamlining customs procedures, and improving the efficiency of logistics processes. To achieve these goals, TOBB organizes various digitalization projects and training programs. For example, integration into the eTIR system, eCMR (electronic CMR) applications, and eATA (electronic ATA Carnet) projects are some of the digitalization initiatives under TOBB’s leadership.
TOBB also plays an active role at the international level. In collaboration with the International Road Transport Union (IRU) and the UNECE, Türkiye strives to align its logistics sector with global standards. This collaboration increases Türkiye’s competitiveness in international transport and strengthens the security of logistics processes.
Global Impact and Sustainability
The TIR System not only accelerates transportation processes but also ensures safety and sustainability.
It also makes significant contributions to awareness. Securing goods, preventing undue delays at border crossings, and increasing operational efficiency generate both economic and environmental benefits. Reducing paper use and optimizing logistics operations through eTIR and digitalization processes supports environmental sustainability.
Turkey and other contracting parties are contributing to the system’s updating and modernization efforts under the leadership of the UNECE, thus creating an effective and safe mechanism for international transport. WP.30 reports are used as a critical tool to measure the system’s effectiveness, identify deficiencies, and propose improvement recommendations.
As a result, the TIR System, developed under the leadership of the UNECE, is now implemented globally as a safe, fast, and cost-effective customs transit mechanism for international transport. WP.30 meetings and reports are key platforms that ensure the continuous development and digitalization of the system. eTIR applications enable the modernization of transport processes and strengthen compliance with international standards. In Türkiye, TOBB plays a central role in the implementation of the TIR System, increasing the country’s effectiveness in the international transport chain through TIR Carnet issuance, operator authorization, and training activities. These efforts enhance Türkiye’s competitiveness in the logistics sector and support the security of cross-border transport.
In conclusion, the TIR System, developed under the leadership of UNECE, and TOBB’s active role in Türkiye offer an important model for reliability, speed, and sustainability in international transport.
Sources
- “TIR Convention.” United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. https://unece.org/transport
- “Working Party on Customs Questions affecting Transport (WP.30) Reports.” https://unece.org/transport/meetings
- “TIR Karnesi ve Uluslararası Taşımacılık.” Türkiye Odalar ve Borsalar Birliği. https://tobb.org.tr
- International Road Transport Union (IRU). “TIR System Overview.” https://www.iru.org/resources/tir
- “eTIR Pilot Project.” https://unece.org/transport/documents
- “Transport and Trade Facilitation.” OECD Publishing, 2021.
- United Nations. “Customs Transit Systems and International Trade.” UN Publications, 2020.
She graduated from Çankaya University Faculty of Law in 2005. In the same year, she completed her master’s degree in Constitutional Law at Çankaya University, Department of Public Law. Until 2011, she worked as an ODY-ÜDY Instructor at Vocational Training Centers affiliated with the Ministry of Transport. For approximately 15 years, she has been working as a legal expert at the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB). Initially, she was involved in Foreign Trade and International Logistics at TOBB and represented the United Nations for nearly seven years. She is currently serving as a legal expert in the SME Policies Directorate within the TOBB Department of Real Sector R&D and Implementation.
Meanwhile, she is working on completing her doctoral dissertation in Administrative Law at Gazi University, Department of Public Law-Administrative Law. After completing her thesis on TOBB, which is recognized by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) in Turkey, she plans to publish it as a book.
Additionally, since 2023, she has been writing columns in the London section of “DÜNDAR HUKUK” and “DÜNDAR LEGAL SERVICE CONSULTANCY,” which have established themselves internationally, particularly in the field of energy and renewable energy.