Iraq is set to reap the benefits of the global TIR transit system when it goes live next week in the country, marking a new era in international logistics and trade.
The TIR system will become fully operational in Iraq from 1 April 2025.
With this significant milestone, Iraq is poised to strengthen its position as a key trade hub in the Middle East, making goods transport more efficient and secure across the country’s borders and beyond.
The TIR system will play a crucial role in turning Iraq’s Development Road Project into a reality. This initiative connects southern and northern Iraq, also providing an efficient trade corridor linking Asia, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, Türkiye and Europe.
Logistics and transport companies are ready to start TIR operations from departure points such as Mersin, Türkiye, to the GCC via the Iraqi seaport of Umm Qasr. Pilot operations have shown that this journey can be completed in less than one week, compared to a minimum of 14 days via the Red Sea, or up to 26 days if the ship needs to reroute around Africa.
Iraq Transport Minister H.E. Razzaq Muhaibes Al-Saadawi said, “The operationalisation of the TIR system in the Republic of Iraq, in which IRU played a significant role, marks a significant milestone as it places the country on the brink of a new phase of potential investments and interregional trade with our neighbours and other countries in the region.
“The TIR system is expected to leverage Iraq’s strategic location and to increase the efficiency of cross-border trade. We believe that the activation of TIR in Iraq – an initiative supported by H.E. the Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani – is set to reduce transport time by 80% and costs by 38%, creating substantial economic benefits and job opportunities.
“For the last two years, we have been working tirelessly on upgrading the road transport infrastructure in cooperation with all relevant parties. We are therefore committed to maximising the advantages of the TIR system in Iraq to boost the transport sector and the national economy.”
IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto, expressing his enthusiasm for this landmark achievement, said, “For almost eight decades, TIR has been driving secure trade. I look forward to seeing the first TIR truck crossing the territory of Iraq.
“Trucks will seamlessly transit the country and proceed along corridors offering a high level of security, opening a new chapter for the country and its role in international trade.
“With transport times and costs set to be slashed across the country and region, this will be an historic moment for global trade and broader economic integration in the Middle East.”
The integration of TIR’s Electronic Pre-Declaration (TIR-EPD) system with Iraq’s national URUK platform allows the submission of advance cargo information. Throughout a journey, trucks can be closely monitored using GPS tracking, while regular checkpoints ensure cargo and transport security, before it ultimately reaches its final destination safely and on time.
The operationalisation of TIR in Iraq is expected to boost trade efficiency, attract foreign investment, and facilitate greater connectivity between regional and international markets. With TIR now in place, Iraq is reinforcing its commitment to secure, streamlined and reliable trade facilitation and logistics, paving the way for a more prosperous economic future.
TIR is a globally recognised trade facilitation tool, backed by the UN TIR convention and managed by IRU, ensuring the seamless, secure and cost-effective transit of goods across international borders.