Ukraine and Turkey recognise benefits of going digital with plans for an eTIR pilot project.
Following the ongoing eTIR pilot projects between Turkey and Iran, which were a resounding success, Ukraine supports plans for a new pilot along an inter-modal trade corridor with Turkey that crosses the Black Sea.
Part of a wider agreement on customs and trade between the two countries, the proposed eTIR pilot reinforces bilateral co-operation, bringing even more benefits to customs, transport operators, holders and associations.
Celebrating the Association of International Road Carriers of Ukraine (AsMAP UA) 25th anniversary in Kiev today, IRU Secretary General, Umberto de Pretto said “We are extremely pleased that Ukraine supports the use of eTIR, the paperless digital TIR system. It will drive more intermodal transport making it more efficient and secure, facilitating trade growth in the region.”
Ukraine’s decision is a milestone for IRU member AsMAP, a strong community of over 3 000 private and public companies carrying passengers and goods to nearly 50 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Head of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine, Roman Nasirov said "The eTIR system provides an exchange of electronic data between the national customs systems regarding international transit of goods in accordance with the provisions of the TIR Convention. For us this is one of the priorities for the coming years."
With proven far-reaching benefits, eTIR has received strong endorsement and interest from additional countries.
Together with the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), IRU worked on the first eTIR pilots in collaboration with the Turkish and Iranian customs authorities, pioneer volunteer transport operators and the two countries’ respective TIR Guaranteeing Associations, TOBB and ICCIMA, which actively supported the implementation and use of the system.
Christian Friis Bach, Executive Secretary of UNECE said “The TIR system has helped us to boost trade and co-operation between countries. With the eTIR system, we can do more, even faster and we can create further benefits.”
Advantages of eTIR include less data entry work, ease of implementation and advance risk assessment. Reducing reliance on the paper carnets, which detail the contents of sealed load compartments and accompany the driver and cargo along the journey. eTIR ensures that customs officers receive cargo information electronically before the cargo arrives. This makes international freight transits even faster, more efficient and more secure, helping to increase trade, boost economic growth and make communities stronger.