How TIR works

TIR enables goods to transit from a country of origin to a country of destination in sealed load compartments that are controlled by customs via a multilateral, mutually recognised system.

• A TIR operator purchases a TIR guarantee and loads goods into an approved container or load compartiment.
• A TIR Electronic Pre-Declaration (TIR-EPD) is sent simultaneousy to multiple customs offices at departure and destination, including relevant border crossings throughout the journey with information on the goods being moved.
• Goods are inspected by the customs office of departure, or an authorised consignor. The load compartiment of the vehicle or container receives an approved customs seal and opens a transit operation. The goods are then released for transit.
• The truck starts its journey. Goods can be loaded or unloaded up to eight locations per TIR transport under control.
  Truck or containers with the iconic blue plate are moving goods under TIR.
• The cargo arrives ar a transit country border. Customs make sure the seals are intact and check the data. If all data matches, the truck is sent on its way. 
  TIR is a global harmonised system, so there is no need for different documents or separate guarantees in each country of transit.
  TIR is integrated with custons IT systems meaning authorities can check the validity of a guarantee and other relevant transport data at any time from within their own system.
  Because TIR is intermodal, goods can be transported by rail, sea, air, as well as by road.
• The truck arrives at the final destination with the load compartiment sealed.
• At the customs office of destination, the seals are checked to ensure they haven't been tampered with. The truck is unsealed, the goods are inspected and the TIR operation is terminated. An electronic confirmation is sent to IRU and all stakeholders by customs.