6.1 INTRODUCTION

• TIR means Transports Internationaux Routiers.
• TIR Carnets operate under the Customs Convention on the International Transport of Goods by Road.
• A TIR Carnet provides a customs facility for goods in approved vehicles or sealed containers to transit countries with minimal customs formalities.
• It does not give a haulier the right to operate.
• The source states that a TIR Carnet may be used for one outward or one return journey starting or finishing outside the UK.
• TIR movements between the UK and EU must be declared electronically in advance through NCTS.
• NCTS generates a TAD which is affixed to the TIR Carnet and carried throughout the journey.

6.2 ISSUES AND GUARANTEES

• The TIR scheme is administered internationally by the International Road Transport Union (IRU).
• The source states that RHA and Logistics UK are UK issuing bodies as IRU members.
• They also act as guarantors and may be liable for duties, taxes, interest and other charges.
• The issuing associations require appropriate insurance/security because of this liability.
• The guarantee is valid from acceptance by UK Customs until unconditional discharge in another country.
• The source states that the guarantee covers goods in the sealed section even if not entered on the Carnet.
• Customs claims may be made up to 3 years after an undischarged or reserved discharge, subject to the conditions stated in the source.
• Once a claim is made, the associations have 3 months to pay.
• The source states a current liability limit of US$50,000 per carnet.
• The source notes that TIR procedures were withdrawn for tobacco and alcohol because of fraud concerns.
• Sensitive goods, including meat, livestock, milk, butter and sugar, may require substantial monetary guarantees.

6.3 THE CARNET

• The TIR Carnet is a booklet of vouchers (volets) and counterfoils used for Customs control.
• The cover contains key information such as names, addresses, dates, countries of departure/destination, vehicle registration and goods details.
• It includes an operator/agent declaration, rules for use and an accident report form.
• The Carnet must conform to the TIR Convention standard.
• The source states it must be printed in French, with details completed in the exporting country's language; translations may be required.
• Entries must be legible and accurate; erasing/overwriting is not permitted.
• Corrections are made by crossing out errors, adding the correct information and initialling the change.
• The source states that TIR Carnets have a maximum validity of 75 days.
• Each page contains a pair of vouchers and a counterfoil for Customs stamps.
• The source states that RHA and Logistics UK require used Carnets to be returned within 10 days of discharge at destination.

6.4 CUSTOMS PROCEDURES

• For TIR purposes, the EU's 27 Member States are treated as one large state.
• The TIR system is principally for use outside the EU, but EU Customs authorities recognise the procedure.
• Vehicles can transit the EU without border checks under the TIR procedure.
• At the office of departure, Customs checks the consignment, seals the vehicle, records seal numbers, removes a voucher and stamps the counterfoil.
• At the EU/non-EU border, documents and seals are checked and another voucher is removed.
• At each non-EU border, vouchers are removed and counterfoils stamped to evidence exit and entry.
• At destination, the final voucher is removed and the counterfoil stamped; the load can then be discharged.
• The driver must ensure the Carnet is returned by Customs at destination to prove that the movement was correctly discharged.

6.5 ACCIDENT PROCEDURE

• If seals are broken or goods are accidentally damaged/destroyed, a certified report must be prepared and signed by Customs or police.
• The report forms must conform to the TIR Convention and are printed in French, with copies in relevant languages.
• If transhipment is necessary, it may only be carried out under Customs or police supervision.
• Details of new seals must be entered on the Carnet by the authorised officer.

6.6 VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS

• TIR vehicles, trailers and containers must allow Customs seals to be fixed simply and effectively.
• Goods must not be removable or insertable without breaking seals or leaving obvious signs.
• There must be no concealed spaces where goods can be hidden.
• Construction requirements cover doors, closing systems, welding, rivets, bolts, hinges and sealing arrangements.
• Sheets/tarpaulins must be constructed and maintained so access would leave obvious traces.
• Vehicles must have a device protecting the Customs seal.

6.7 VEHICLE APPROVAL

• Vehicles must be approved by the competent authority in the country where the owner/carrier is resident or established.
• In the UK, DVSA is the designated authority.
• TIR approval examinations are carried out at LGV testing stations.
• DVSA issues a GV60 approval certificate.
• The source states that GV60 is valid for 2 years and is not transferable.
• Vehicles/trailers must carry the original GV60 plus two colour photographs showing the locking device and an oblique view.
• If the vehicle is changed, new photographs should be provided.
• If the GV60 is lost/damaged, the vehicle or trailer generally needs re-inspection and approval before being used under TIR again.

6.8 TIR PLATES

• TIR vehicles must display TIR plates at the front and rear.
• Plate size: 250 mm × 400 mm.
• The plates show white 'TIR' letters on a blue background.
• They must be clearly visible, removable/coverable and capable of being sealed by Customs.

6.9 HEAVY OR BULKY GOODS

• Goods too large for closed vehicles/containers may travel under TIR if the source conditions are met.
• Goods must not readily be dismantled.
• Goods must be clearly identifiable from their description on the Carnet.
• No part of the goods may be removed or replaced.
• There must be no hidden spaces in the goods or vehicle where other goods could be concealed.

6.10 CONTROL OF TIR DOCUMENTATION

• TIR Carnets are valuable customs documents and must be kept secure.
• Drivers must ensure Customs records the correct seal numbers.
• Drivers must ensure Customs at each non-EU frontier removes the correct voucher and stamps the counterfoil.
• The completed Carnet should be returned to the operator immediately on the driver's return.
• The source states that used/expired Carnets must be returned to the issuing association within 10 days.