Cargo going to Iran crosses the border under a TIR carnet; Iran is not a party to the Common Transit Convention, so a T1 declaration is not valid there. A T1 can only be used for the part of a European shipment that stays within the common transit area, for example from the EU to an office of destination in Turkey. For cargo leaving Turkey, the carnet is opened at the office of departure and the truck is sealed.
Which transit document is valid in Iran?
The choice of transit document depends on which transit convention the countries on the route have joined. According to the European Commission, the common transit (T1) area is made up of the EU, the EFTA countries, Turkey, North Macedonia, Serbia, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova and Montenegro; Iran is not part of it. UN records, on the other hand, show Iran as a party to the TIR Convention since 1984. The transit document for cargo crossing the Iranian border is therefore the TIR carnet. A general comparison is in the T1 or TIR carnet entry.
Which set-ups are used for cargo from Europe?
| Set-up | EU → Turkey section | Turkey → Iran section | Point to watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| TIR from start to finish | The carnet is opened at the office of departure in the EU | The same carnet is valid up to the office of destination in Iran | The carnet must have enough vouchers for every customs office on the route |
| T1 followed by TIR | T1 (NCTS) up to an office of destination in Turkey | The T1 is discharged and the goods continue under a new transit document (TIR carnet) | Two separate declarations and guarantees; formalities in Turkey can add waiting time |
The European Commission notes that TIR can be used within the EU only for international transport; cargo whose destination is Iran meets this condition. The set-up is chosen according to the practice of the customs broker in the loading country, the guarantee options available and whether transhipment is needed. For the common transit rules, see the Common Transit Convention entry.
How does the carnet work for exports from Turkey?
For exports from Turkey to Iran, the goods are declared at an inland customs office; once the TIR carnet is accepted at the office of departure and the truck is sealed, a single document covers the journey through an exit gate such as Gürbulak–Bazargan to the office of destination in Iran. According to the Turkish Ministry of Trade, a carnet is valid for one journey only; if goods taken abroad are sent back, they cannot re-enter Turkey under the same carnet. The relationship between the export declaration and the transit declaration is explained in the export T1 vs transit T1 entry.
Which TIR carnet rules matter?
- Validity: The period is set by TOBB; a carnet issued to a Turkish carrier is valid for 120 days and one issued to a foreign carrier for 10 days, and neither can be extended. A carnet accepted by the office of departure before it expires remains valid until the transport is completed.
- Guarantee: The maximum guarantee for Turkey is EUR 100,000. For dutiable cargo above this amount where a risk is also identified, customs first turns to the vehicle tracking system (ATS).
- Heavy or bulky goods: The cover and vouchers of the carnet carry the words "HEAVY OR BULKY GOODS"; if such cargo travels together with ordinary goods, a separate carnet is issued and a special load permit is obtained from the General Directorate of Highways (KGM).
Which option is preferred in which case?
- Cargo loaded in Turkey and going directly to Iran: TIR carnet.
- Cargo loaded in the EU and going to Iran without transhipment in Turkey: usually a TIR carnet from start to finish.
- Cargo from the EU that is placed in a bonded warehouse or split in Turkey: T1 as far as Turkey, then a TIR carnet.
How does Voltim Global work on the Europe–Iran lane?
On Voltim Global's Europe → Turkey → Iran lane, the Budapest office coordinates loading on the EU side; the truck enters Turkey at Kapıkule and crosses into Iran at Gürbulak–Bazargan. Transit documents, including the TIR carnet and T1, border coordination and tracking are managed by Voltim Global. To get a price, send the loading and delivery addresses, the type of goods, dimensions and weight and the ready date; details are on the road freight from Europe to Iran and bonded and transit transport pages.