A TIR carnet is an international customs transit and guarantee document under the 1975 TIR Convention that allows goods to be carried in a sealed vehicle or container through more than one country without paying duties and taxes at intermediate customs offices and, as a rule, without inspection. Carnets are printed by the IRU and, in Türkiye, distributed by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) as the guaranteeing association.
What elements is the TIR system based on?
TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) was established in 1959, comprehensively revised in 1975 and today operates under the supervision of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). The carnet is the visible face of this system; behind it are five complementary elements:
- Secure vehicle or container: The load compartment is approved so that it can be closed with a customs seal and leaves no concealed spaces.
- International guarantee chain: National guaranteeing associations guarantee the duties and taxes that could arise if the cargo is lost en route. For Türkiye, the maximum guarantee is EUR 100,000 per carnet.
- Carnet: A single document serves as both the customs declaration and proof of the guarantee.
- Mutual recognition of controls: The seal and control of the customs office of departure are accepted along the route.
- Controlled access: Only authorised transport operators may use the carnet.
What is it for and why is it preferred?
Without TIR, a separate declaration is lodged and a separate guarantee is deposited in each transit country, and the cargo may be opened for inspection. Cargo carried under a carnet travels sealed to its destination unless there is suspicion. According to the IRU, the system can reduce transport time by up to 80% and costs by up to 38%. The Convention has 78 contracting parties (77 states and the EU); in Iraq, the most recent to join, TIR operations began in April 2025.
Who issues the carnet and who uses it?
Carnets are printed by the IRU and distributed in each country through the national guaranteeing association. In Türkiye this role is performed by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (Türkiye Odalar ve Borsalar Birliği, TOBB). The transport operator who receives the carnet is the "carnet holder" and is responsible for the proper completion of the transit. Application and authorisation steps are described in the entry on how to obtain a TIR carnet.
How do the vouchers work?
The carnet consists of a cover, a yellow goods manifest and vouchers made up of white-green pairs. Carnets are printed with different numbers of vouchers; since one pair (white and green) is used in each country crossed, a carnet with 14 vouchers, for example, is enough for a route of at most 7 countries. The customs office of entry or departure detaches voucher no. 1, and the customs office of exit or destination detaches voucher no. 2. The total number of customs offices of departure and destination in a TIR operation may not exceed four.
Vehicle approval and the TIR plate
- After inspection by the customs administration, the vehicle or trailer receives a Certificate of Approval valid for two years. For containers, an approval plate is used instead of a certificate.
- A 250 × 400 mm plate bearing the white letters "TIR" on a blue background is fitted to the front and rear of the vehicle.
- Heavy or bulky goods that cannot be sealed may also be carried in a non-approved vehicle; this is indicated on the carnet cover and customs takes additional measures.
Where is it valid and when is the T1 preferred?
TIR is valid in Europe, the Middle East, the Caucasus, Central Asia and North Africa. It is the main document for cargo going to Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Kazakhstan. For cargo going to the EU and Common Transit countries, however, the T1 via NCTS often remains more practical; the selection criteria are compared in the entry on T1 or TIR carnet. For the electronic version, see the entry on the eTIR system.
Common mistakes
- Writing a vague description such as "goods as per invoice" in box 10 of the manifest
- Running out of vouchers when the route changes
- An expired vehicle Certificate of Approval
- A seal number on the carnet that differs from the seal on the vehicle
How does Voltim Global help?
Voltim Global works under the TIR procedure on road shipments from Russia to Akkuyu via Upper Lars–Georgia and Iran. In its transit customs clearance and international road transport services, carnet, route and seal planning are carried out together.