eTIR
Electronic TIR (digital TIR transit procedure) · Electronic TIR
eTIR is the digital version of the TIR transit system. The data from the paper TIR Carnet is sent electronically, and customs offices on the route share it with each other.
In plain words
Under the classic TIR system, a sealed truck carries a paper carnet that is stamped at each border. With eTIR, the transport operator sends the cargo and route data to customs in advance. Customs at departure accepts it, and the customs offices on the route exchange the data through an international system run under the UN (UNECE). The truck still travels sealed, and the IRU guarantee still covers duties and taxes.
eTIR is part of the TIR Convention (Annex 11, in force since 2021). It only works where the customs of the countries on the route have connected to it. Each country joins on its own schedule, so on some routes the paper carnet is still the only option. Ask your carrier which procedure applies to your route.
Example from real shipping
A truck carries machinery parts from Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan under eTIR. Before departure, the carrier sends the cargo data electronically. At the border, the officer already has the data on screen, checks the seals and the truck continues. No paper carnet pages are filled in or torn out.
Related terms
- TIR CarnetA TIR Carnet is an international customs document that lets a sealed truck carry goods across several countries with customs checks mainly at the start and the end of the journey.
- T1A T1 is a customs transit declaration. It lets goods travel through a customs territory under customs control, without paying import duties and taxes on the way.
- CMRA CMR is the standard transport document for international road freight. It shows that the carrier received the goods, and it travels with the truck.
- TIR-EPDTIR-EPD is a free web application run by the IRU that lets a TIR Carnet holder send the cargo, vehicle and route data of a TIR transport to customs on the route before the truck arrives.
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Request a QuoteThis glossary is general information, not legal or customs advice. Rules, fees, and practice can differ by carrier, port, and country.