Goodbye TIR for Market
Page 7
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
AS FORECAST in CM November 21, a new TIR Customs convention has been shaped by the United Nations and this will be open for signature on January 1, 1976. At least five signatures from participating nations will be required before the new terms can come into effect.
From the same date, the transport of freight to other Common Market countries will have to be under the cover of the Community Transit System and TIR will no longer be valid in this context.
Under the new agreement, cover will be extended to include transport by a mixture of modes, perhaps by road, rail and sea in turn or in any combination.
Crossing non-participating countries will present no problem either, when the transport is between two participants with a non-participant intervening.
Unlike the present arrangements where a truck and trailer require two carnets— one for each vehicle—the new terms call for only one carnet to cover the whole outfit.
Though the International Road Transport Union (IRU) and its national member associations—the Road Haulage Association and the Freight Transport Association in the UK—will relinquish their liabilities for any financial penalties imposed for abuse of the system, they will continue as guarantors of the Customs duty which might be due.
Also new is the possibility of national authorities waiving duty on goods lost or destroyed by accident; and cover for goods which cannot be sealed because of their dimensions.