Extension of TIR scheme
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ANUMBER of European organizations are
currently giving serious thought to the possible modification and extension of the TIR scheme. The Common Market executive is considering the establishment of a guarantee system applicable to all types of transport which would be very similar to the existing TIR system.
Much of the discussion on possible amendments to the TIR Convention is prompted by the needs of the growing transatlantic traffic in large containers. The US government is alleged to have indicated there would be little or no value in its ratification of the Convention so long as its scope remains limited to road transport containers.
Behind the scenes. US interests, both official and commercial, are obviously setting the pace and obliging such bodies as IRU and the International Container Bureau to expedite the formulation of concrete proposals for the adaptation of TIR to embrace containers which are not carried throughout by road. The ICB recently set up a special comminh to review the whole problem and put forwa, recommendations for the introduction of son form of carnet which would provide adequa guarantees to Customs in respect of large-sea container traffic.
After initial opposition to any variation of tl Convention in favour of containers, IRU no appears to have come down squarely for completely liberal approach. Its TIR commith is advocating an amendment to Article 2 of a Convention so as to take in under TIR all types 4 containers, irrespective of the fact that the throug transport may not be wholly by road.
So far little attention seems to have been give either by the ICB or IRU to the technical an administrative problems involved in extendir TIR in this way. Most important, there remains t be clarified the attitude of Customs both here an abroad, particularly as regards the standar of control to be required.