Iraq Begins Implementing The TIR System: A Step Towards Boosting International Trade And Reducing Transportation Costs, 27 MARCH

Buratha News Agency832025-03-25   The American Transportation Bulletin, a website specializing in commercial shipping affairs, stated that Iraq will begin implementing a global transportation system next week, marking the beginning of a new era in logistics and international trade. 

The website's report explained that the TIR system will become fully operational when it goes live in Iraq on April 1, 2025.  TIR is an international customs transit system that allows goods to pass from the country of origin to the country of destination in sealed loading containers with customs controls throughout the supply chain, helping transportation companies and customs authorities save significant time and money at the border.

The report also noted that this important achievement strengthens Iraq's position as a major trading hub in the Middle East, making the transport of goods more efficient and secure across and beyond Iraq's borders.

In addition, the report stated that the TIR system will play a significant role in transforming Iraq's "Development Road" project into reality, which will connect southern Iraq to northern Iraq and provide an efficient trade corridor linking Asia, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Turkey, and Europe.

According to the report, logistics and transportation companies are ready to begin implementing TIR operations from points of origin such as Mersin in Türkiye to GCC countries via the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr.

Trial operations have shown that this journey can be completed in less than a week, compared to a minimum of 14 days via the Red Sea, or 26 days if the ship has to make a circuit around Africa.

In contrast, Iraqi Minister of Transport Razzaq Al-Saadawi stated: "The operation of the TIR system in Iraq, in which the IRU played a significant role, represents a major achievement, positioning the country for a new phase of potential investment and inter-trade with our neighbors and other countries in the region."

Al-Saadawi added that TIR will benefit from Iraq's strategic location, contributing to enhancing the efficiency of cross-border trade. He noted that this move, supported by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, will reduce transportation time by 80% and costs by 38%, providing significant economic benefits and job opportunities.

Al-Saadawi added that Iraq has worked to develop its land transport infrastructure over the past two years in cooperation with all relevant stakeholders, and that the government is committed to maximizing the benefits of the system to support the transport sector and the national economy.

For his part, IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto expressed his enthusiasm for this "historic" achievement, saying: "For nearly eight decades, the TIR system has contributed to promoting safe trade, and I look forward to seeing the first TIR truck cross Iraqi territory."

He explained that these trucks will transit the country smoothly through corridors that provide a high level of security, opening a new chapter in Iraq's role in international trade.

The report concluded by emphasizing that integrating the electronic pre-declaration system with the local Iraqi TIR platform will allow for advance submission of shipment information, enhancing the efficiency of customs procedures.

Meanwhile, stakeholders will be able to closely monitor trucks using GPS technology, with regular checkpoints to ensure the safety of shipments and transportation so they reach their final destination safely and on time.   https://burathanews.com/arabic/economic/458009