TIR

The TIR system is an international transit system for the transportation of goods by road, based on the TIR Convention, which came into force in 1975. There are 68 contracting parties to the TIR Convention, of which 58 are operational under the TIR system.

What is a TIR Carnet?

A TIR Carnet is an international transit document, which allows a carrier, under the TIR Convention, to transport goods without additional customs procedures within customs territories, enabling faster transportation. As one of the main pillars of the TIR system, the TIR Carnet based on the Convention, acts as a form of insurance for goods in transport, making it the safest system for such operations.

A TIR Carnet can consist of 4, 6, 14, or 20 vouchers.

Goals of the TIR system are as follows:

• Simplification and harmonization of customs procedures;
• Reduction of costs;
• Faster border crossing flows;
• Transport of goods under customs control.

The system operates in the following manner: Goods are transported in sealed vehicles or containers, subject to periodic inspections under strict regulations (vehicle inspections are conducted by the Customs Administration of Montenegro). The goods are accompanied by a TIR Carnet, which serves as proof of the control measures carried out at the departure customs office. A guaranteeing international chain provides protection for customs duties and taxes in transit countries. Authorized TIR carnet issuers and national guarantors are typically the chambers of commerce of member countries.

The TIR Department of the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro began operating on January 15, 2008.

Advantages of the TIR system are as follows:

• Reducing transport costs by minimizing formalities and delays during transit;
• Facilitating transit by applying standardized regulations and documentation;
• Encouraging development of the international trade as final result;
• Reducing delays and transportation costs;
• Minimizing the need for physical inspection of goods in transit.

Procedure and documentation required for admission into the TIR system include the folowing: In the first phase, carriers interested in joining the TIR system must initially submit the following documents to the TIR Department of the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro (CEM):

• Certified copy of the company registration decision (issued by the Commercial Court of Montenegro);
• Certified license or license extract for international road transport of goods (issued by the Transport Directorate of Montenegro);
• Balance sheets and income statements for the previous two years;
• Proof of knowledge of the TIR Convention/TIR procedures.

In the second phase, i.e. after the complete documentation has been submitted, the Association will fill out the Approval Request Form for the customs authorities and submit it to the Customs Administration of Montenegro. The customs authorities will verify that the applicant has not committed multiple serious violations of customs or tax laws.

Once the Customs Administration of Montenegro approves the application in the TIR system, the carrier must submit an Admission Guarantee in the amount of USD 5,000, in the form of a bank guarantee. Then, the carrier must sign two copies of the Declaration of Commitment at the TIR Department. One copy remains with the carrier, and the other in the TIR Department to be kept at the TIR file. The applicant will also receive a copy of the TIR Carnet Holder’s Manual, along with a confirmation form, which must be signed declaring that they have received the manual and agree to comply with the rules contained therein.

Additional documents, which are required are as folllows:

• Carrier Admission Form for the TIR system (includes company data);
• Vehicle Form (list of vehicles designated for TIR transport);
• TIR Carnet Authorization Form (details of at least two individuals authorized to collect/return TIR carnets need to be sumbitted);
• Bank Details Form (bank information for the applicant needs to be submitted).

TIR Carnet Appearance

The TIR Carnet form consists of:

• Cover page – front cover in a distinctive yellow color;
• Goods Manifest (yellow) – not used for customs purposes;
• Sets of vouchers and control coupons in white and green;
• Official report form and the back cover of the carnet (also yellow), with an identification card.

The TIR Carnet is printed in French, except for the cover page, which is printed in both French and English, and the Goods Manifest, which is in English.

Contact Person: Balša Burić

Address: Jovana Tomaševića St. 9/5

Phone: +382 68 820 045

Email: bburic@pkcg.org