The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and International Road Transport Union (IRU) have issued a series of recommendations for border crossing operations during COVID 19, drawing on the benefits offered by tried and tested UN Conventions.

Now more than ever, the global economy relies on safe, secure and efficient border crossing, therefore the UNECE and IRU recommend haulage operators to use TIR, particularly eTIR, to ensure seamless and paperless border crossing.

The UNECE and IRU also recommend operators to implement measures in a coordinated and harmonised way.

Cross border customs cooperation as well as cooperation with other national border agencies is essential, according to the two bodies.

All parties should collectively prevent discriminatory measures and establish green lanes for goods transport to minimise waiting times at the border, the two bodies affirm.

Managed by the IRU, TIR is the only global transit solution, with 76 Contracting Parties around the world. With several countries now having passed the peak of their coronavirus outbreaks and seeking to resume certain sectors of the economy, TIR presents the best means of supporting the post COVID-19 recovery phase. It enables continuous cargo flows from a country of origin, through transit countries, to a country of destination with no cargo handling en route.

TIR cuts transport times by nearly 60% and costs by up to 40%. These advantages can be put to good use to resume trade flows safely and securely, and support global, regional and national efforts to restart the economy as quickly as possible.

International Road Transport Association

About the Author: John Loughran