Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have completed the first two transport operations using the eTIR system — the electronic version of the international TIR/Transports Internationaux Routiers system, reports the International Road Transport Union (IRU).
This marks a new stage in the digitalization of road transport in Central Asia.
The first operation involved the transport of vehicles from Kyrgyzstan to Tajikistan, and the second — the delivery of auto parts in the opposite direction. The eTIR electronic guarantees were issued by IRU members: the Association of the International Road Transport Operators of the Kyrgyz Republic (AIRTO KR), and the Association of International Road Transport Operators of the Republic of Tajikistan ABBAT.
Both transports were processed through the National eTIR Application, developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). This application allows countries to connect more quickly to the digital TIR/Transports Internationaux Routiers procedures without the immediate need to create their own complex IT infrastructure.
Before the launch of operations, UNECE and IRU conducted training sessions for customs officials and transport industry representatives. The training took place in Osh and Kyzyl-Bel in Kyrgyzstan, as well as in Khujand in Tajikistan, with the support of AIRTO KR, ABBAT, and the customs administrations of both countries.
The IRU notes that the first operations are the result of cooperation between customs authorities, road transport associations, IRU, and UNECE. The organizations intend to continue working with national authorities and partners to expand the use of eTIR in Central Asia and beyond.
TIR/Transports Internationaux Routiers is an international customs transit system. It allows goods to be transported across borders in sealed load compartments under a single system of guarantees and control. According to the IRU, eTIR is the digital evolution of this system, aimed at simplifying data exchange between customs, transporters, and guarantee associations.
UNECE is one of the regional commissions of the United Nations. It is involved in developing rules, standards, and conventions that help simplify trade and transport procedures between countries.
