A long lasting public-private partnership, probably the longest in the history of the United Nations, between the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) and IRU, the world’s road transport organization as the voice of more than 3.5 million companies operating mobility and logistics services in over 100 countries. IRU is being authorized by the Administrative Committee of the TIR Convention (AC.2) to issue and disseminate the TIR Carnets as well as to operate the international guarantee system.

Anyone who has ever traveled on European roads will recognize the familiar blue and white TIR plate, borne by thousands of trucks and semi-trailers using the TIR customs transit system. For the driver, the transport operator and the shipper, this plate stands for fast and efficient international road transport.

Over the last decades, international trade has expanded faster than global GDP. This globalization trend is expected to continue as a consequence of fading barriers. The current re-localization trends may slow down this process, but they will not reverse it. Moving freight across borders requires the fulfillment of a set of national Customs procedures governed by national legislation, implemented by Customs staff and designed to ensure national security and to guarantee the compliance with national norms and standards; and to generate government revenue through duties and taxes. For some countries it may also serve as a way to protect national industries and services.

In February 2020, Countries have adopted provisions providing the legal basis for the paperless operation of the United Nations TIR Convention (the so-called eTIR) - the only global customs transit system, facilitating trade and the seamless and secure movement of goods across borders.