Project

A. General Information

1. Title

Iran-Azerbaijan eTIR project

2. Status of the project
Operating
3. Implementation period of the project/service:
From
2018
To
--
5. Geographical coverage
Bilateral
Participating countries: Azerbaijan, Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Hub Point: Iran (Islamic Republic of)
6. Participating agencies/entities of the project/service:
a. Development stage
Lead agencies/entities
Iranian Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, Azerbaijan International Road Carriers Associations, Iranian Customs, Azerbaijani Customs
Other participating agencies/entities
--
b. Operational stage
Lead agencies/entities (op)
Iranian Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, Azerbaijan International Road Carriers Associations, Iranian Customs, Azerbaijani Customs
Other participating agencies/entities (op)
--
7. Main stakeholders/beneficiaries of the project
Traders (big enterprises)
Traders (SMEs)
Customs
8. Business process category of the project
Forwarding and cargo handling
Transport

B. Lessons Learned

9. Summary description of the project/service
Brief Summary

Iran and Azerbaijan customs offices launched joint online service known as eTIR project to speed up customs formalities between the two countries. Mutual consent was given to the introduction of a digital version of TIR on routes between these countries.


 

a. Objective(s)

Moving to eTIR offers transport operators in both countries real-time data availability, online monitoring and improved reliability. The new legal framework for the full digitalization of the TIR system (the so-called eTIR) entered into force on May 25.2021 opening eTIR to 77 countries across five continents. “This landmark change will allow for completely paperless cross-border transit of goods, under the customs guarantee of the TIR system,” reads the release. The TIR system operates in almost 70 countries and continues to expand. Following Egypt’s accession to the TIR Convention at the end of last year, countries in Africa, Asia and South America continue to proactively move towards the accession and subsequent implementation of the fully paperless system. The TIR system is administered by its Contracting Parties under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), and is governed by the provisions of the TIR Convention. It constitutes a public-private partnership between the Contracting Parties and the international guarantee chain, which is managed by the International Road Transport Union (IRU) – the world’s road transport organization – and national associations. It is currently in operation in 58 countries, covering the whole of Europe and extending to North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. In July 2016, China became the 70th Contracting Party to the TIR Convention, marking an important new milestone for its ongoing global expansion.

b. Business need for the project (background)

The eTIR replaces the paper TIR Carnet, which traditionally serves as a Customs declaration, and accompanies the driver and cargo along the itinerary. Ensuring that Customs officers receive cargo information electronically before the cargo arrives, the eTIR makes international freight transport faster, more efficient, and more secure, contributing to increasing trade and boosting economic growth.

c. Business process covered*
--
d. Overall architecture and functionalities*
--
e. Relevant document/figure
--
10. Documents and data exchanged via the project

The eTIR replaces the paper TIR Carnet, which traditionally serves as a Customs declaration, and accompanies the driver and cargo along the itinerary. Ensuring that Customs officers receive cargo information electronically before the cargo arrives, the eTIR makes international freight transport faster, more efficient, and more secure, contributing to increasing trade and boosting economic growth.

11. Data models/databases, proprietary solutions, hybrid approaches

- WCO Data model - WCO Data elements - UNTDED - Core Components - UN/EDIFACT - Code lists: UNECE, ISO,..

12. Main challenges faced during the project
--
13. Lessons learned from the project
--
14. Main benefit(s) of the project
Enhanced regulatory compliance*
Transaction Cost savings*
Transaction Time savings
Simplified process
14A. Elaborations/detailed description on benefits gained
--
15. Technical/financial/capacity building/other assistance
--
16. Future plan for expansion of the project
--
17. Other information or relevant references on the project

eTIR relies on the principles contained in the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade, and makes use of the WCO Data Model.

18. Relevant document regarding the project
--

C. Relevant Standards

20. Electronic message standard
20A. Electronic message standard supporting the project
XML:
- UN/CEFACT BRS/RSM
- WCO Data Model
20B. Type of standard for electronic message applied for the project
International standard
Industry-specific standard
21. Technical communication standard
21A. Technical communication standard supporting the project
--
21B. Type of technical communication standard applied for the project
--
22. Security-related standards*
22A. Security-related standard supporting the project
--
22B. Type of security-related standard applied for the project
--
23. Other Technical Information
23A. Interface developed for data exchange with an internal system
--
23B. Other technical implementation information
--