In a major breakthrough for Iraq, the global TIR transit system will become operational in the Middle East nation from 1 April 2025, marking a new era in international logistics and trade.
TIR is a globally recognised trade facilitation tool, backed by the UN TIR convention and managed by the IRU, the world road transport organisation, ensuring the seamless, secure and cost-effective transit of goods across international borders.
The TIR system will play a crucial role in facilitating Iraq’s Development Road Project, which connects southern and northern Iraq, as well as providing an efficient trade corridor linking Asia, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, Türkiye and Europe.
The milestone will make goods transport more efficient and secure across Iraq’s borders, strengthening its position as a key Middle Eastern trade hub. As a result, logistics and transport companies will be able to commence TIR operations from departure points, such as Mersin in Türkiye, to the GCC via the Iraqi seaport of Umm Qasr in less than one week. Such a journey previously took a minimum of 14 days, via the Red Sea, or up to 26 days if the ship was rerouted around Africa.
Iraq Transport Minister H.E. Razzaq Muhaibes Al-Saadawi, said: “The operationalisation of the TIR system in the Republic of Iraq, in which IRU played a significant role, marks a significant milestone as it places the country on the brink of a new phase of potential investments and interregional trade with our neighbours and other countries in the region.
“The TIR system is expected to leverage Iraq’s strategic location and to increase the efficiency of cross-border trade. We believe that the activation of TIR in Iraq – an initiative supported by H.E. the Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani – is set to reduce transport time by 80 per cent and costs by 38 per cent, creating substantial economic benefits and job opportunities.
“For the last two years, we have been working tirelessly on upgrading the road transport infrastructure in cooperation with all relevant parties. We are therefore committed to maximising the advantages of the TIR system in Iraq to boost the transport sector and the national economy.”
IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto said: “For almost eight decades, TIR has been driving secure trade. I look forward to seeing the first TIR truck crossing the territory of Iraq.
“Trucks will seamlessly transit the country and proceed along corridors offering a high level of security, opening a new chapter for the country and its role in international trade.
“With transport times and costs set to be slashed across the country and region, this will be an historic moment for global trade and broader economic integration in the Middle East.”
The integration of TIR’s Electronic Pre-Declaration (TIR-EPD) system with Iraq’s national URUK platform will enable the submission of advance cargo information throughout a journey. Trucks can therefore be closely monitored by GPS tracking, while regular checkpoints will ensure cargo and transport security prior to final delivery.
The introduction of TIR is seen as an important boost for trade efficiencies in the country, while attracting foreign investment and facilitating greater connectivity between regional and international markets. Iraq’s actions highlight its commitment to secure, streamlined and reliable trade and logistics, paving the way for a stronger economic future.
In other news, transport organisations recently reviewed cross-border trade in Brazil.
