ISLAMABAD: United Arab Emirates Customs is set to introduce a global road transport system which dramatically accelerates the movement of goods across frontiers.
The International Road Transport (TIR) System, which slashes the time, trucks spend at customs controls, is being operational at the UAE’s borders by the end of current year.
Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain Customs officials will sign agreements with the Automobile and Touring Club for the UAE (ATCUAE) during the two-day TIR workshop which opened at Dubai, UAE with more than 100 government officials and senior customs and transport industry figures in attendance, Trade Arabia News Service reported on Monday.
ATCUAE President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said, “The UAE’s land transport sector has a major part to play in the growth of the national economy and the introduction of the TIR system is an important step forward in boosting trade and transport links with our neighbouring countries.”
The restrictions currently hindering road transport and cross border trade in the region were underlined by a report commissioned by the IRU in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank and the Arab Union of Land Transport.
The highly computerised TIR system, which currently links 68 countries worldwide, rapidly accelerates the movement of goods by road, using standardised and reduced controls to minimise physical customs inspections.
Benefits of the TIR system are felt by the transport industry, including a huge range of goods manufacturers and suppliers. In addition, the system protects revenue for each country by ensuring taxes due are covered by an international guarantee.