What Is a TIR Carnet (MDP Book)?

In the international logistics segment, where speed and efficiency of cargo transportation are of key importance, there are quite a few documents and procedures that regulate transportation. One such document is the TIR Carnet, also known as Carnet TIR.

What is a TIR Carnet?

The abbreviation TIR stands for “International Road Transport,” which is the translation of the acronym TIR. A TIR Carnet is an international customs document that simplifies border crossing. It consists of several sheets, each of which is used when crossing the next customs office in transit.

Its owner can transport goods across several borders without intermediate customs inspection. The book is valid in countries that are members of the TIR Convention.

The main idea behind this type of transport is that the cargo in the vehicle goes through all customs procedures at the customs office of the exporting country, is then sealed, and remains closed until it arrives in the importing country. This system greatly simplifies logistics and saves time and resources for carriers, as they do not have to pay customs duties at the borders each time. In other words, for international carriers, it is a kind of green corridor for cargo. At the same time, for customs officers, it is a guarantee that the cargo will pass through the territory of several countries without unloading and transshipment.

To better understand what a Carnet TIR is, imagine the following situation: a truck is traveling from Ukraine to Spain, crossing the borders of Poland, Germany, and France. Without a book that gives the right to simplified border crossing, the driver would have to pay customs duties, undergo inspections, and obtain permits at each checkpoint. With a Carnet TIR, the inspection procedure is faster and simpler.

Purpose and main functions of the TIR Carnet

The key purpose of the document is to simplify transit and unify customs procedures. At the same time, the Carnet performs control and guarantee functions.

The control function ensures that customs officers at all borders can be confident that the cargo is traveling along the established route and has customs seals. This guarantees that the vehicle will not be unloaded in the territory of the transit country.

The guarantee function means that if the established rules are violated, the carrier will pay customs duties. The guarantors of this are the International Road Transport Union (IRU) and the Association of International Road Carriers (in Ukraine).

Comparison table of transportation with and without a TIR carnet:

Who can obtain and use the TIR Carnet

Knowing what a TIR Carnet is and the advantages it provides, it’s no surprise that many carriers would like to have one. However, the document is issued only under strict conditions.

First, only transport companies that meet the guarantors’ requirements can obtain a TIR Carnet. The key criteria are:

• Membership of the national guaranteeing association and a spotless reputation with no serious customs violations. Membership confirms the carrier’s reliability and responsibility.
• Vehicles that meet customs sealing standards, meaning the vehicle’s construction prevents access to the load without breaking the official seal.

Only when these conditions are satisfied can a company apply for the certificate.

How the TIR System Works in Practice

A TIR Carnet is not a magic key that opens every border; it operates within a clear procedure:

1. Preparation in the export country. The shipper or exporter prepares the cargo and paperwork—either directly or via a customs broker—and the carrier obtains the TIR Carnet.
2. Export customs. Customs officers inspect and seal the load. From this moment, the official transit begins.
3. Transit borders. At each border, customs staff check the carnet, make notes, and remove the relevant voucher sheets.
4. Onward journey. The truck then continues without lengthy border delays.

From our experience and client feedback, the TIR system offers major benefits.
The most obvious is time saving, as border stops are minimal.
It also reduces costs by avoiding repeated duty payments.
And perhaps the key advantage for international hauliers is that the standardised document is legally recognised in many countries worldwide.

Geographic Coverage

The TIR Carnet is accepted in over 60 countries across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa and Latin America. Conveniently, the list includes not only EU member states but also China—now a major sourcing hub for Ukrainian businesses.

For companies importing directly from Chinese manufacturers, the benefits of TIR are even clearer: the simplified border-crossing system speeds up deliveries.

Applying for a TIR Carnet in Ukraine

The procedure is straightforward and well established:

1. Application. The carrier submits a request to the Association of International Road Carriers of Ukraine, the country’s only authorised issuing body.
2. Compliance check. The company is assessed for conformity with TIR standards, including vehicle inspection, financial stability, and reputation.
3. Certification. If approved, the carrier receives a certificate and the right to use the TIR Carnet.
4. Completion of the carnet. The document is filled out on the basis of the freight declaration or other supporting paperwork, either by the carrier or a customs broker.

Because the process follows Ukrainian customs regulations, carriers should check all documents and the vehicle’s technical condition in advance.

Restrictions and requirements for the use of the TIR Carnet

Although Carnet TIR is a fairly convenient tool, it has certain limitations. In particular, the document cannot be used to transport dangerous or prohibited goods without special permits. There are also strict requirements regarding the technical condition of the vehicle, cargo packaging, and compliance with international standards. In case of violations, the driver may lose the right to use Carnet TIR.

The TIR Carnet is one of the key tools in international logistics. However, if for some reason your company cannot obtain this document, we suggest using logistics outsourcing from ECOL — we have all the necessary permits, including TIR, so we can help you quickly deliver cargo from virtually any country in the world.

FAQ

What is a TIR Carnet used for?

To simplify transit procedures across multiple countries.

Who can obtain a TIR Carnet?

Only carriers that meet strict requirements, including licensing, financial stability, and national association membership.

How does the TIR system operate?

The load is sealed in the country of departure and moves through several countries without repeated customs checks.