TIR live in Iraq
The global TIR transit system will become operational in Iraq on 1 April 2025.
The launch is expected to support cross-border transport by improving transit security and efficiency. TIR is set to play a key role in Iraq’s development road project, which aims to link southern and northern Iraq and provide a land-based corridor from Asia and the GCC to Europe via Turkey, as the world road transport organisation IRU reports.
Initial TIR operations between Turkey and the Gulf, using Iraq’s Umm Qasr port, have shown reduced transit times compared to sea routes. The TIR system includes electronic pre-declarations through the Uruk platform and GPS tracking for enhanced monitoring. Iraq’s ministry of transport and the IRU have worked together to prepare for the system’s launch. The authorities expect time savings of up to 80% and cost reductions of 38%. (js)