Baghdad, Iraq— A delegation from the International Road Transport Union (IRU) visited Iraq last week to lay the groundwork for the country’s first cross-border transit under the International Road Transport (TIR) system.
With the first TIR movement expected soon, Iraq is set to achieve a major milestone in cross-border trade, marking a significant step toward full integration into the globally recognized customs transit system.
During discussions with key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, the IRU reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to trade modernization and the adoption of international best practices.
As the only global transit system of its kind, TIR enables the movement of goods in sealed load compartments under customs supervision, allowing for efficient transport from the country of origin to the final destination through a mutually recognized framework.
A specialized workshop was also held, highlighting the importance of UN agreements, including the Treaty on the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR). Experts emphasized the role these conventions play in enhancing trade security, reducing traffic accidents, and improving cross-border trade efficiency.
Discussions further stressed the need for professional competence in road transport and the establishment of strong regulatory frameworks to support seamless implementation.
The successful adoption of TIR and ADR is expected to strengthen Iraq’s role in regional and international trade, provided there is effective coordination between government authorities and the business sector.
