As of May 27, 2025, the latest developments and policy information related to China's TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) are as follows:
I. Construction and operation of TIR assembly center
1. **The first IRU-certified TIR assembly center in China**
On May 26, 2024, China's first TIR assembly center certified by the International Road Transport Union (IRU) was officially launched in Kashgar, Xinjiang. Having passed the IRU's assessment, it provides one-stop services such as route expansion, transportation capacity docking, and warehousing logistics for cross-border transportation enterprises.
- **Urumqi** will host the second TIR assembly center certified by IRU in China on August 3, 2024, further strengthening Xinjiang's position as a logistics hub on the Eurasian land route.
2. **TIR transportation development in Qingdao SCO Demonstration Zone**
In 2024, the Qingdao SCO Demonstration Zone added four TIR routes (such as China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan, China-Kazakhstan-Russia, etc.), with the number of registered vehicles increasing from 9 to 150. Throughout the year, 283 vehicles were dispatched, transporting 4,349 tons of cargo worth RMB 195 million. Many of these data ranked first in the country.
II. TIR transportation routes and business innovation
1. **The first TIR transportation of large cargo in China**
In March 2024, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, completed the nation's first TIR transportation of large cargo, which consisted of equipment for an ultra-wide glass production line. Through TIR vehicles, the cargo achieved "one-time declaration and direct delivery with one certificate," resulting in a reduction of transportation time from 25 days to 10 days and a cost reduction of 10%-15%.
2. **Combination of multimodal transport and cross-border e-commerce**
Xinjiang International Land Port Group successfully achieved the first "cross-border e-commerce (9610) + TIR" transportation mode in China, optimizing the logistics efficiency of international corridors such as China-Mongolia-Russia and China-Kazakhstan-Russia.
III. Policy and Regulatory Updates
1. **Issuance and management of TIR Carnet**
- As the sole legal issuing authority, the China Road Transport Association (CRTA) released the new version of the "TIR Carnet Issuing Process and Management Measures" in December 2024, clarifying the requirements for application qualifications, quota management, and certificate return. For example:
- The holder of the certificate is required to submit the TIR Carnet usage plan form in April and at the end of October each year;
- The TIR carnet must be returned within 30 days after its expiration date, otherwise its usage rights may be restricted.
2. **Scope of prohibited goods for transportation**
- It is explicitly prohibited to transport alcohol and tobacco products with HS codes 22.07.10, 22.08, 24.02.10, 24.02.20, 24.03.11, and 24.03.19.
IV. Transportation Benefits and Advantages
- **Improved customs clearance efficiency**: TIR transportation can reduce customs clearance time by 30%-80% and lower transportation costs by 30%, as customs procedures are only required at the point of departure and destination.
- **Financial guarantee support**: The TIR system provides daily financial guarantees of USD 1 billion, covering over 70 contracting countries worldwide, to ensure the payment of transportation taxes and fees.
V. Future development trends
- **Expansion of International Logistics Network**: Xinjiang, Qingdao, Henan, and other regions have strengthened trade cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road through TIR transportation, promoting the alignment of international intermodal transport rules and mutual recognition of standards.
- **Technological upgrading**: The popularization of high-end TIR vehicles (such as automatic seats, intelligent navigation, etc.) enhances the comfort and safety of drivers during cross-border transportation
