Iraq will implement the global transit system TIR from 1 April 2025, marking a key milestone in enhancing logistics and international trade. The Border Ports Commission announced the launch, which aims to streamline cross-border transport and bolster Iraq’s position as a key trade hub in the Middle East.
The TIR system will be instrumental in the Development Road project, which connects southern and northern Iraq, creating a trade corridor linking Asia, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Turkey, and Europe. Logistics firms are preparing to begin TIR operations, with routes running from Mersin, Turkey, to Gulf countries via Umm Qasr Port. Initial trials suggest the journey could take less than a week, a significant improvement compared to the 14 days required via the Red Sea or 26 days around Africa.
Transport Minister Razzaq Muhibis Al-Saadawi emphasized that TIR, backed by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and facilitated by the International Road Transport Union (IRU), will reduce transport times by 80% and costs by 38%. This will deliver substantial economic benefits and create new job opportunities. Over the last two years, Iraq has worked to enhance its transport infrastructure to fully leverage the advantages of TIR.
IRU Secretary-General Umberto de Pretto expressed support for the initiative, noting that TIR has supported secure trade for nearly eight decades. He believes Iraq’s integration will boost regional economic connectivity and streamline freight movement. The TIR system’s electronic pre-declaration (TIR-EPD) will integrate with Iraq’s Uruk platform, allowing real-time cargo monitoring via GPS and improving security with regular checkpoints.
TIR, governed by a United Nations convention and managed by IRU, ensures cost-effective, secure international trade. Iraq joined the United Nations TIR Convention in 2023, becoming the 78th country to do so.