Saudi Customs, represented by the Customs Training Institute, held a training workshop for customs officials on the operation of the TIR agreement and the associated customs procedures, in collaboration with the Saudi Automobile and Touring Association (SATA) and the International Road Transport Union (IRU). This workshop comes to activate the accession of Saudi Arabia to the TIR Convention – the only global customs transit system – signed in October 2018, effectively joining the 74 countries in the Convention. Attended by 24 custom of ficials, the workshop focused on defining the key principles and of the TIR System, its benefits and features. The workshop also introduced the technical specifications of the transporting trucks and containers in addition to the TIR Carnet (goods manifest). During the workshop, customs officers reviewed the procedures for the approval of road vehicles and containers, the types of trucks, their technical regulations, and the procedures followed by Customs authorities in cases of accidents en route highlighting the violations and fines incurred. Moreover, the training introduced the guidelines to fill the TIR carnets by customs officials. The workshop was concluded by field practical training for the trainees on physical inspection of the trucks transporting under the TIR agreement. Joining TIR will facilitate global trade and secure transit between TIR members, offering a unified and simplified customs procedures for efficient border crossing operations and reduced delays. Through adopting the global systems and world-class standards, Saudi Customs will contribute in opening new road corridors along the spine of the Arabian Gulf – transforming the trade potential of the region. — SG
