27 July 1984

Meeting 50

Promotion of a system of customs transit for goods applicable world-wide

The Economic and Social Council,

Taking into account the need to facilitate the international exchange of goods,

Aware of the role played by transport in the international exchange of goods,

Taking into account also the economic requirements for the facilitation of transport and, to that end, the need for a system of customs transit applicable world-wide,

Convinced that it is possible to make significant progress in this direction by the adoption of a system of customs transit to be used in all regions of the world,

Noting from the experience gained in the application of the Customs Convention on the International Transport of Goods under Cover of TIR Carnets, concluded under the auspices of the United Nations at Geneva on 14 November 1975, that the TIR system can meet the criteria of world-wide application and the requirements connected with the technical possibilities of implementation,

Convinced also that the world-wide application of the TIR system could contribute to the facilitation not only of customs transit as such, but also of transport as a whole, by reducing transport costs and bringing a number of additional technical and economic advantages in the international exchange of goods,

1. Recommends that Governments which have not yet done so should consider the possibility of accepting the Customs Convention on the International Transport of Goods under Cover of TIR Carnets of 14 November 1975 and should consequently introduce the TIR system in their national legislation and regulations;

2. Recommends also that the international, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations directly or indirectly concerned, particularly the regional commissions of the United Nations, should be encouraged to undertake the promotion of the TIR system and should endeavour to include this matter, wherever possible, in their own work programmes;

3. Invites the Secretary-General to reallocate available resources in order to make possible appropriate action with a view to promoting the world-wide application of the Customs Convention on the International Transport of Goods under Cover of TIR Carnets of 14 November 1975.