TIR as a facilitation tool for trade operations between China and Europe

A representative from the IRU visited Greece in order to meet with representatives from PPA and PCT in Piraeus on how TIR could help facilitate further trade between China and Europe via the port of Piraeus, as well as to attract more transit cargo in our country.

The meeting was held, under the coordination between PCT and OFAE, on April 16th 2019, at the office of PCT in Piraeus. Mr Raphaël Hirt, TIR Digitalisation Manager at the IRU, presented at the meeting the latest developments in the TIR system, as it is now being implemented with full digital processes even in combined transport operations, while at same time, China is officially a contracting party to the TIR Convention. Moreover, he presented two possible scenarios for the implementation of TIR in the containerized cargo transiting the port of Piraeus and the benefits there are in each case.

The International Transit System has for many decades been a trade facilitation tool, providing both faster and more secure procedures, and a high level guarantee for taxes and duties of transported goods.

Meanwhile, the container terminals at the port of Piraeus that are operated by PCT and PPA, are today the largest international transit hubs in our country, while the prospects for further development are large, making the port due to its geographical position and its infrastructure facilities, as the most competitive pole of attraction international cargos across Europe.

The meeting was attended by representatives of PCT, PPA, PCDC, Piraeus Customs Office, Piraeus Customs Brokerage Association, Freight Forwarders & Logistics Association, National Supply Chain Council, IRU and OFAE.

All sides agreed to continue discussions on the issue, in order to find ways to implement a pilot program once the corresponding discussions with Chinese counterparts and with the Greek customs authorities have been completed.