Road transport agreement
Pakistan to allow transit facility
By Azhar Mahmood
KARACHI: Pakistan is going to allow transit of specialised goods and vehicles through its territory in June 2004 under an international agreement, to be called Transport Intermationaux Routiers (TIR) or International Road Transport.
The Federal Cabinet, in June 2002, resolved to ratify and implement this convention along with ATA Carnet, governed by the International Chamber of Commerce, Paris.
The TIR was signed by developed countries in 1975 to pave the way for inter-Europe transportation of containerised cargo.
The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) through the Pakistan Customs and Foreign Office is in the process of finalising the deposition of the ‘instrument of accession’ of Istanbul Convention with the World Custom Council in Brussels and the deposition of ‘instrument of ratification’ of TIR Convention with the United Nations Depository in New York.
The TIR convention would facilitate road transport whereas Istanbul Convention will cover high value professional equipment, high value goods and exhibitory materials, gems and jewellery.
By following the federal cabinet decision, in order to effectively implement the TIR system in Pakistan, ICC Pakistan has formed TIR Commission.
Sources said, “One example of the benefit in terms of TIR Convention will be the arrival of RORO vessels, which will increase the transit revenue. Moreover, the number of shipping lines calling on our ports will also increase”.
However, only permitted goods would be allowed for transit and under Article 47 Pakistan can refuse the transit of alcohol.
By joining the TIR Convention, Pakistan will be completing missing links and its vehicles and goods will be able to transit through Iran without any change of vehicles or inordinate delays.
At present, Pakistani trucks cannot enter into any European country because these trucks are not fitted with techno-graphic equipment, which is a new EU requirement for trucks in Europe.
Pakistan truck manufacturers also cannot compete with European manufacturers on safety grounds. Sources said, "to keep the Pakistani Transport Associations in the TIR game, the government will have to help the industry to manufacture trailers in line with TIR requirements. At present, legally Government of Pakistan so far has not promulgated any law or regulation which may permit the International Trailers Associations to pick cargo from Pakistan.
Sources said the federal government has to replace the Carriers Act, 1865, whereas India has promulgated all international Carriers Acts at the beginning of nineties.
Sources said for the implementation of TIR, the FPCCI has to conclude an agreement with Pakistan Custom International Road Transport Union. The FPCCI may ask for a bank guarantee or a deposit along with a certificate of approval for road vehicles and containers from national inspection authorities.
a long way pakistani trucks to compete in this market, and allow other to use our road links. it will be exciting, it will also make our transport to go international and adopt standards and quality procedures.
2nd step would be to allow public cars to travel from and to the country, will clearly create havoc for pakistan car industry if not implemented correctly.