Russia in TIR turnaround
In late November BIFA notified Members that Russia would leave the TIR Convention on 1 December 2013. However, negotiations continued and a last minute deal was struck that will see the present system continue.
On the 30th November The Federal Customs Service of Russia (FCS RF) officially notified the Russian TIR guaranteeing association ASMAP about the extension of its agreement until 1 July 2014.
In line with the TIR Convention, Russian customs authorities must therefore continue to accept TIR Carnets at the Russian borders including after 1 December 2013. BIFA’s understanding is that TIR carnets are now acceptable in all parts of Russia including locations such as Siberia where previously they had not been.
Considering this very late announcement from the FCS RF and the lack of available details, practical problems are still likely to take place at some border-crossing points in Russia over the next few days. Whilst BIFA is pleased that the TIR carnet system will continue to function, it is hoped that a longer lasting solution will be reached to give this trade lane the necessary stability.
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