Doha, Qatar: The General Authority of Customs has called on shipping and logistics companies to accelerate their registration in the International Road Transport Union’s TIR system, emphasising its growing importance as regional trade routes face uncertainty.
The move comes at a time when shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy and goods transport are experiencing heightened disruptions.
In a statement issued yesterday on X, the authority said the TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) system provides a reliable framework to maintain trade flow, particularly when maritime routes face delays or elevated costs.
By simplifying customs procedures and enabling pre-cleared cargo movement, the system allows goods to move across borders with minimal physical inspections.
Officials highlighted that adopting the TIR system could reduce border waiting times by up to 90 percent, offering a major advantage as congestion and rerouting pressures increase due to regional instability.
The system also provides a unified, internationally recognised customs guarantee and ensures secure transport of sealed cargo from origin to destination.
“The launch of the TIR system initiative is a very positive step for Qatar’s logistics and trade ecosystem,” Danial Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer of Sea Horizon Offshore Marine Services, told The Peninsula.
Kaabi highlighted that initiatives like the TIR system, which streamline cross-border procedures, minimise paperwork, and increase predictability in cargo movement, play a key role in reinforcing Qatar’s standing as a regional trade and logistics hub.
He noted that from the perspective of shipping and offshore operations, improvements in land-side efficiency help ease congestion and reduce delays at ports, benefiting the broader supply chain.
The authority has also encouraged companies to complete registration through the Qatar Chamber platform, noting that early adopters would be better positioned to navigate disruptions and maintain supply chain continuity.
