TIR
- Which countries require the TIR test certificate?
- What are the technical standards required of a TIR vehicle?
- Is it a one-off test?
- Where can I get a TIR test?
- Does the vehicle need an HGV test certificate to be TIR certified?
- How can I book a TIR test?
- What else will I need to get a TIR certificate?
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) can inspect and certify the load compartments of goods vehicles registered and used by British operators to ensure that they meet TIR standards. The Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR) agreement simplifies Customs requirements by permitting the contents of approved-load compartments, sealed by customs authorities, to pass through customs control on international journeys without delay or payment of duty. There is a fee for the TIR inspection by VOSA.
Which countries require the TIR test certificate?
The whole of the European Community is considered one customs zone and transport between and through EC member states does not require TIR certification. However travel beyond Europe, for example to the former Russian Federation or the Middle East, will require certification to avoid frontier inspections and delays. A complete list of countries participating in the TIR scheme is contained in part 3 of the UNECE TIR handbook. This can be accessed at UNECE
Back
What are the technical standards required of a TIR vehicle?
The basic principles of a TIR load compartment is that nothing can be introduced into or taken from the vehicle without there being obvious signs that the compartment has been interfered with. In particular the compartment must be constructed so that its components must have to be accessed from both inside and outside in order to be removed and replaced. The details of the requirements are contained in Annex 2 to the TIR convention contained in the TIR Handbook mentioned above.
Back
The TIR test certificate lasts for two years from its date of issue. It must be renewed on or before that date for the vehicle to continue to be used for international journeys without customs inspection.
Back
Many VOSA HGV test stations adjacent to ports and other centres of trade can carry out the TIR inspection. These currently are:
Back
Aberdeen, Ammanford (Swansea), Beverley, Bicester, Birmingham, Bredbury, Bromborough, Canterbury, Chadderton (Oldham), Chelmsford, Darlington, Derby, Doncaster, Dumfries, Edmonton, Fort William, Gillingham, Grantham, Grimsby, Guildford, Inverness, Ipswich, Keith, Kidderminster, Kilmarnock, Kirkwall, Lairg, Leicester, Leighton Buzzard, Lerwick, Liverpool, Livingston (Edinburgh), Llantrisant (Cardiff), Newcastle, Norwich, Nottingham, Pontypool, Portree, Purfleet, Royston, Sheffield, Shrewsbury, Southampton, Steeton (Keighley), Stornaway, Swynnerton (Stoke), Walton (Wetherby), Weedon (Northampton), Wick, Wolverhampton, Yeading (Hounslow).
Back
See Lorry and Bus Vehicle Testing Stations
for telephone details and full addresses of these stations.
Back
Does the vehicle need an HGV test certificate to be TIR certified?
No. However it is to be driven to the testing station for a TIR test only and has not got a current test certificate it will then need to be covered by trade plates.
Back
Complete a form - Application for TIR (GV 62)
- or from the station and submit it direct to them with the current test fee.
Back
What else will I need to get a TIR certificate?
If there is already a GV60 test certificate in existence which just needs renewing, has not been laminated over and has photographs of the vehicle in its current livery and condition, nothing else is required. If it is a first test or otherwise does not qualify for the above, two “Polaroid” or similar colour photographs approximately 75mm (3”) square should be provided of the vehicle in its current livery, one showing the front and one side of the vehicle and another showing the rear and the other side. These will be glued to the certificate and endorsed by the station as accurately portraying the vehicle. Digital photographs are acceptable provided they are of good resolution and are printed on proper photograph paper rather than plain copier paper which would be soaked by the glue and ruined.
Back
Page last updated: 19/10/2006