QC Urges Shipping Firms To Join E-TIR System To Ensure Smooth Trade Flow

In an effort to maintain the smooth flow of trade and logistics amid prevailing regional challenges, the Qatar Chamber, in cooperation with the General Authority of Customs, has called on shipping and transport companies operating in the country to register in the International Road Transport (TIR) system.

In a statement issued on Saturday, March 7, the chamber said the initiative aims to ensure the continuity of commercial operations and facilitate the movement of goods despite potential difficulties that the business sector may face in transporting cargo under the current circumstances in the country and the wider region.

According to the statement, alternative solutions have been provided alongside a number of distinguished customs facilities to support the private sector. 

These measures include enabling the transport of goods and merchandise through the transit system (TIR) via the land border with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia using a fast-track mechanism.

The chamber noted that these arrangements are complemented by the accelerated completion of customs procedures and transactions through the Al Nadeeb Electronic Customs Clearance System, which allows companies to process their shipments quickly andefficiently.

Qatar Chamber Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al Thani emphasised that the chamber has urged all shipping and transport companies operating in Qatar to register in the Electronic TIR (E-TIR) system. The move, he said, is aimed at safeguarding the continuity of trade operations and maintaining supply chains in light of the current regionalconditions.

He pointed out that Qatar Chamber issues TIR carnets and guarantees transport operations conducted under the system. The chamber also provides transport operators with access to the electronic platform in coordination with the customs authority through the Al-Nadeeb system.

The TIR system is an international customs transit mechanism that enables goods to move from their country of origin to their final destination in sealed load compartments under customs supervision throughout the supply chain. The system operates with a single international guarantee, eliminating the need for costly guarantees in each transit country and thereby significantly simplifying cross-border trade.

Qatar joined the TIR Agreement in January 2019, with Qatar Chamber appointed as the national guarantor responsible for issuing TIR carnets. The Electronic TIR system was later implemented through the Al-Nadeeb platform in integration with the global TIR system as ofMay 2025.

This integration allows export, import, and transit procedures to be completed electronically without the need for paper documentation, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and speed in customs operations.

The TIR system currently includes around 76 countries worldwide and continues to expand as more nations adopt the framework to facilitate international trade and streamline logistics operations.

As the national guarantor of the system, Qatar Chamber also serves as an active member of the International Road Transport Union, the global organization responsible for administering the TIR system and promoting safe, efficient, and sustainable road transport worldwide.

Through these efforts, Qatar aims to strengthen its logistics capabilities, support the private sector, and ensure uninterrupted supply chains while reinforcing its position as a regional hub for trade and transport.