China has become the 70th country to ratify the United Nation's Transports Internationaux Routiers Convention, the global standard for international freight customs transit.
As the only universal customs transit system for moving goods across international borders, TIR has been supporting trade and development for more than six decades. TIR is governed by the United Nations TIR Convention, overseen by UNECE, and managed by the International Road Transport Union.
"I'm delighted to welcome China into the TIR family of nations. This is an important step in harmonizing standards and boosting transport, trade and development across the Eurasian landmass," said Umberto de Pretto, Secretary General of the IRU, after China ratified the convention on Tuesday.
"IRU has been a strong supporter of China's Belt and Road Initiative, and we will continue working closely with the Chinese government and business community as we turn our attention now to implementing the TIR system."
TIR-operating countries around China, including Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Russia and Tajikistan, are also set to experience a boost to transport and trade when the system becomes operational in China. Pakistan is also implementing the TIR after its own ratification of the convention last year.
"China's accession to the TIR Convention will open new efficient and faster transport opportunities and transport routes between China and Europe. It can become a real game changer for international trade and is a strong contribution to the Chinese vision for the Belt and Road Initiative," said UNECE Executive Secretary Christian Friis Bach.
"We warmly welcome China to the TIR Convention and look forward to working closely with China and all TIR contracting partners to turn this decision into strong opportunities for trade, transport and economic growth."
The United Nations Secretary General has confirmed that the TIR Convention will come into force in China on January 5 next year.
