The TIR system is designed to reduce delays at international borders by allowing goods to travel under customs seal. When a vehicle is approved for TIR, UK customs can inspect, pack and seal the load before it leaves the country. Once sealed, the load does not need to be opened again at border crossings, significantly reducing inspection time and disruption.

Customs authorities still retain the right to open and inspect all goods, but the sealed goods don’t require inspection at every checkpoint, usually making the process much faster.

To qualify for TIR, a vehicle must pass a specific inspection confirming that goods cannot be added or removed without it being obvious, and that the load compartment is constructed in a way that prevents unauthorised access. Vehicles must meet strict TIR Convention standards, which is why many UK-built lorries are not TIR-approved and cannot be easily modified to comply.

How are the goods sealed?

After inspection, the vehicle is sealed using tamper proof measures like seals, special wire around the bed in case of soft side trailers or plumbs on the doors. The general principle is that accessing the content of the vehicle will leave visible traces, meaning that customs officers only need to look for signs of tampering.

How vehicles are approved for TIR

There are two approval routes available. Operators can either apply for individual vehicle approval, where each vehicle is inspected separately, or design approval, which allows a series of vehicles built to the same specification to be approved under one design.

For individual vehicles, each lorry must be inspected by DVSA and approved separately. The TIR certificate is valid for two years, after which a further inspection is required to maintain approval.

For fleets with multiple identical vehicles, design approval can be more efficient. Once the design is approved, a certificate of conformity is issued for each vehicle built to that design. DVSA will inspect a sample of vehicles, and each vehicle still requires a two-yearly inspection and it’s own certification to remain valid, but it’s cheaper than for individual vehicles that are not a part of an approved series.

TIR test costs

For individual vehicles:

• Initial inspection: £106

• Two-yearly renewal inspection: £106

• Re-inspection after a failed test: £70

For design approval:

• Design approval for a series of vehicles: £644
• Certificate of conformity per vehicle: £14
• Two-yearly inspection per vehicle: £106
• Re-inspection after failure: £70
• Design changes:  £106
• Replacement certificates: £14

Fees may differ in Northern Ireland.

Where TIR tests are carried out

TIR inspections are arranged through the DVSA. Operators need to contact the DVSA directly to confirm available testing locations and booking requirements.