CMR convention

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CMR convention (Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road) regulates transit procedures which allows the movement from one point to another within the customs territory, which is not subject to the import duties and commercial policy measures, using:

  • documents referred in customs legislation,
  • TIR-carnet, if:
    • transport began or is planned to end outside the customs territory,
    • relates to consignments of goods which must be unloaded in the customs territory and which are conveyed with goods to be unloaded outside the customs territory,
    • ATA carnet is used as transit document.

At the time of application of the national transit procedure, freight carrier can not recharge or unload goods to be carried on consignment. Goods covered by a customs declaration must be delivered to the customs office of destination. If there is a need to replenish goods in the parcel you must complete the single transit procedure and on the further section of the route to open a new operation pass-through for the entire product or with the first procedure to open a new procedure to transit of goods. In one vehicle, you can carry the consignment covered by two customs declarations.

The TIR procedure can only be used in road transport without reloading by one or more boundaries if the consignment is closed and seals intact. It is possible to make fragments route by sea or rail, but start and end of the route must take place by road. It is permissible to begin and end of a transport route in the same state, but a fragment of the route must pass through the territory of a foreign country. The TIR Convention exempts charge of customs clearance at border points under the following conditions:

  • Drive must be carried out only route approved or determined by the customs authorities,
  • The vehicle must have a certificate allowing to international road transport under customs seal,
  • The customs authorities must put on a cargo customs seals, which are checked by the customs authorities at the border,
  • Sealed cargo is treated as: dutiable and can not enter into circulation in the country, to which it is not intended.

Examples of CMR convention

  1. Freight Forwarding: Freight forwarding is a service in which a third-party company is responsible for the entire process of transporting goods from one location to another. This includes the organization of all necessary documents, customs formalities, and other related services.
  2. Cross-Border Transport: Cross-border transport is the movement of goods across international borders, subject to the applicable CMR convention. This includes the transportation of goods by road, rail, air, or sea, and the coordination of customs clearance processes.
  3. Carnet de Passage: A carnet de passage is an official document that allows the temporary importation of goods into a foreign country without having to pay duties. It is often used by international travellers to temporarily transport goods such as vehicles and equipment.
  4. Cabotage: Cabotage is the transportation of goods or passengers between two points within the same foreign country. It is subject to the applicable CMR convention, and the relevant domestic laws of the country in which the cabotage is taking place.

Advantages of CMR convention

The CMR Convention provides several advantages in the international transportation of goods by road, such as:

  • Streamlined transit procedures - the CMR Convention simplifies the transit process through standardization and uniformity, making it easier for carriers to understand and comply with the requirements.
  • Reduced paperwork - the CMR Convention reduces the amount of paperwork associated with transit, making it easier for carriers to complete the process.
  • Increased efficiency - the CMR Convention ensures that shipments are tracked and monitored throughout transit, resulting in increased efficiency and fewer delays.
  • Improved safety and security - the CMR Convention provides a secure framework for the international transportation of goods, improving safety and security for carriers and shippers alike.
  • Increased flexibility - the CMR Convention allows for greater flexibility in terms of pricing and transit times, allowing carriers to better manage their costs and schedules.
  • Reduced costs - the CMR Convention helps to reduce the costs associated with international transportation, due to the increased efficiency and streamlined procedures.

Limitations of CMR convention

The CMR Convention regulates transit procedures which allows the movement from one point to another within the customs clearance, which is not subject to the import duties and commercial policy measures. However, there are certain limitations to this convention, which include:

  • The convention only applies to goods transported by road. It does not apply to goods transported by sea, rail, or air.
  • The convention applies only to international carriage, meaning that it does not apply if the goods are transported within the same country.
  • The convention does not apply to goods which are dangerous, hazardous, radioactive, or explosive.
  • The convention does not apply to goods which are of a temporary nature, such as goods which are intended for use in a particular event or exhibition.
  • The convention does not apply to goods which are not intended for sale or exchange, such as goods which are being transported for personal use.
  • The convention does not apply to goods which are not intended to be transported, such as goods which are being transported for storage.
  • The convention does not apply to goods which are being transported for processing or manufacturing.
  • The convention does not apply to goods which are being transported for the purpose of disposal or destruction.

Other approaches related to CMR convention

The CMR Convention regulates transit procedures which allows the movement from one point to another within the customs clearance|customs territory, which is not subject to the import duties and commercial policy measures. To ensure the efficient flow of goods, other approaches related to the CMR Convention can be used, such as:

  • The use of transportation documents, such as a Bill of Lading, Waybill or CMR Conventions. These documents are used to ensure that the goods are delivered in the correct manner, to the right place and at the right time.
  • The use of appropriate insurance coverage, which protects the goods from any potential loss or damage during the transportation process.
  • The use of customs control to ensure that the goods are transported in accordance with the laws and regulations of the relevant country.
  • The use of tracking devices, such as GPS, to monitor the location and movement of the goods during the transport process.

In conclusion, the CMR Convention provides a set of rules and regulations to ensure the efficient and safe transport of goods. The use of appropriate transportation documents, insurance coverage, customs control and tracking devices can help to ensure that the goods are delivered safely and in a timely manner.


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