Improving Customs Transit Systems
In the Islamic Countries
201
Attributes Challenges Policy Options
Security measures for
loading units
 Use of transport equipment that
cannot be secured by CA
 Governments are encouraged to
promote the use of containers
and other transport equipment
that can be secured by Customs
seals
Prescribed time limit and
itinerary
 CAs are not prescribing the
timeframe for transit operations
 Time limit defining the period
after the consignment is released
in transit procedure till the
customs office of exit
Customs escorts and
convoys
 CAs is charging the fees for
customs escort and convoy
 If the CAs applies customs escort
and convoy due to the high level
of risk, it should not charge fees
Road checkpoints
 Road checkpoints are a
bottleneck for transit
procedures
 Governments are encouraged to
conduct all necessary controls on
transit goods at the office of
departure or border crossing
points and should not establish
any road checkpoints
Source: Authors’ compilation
5.1.8.1.1 Customs seals and electronic Customs seals
Customs seals and fastenings used in Customs transit should fulfill the minimum requirements
laid down in the Appendix to Chapter 1, Specific Annex E to the RKC and other relevant
international conventions and agreements. Once the office of departure affixes Customs seals or
applies other security measures to transit goods, other offices en route should not impose any
additional restrictions on the goods. The office of departure should take all necessary actions to
enable the office of destination and offices en route to monitor and verify the integrity of the
consignment and the Customs seal and to detect any unauthorized interference.
Seals affixed by consignors, shippers and transporters can be recognized as Customs seals if
these seals are approved by Customs administrations.
5.1.8.1.2 Security measures for loading units
It is highly recommended for Governments to refer to Annex 4 of the Customs Convention on
Containers (1972) and Annexes 2-7 of the TIR Convention for the detailed special technical
conditions for securing the integrity of loading units. Governments are encouraged to promote
the use of containers and other transport equipment that can be secured by Customs seals (in
contrast to bulky goods). The transport equipment / means of transport (according to TIR
Approval of Vehicles – Security131) should be constructed and equipped in such a manner that:
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