Improving Customs Transit Systems
In the Islamic Countries
202
 No goods can be removed from, or introduced into, the sealed part of the transport
equipment without leaving visible traces of tampering or without breaking the Customs
seal;
 Customs seals can be simply and effectively affixed to them;
 They contain no concealed spaces where goods may be hidden;
 All spaces capable of holding goods are readily accessible for Customs inspection.
5.1.8.1.3 Prescribed time limit and itinerary
When considered necessary Customs should ensure that any time limit is sufficient to enable the
transit operation to be carried out. A prescribed time limit can be used as an additional security
measure along with the Customs seal. When Customs authorities at the Customs office of
Departure set a time limit for ending Customs transit, it should be sufficient for the purposes of
the transit operation, and it should be discussed/negotiated with the declarant. Once the time
limit has been fixed by the office of departure, it should not be changed by other offices en route,
except for some exceptional cases. When setting a time limit, Customs authorities should
consider regulations relevant to transit operations, such as working hours and mandatory rest
periods for drivers of road vehicles. Where the goods in the CTR (CTR) are presented at the office
of destination or Customs office of exit after the expiry of the prescribed time limit, and the delay
is due to circumstances which are not attributable to the transit operator, the operator should
be deemed to have complied with the prescribed time limit.
5.1.8.1.4 Customs escorts and convoys
Customs administrations may use a Customs escort or convoy only in cases where:
 The loss of transit goods en route would create an imminent risk for the safety and
security of the Customs territory;
 Other security measures are not applicable because of the type of transit goods or
transport unit;
 The transit operator requests a Customs escort or convoy.
When the Customs administration applies a Customs escort or Customs convoy due to the high
level of risk, it should not charge fees for the Customs escort or Customs convoy. Only when the
operator specifically requests the use of a Customs escort or convoy should it be considered an
extra service and subject to fees. Information about the fees for a Customs escort or convoy
should be reflected in national Customs legislation and be made publicly available.
5.1.8.1.5 Road checkpoints
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.