Iraq's General Commission for Customs received its first international transit shipment from Iran through Shalamcheh border crossing en route to Kuwait via Safwan crossing under the International Road Transport (TIR) system using internationally approved electronic tracking and locking systems, Al-Eqtisad News reported on December 23.

The TIR system enables goods to move across international borders with minimum customs interference whilst maintaining security through electronic seals and tracking mechanisms.

Iraq's adoption of the system marks a significant development in the country's efforts to modernise customs procedures and facilitate regional trade.

Customs Authority President Thamer Qasim stated in an interview with Al-Sabah that the step represents a significant achievement in developing transit operations, contributing to enhanced cargo flow and improved customs security efficiency in line with international standards.

The authority is proceeding with expanding international transit routes and implementing modern electronic systems to support the national economy and strengthen Iraq's position as a reliable logistics partner in the region, Qasim stated.

Iraq acceded to the UN TIR Convention in 2023, becoming one of its contracting parties alongside all its immediate neighbours. The TIR system became fully operational in Iraq on 1 April 2025, making it the 66th country where TIR is actively implemented for road transit.

The Baghdad government has begun using TIR to support projects such as the Development Road and to position Iraq as a land bridge between the Gulf, Türkiye, Iran and Europe by cutting transit time and costs for international road freight.