The "TIR+" Model Upgrade: A Dual Revolution in Rules and Efficiency for Cross-Border Road Logistics

A truck departing from a bonded zone in Zhengzhou, with its customs seal intact, travels westward directly to a warehouse in Moscow without being opened for inspection along the way—this is no longer a vision but the new daily reality for China's international road transport.

On January 15, 2026, a far-reaching new logistics policy came into effect. The General Administration of Customs issued an announcement to optimize and formally promote the "TIR+" transport model.

The core of this new policy lies in deeply integrating the global customs clearance facilitation of the Customs Convention on the International Transport of Goods under Cover of TIR Carnets (TIR Convention) with China's innovative models such as bonded zone policies and cross-border e-commerce supervision. This is not merely a simple process optimization but a reshaping of traditional logistics channels within the international trade landscape, bringing unprecedented opportunities and challenges to the international logistics industry.

The Essence of the "TIR+" Model: From Transport Channel to Rule Coordination

The TIR system itself is hailed as a "clearance利器" for cross-border logistics. Its core principles of "a single declaration, one document for the entire journey, exemption from inspection en route, and direct delivery by one vehicle" are recognized by 78 contracting parties worldwide. The "TIR+" model promoted by China Customs, however, carries a meaning far beyond technical addition.

The "+" signifies China's seamless integration of its mature domestic policies for special customs supervision areas (bonded zones) and the regulatory codes for its booming cross-border e-commerce (e.g., code 9610) into the internationally recognized TIR framework. Taking the first "TIR + Cross-border E-commerce"international trucking service departing from Zhengzhou as an example, goods are consolidated and declared within the comprehensive bonded zone, then dispatched under TIR seal status, reaching Russian consumers directly. This has pioneered a new logistics chain for e-commerce parcel delivery.

New Industry Opportunities: Comprehensive Upgrade in Speed, Cost, and Network

For small and medium-sized international logistics enterprises, the opportunities unleashed by the "TIR+" model are concrete and quantifiable.

First, there are significant advantages in timeliness and cost. Traditional sea freight from East Asia to Europe often takes 40-50 days, while TIR road transport can shorten this time by approximately 65%. For instance, the journey from Shenzhen to Almaty, Kazakhstan, takes about 10 days by traditional trucking but only 6 days via the TIR mode, improving efficiency by over 67%. In terms of cost, its expense is only 25%-30% of air freight, providing an excellent option of "sea freight cost, near air freight speed" for high-value-added, time-sensitive goods.

Second, it accelerates export tax rebates and capital flowback. Under the new model, eligible enterprises can apply for tax rebates once the TIR goods depart the country. Compared to the lengthy cycle of traditional sea freight, where rebates are processed only after "goods arrive at the port and invoices are settled," companies can expect to receive rebate funds about 10 days or even earlier, greatly improving cash flow.

Finally, there is the rapidly expanding network and market. China's TIR ecosystem is developing rapidly. By the end of 2025, the number of certified enterprises nationwide had reached 272, with over 70 routes in operation. Business volume surged by 1.1 times year-on-year, and the network covers Central Asia, Russia, and extends to Europe. This provides logistics companies with a stable and efficient physical channel to explore emerging markets along the "Belt and Road."

Practical Challenges: The Pressing Need for Capability Restructuring and Service Upgrading

Opportunities always coexist with challenges. While "TIR+" reduces physical customs barriers, it imposes higher professional requirements on logistics companies.

First, the threshold of qualifications and assets. Engaging in TIR transport requires obtaining a Vehicle Approval Certificate issued by customs, and both vehicles and containers must meet stringent standards. This means companies need to invest in heavy assets or establish stable partnerships with fleets that hold the necessary qualifications. Pioneering companies like Huapengfei have already built competitive barriers by forming their own TIR-compliant fleets.

Second, the complexity of operations and compliance. Behind the principle of "one document for the entire journey" lies the requirement for precise end-to-end compliance across origin, transit, and destination countries. Companies must master the TIR documentation system, understand the special declaration requirements of various customs authorities under the "TIR + Bonded/E-commerce" model, and manage the international guarantee chain. Any misstep in any link could lead to customs delays or even legal liability.

Third, the escalation of market competition. When transport efficiency becomes more homogeneous, competition will quickly shift from a "price war" to a "solution competition." Clients need not just a truck driver but a full-chain supply chain manager capable of integrating bonded warehousing, e-commerce declaration, TIR transport, overseas customs clearance, and final delivery. The ability to provide stable, reliable, visible, and controllable door-to-door service becomes the key to success.

Building the Future: From Carrier to Supply Chain Partner

Facing the "TIR+" era characterized by coexisting "international logistics opportunities and challenges," logistics enterprises, especially small and medium-sized ones, must focus their strategy and upgrade their capabilities.

The core lies in building differentiated professional expertise. Instead of spreading resources thin, it's better to specialize in a niche segment. For example, focusing on "TIR + Cold Chain" transport, serving high-value temperature-sensitive goods like fresh produce and pharmaceuticals; or concentrating on "TIR + Cross-border E-commerce," becoming an expert on a specific route (e.g., China-Central Asia).

The key is to embrace digitalization and collaboration. Leverage platforms like the International Trade "Single Window" to enhance declaration efficiency and use IoT technology to achieve real-time visibility throughout the transport process. Simultaneously, actively build alliances with bonded zones, overseas warehouses, and foreign trucking companies to integrate end-to-end service networks in a light-asset manner.

In the long run, it is essential to cultivate a service philosophy centered on the client's value chain. The future freight forwarder should be a logistics partner in the client's expansion into overseas markets. This means services need to be proactive, capable of planning optimal logistics and tax pathways for clients in advance (such as utilizing bonded zones for deferred tax payment or choosing the fastest tax rebate channel), truly transforming the regulatory dividends of "TIR+" into the client's commercial competitiveness.

The promotion of the "TIR+" model signals that China's cross-border logistics is moving from relying on a single sea freight advantage toward building a three-dimensional channel network integrating "air, road, rail, and sea" multimodal transport. It is not just a faster route but a smarter pathway built on rule-based trust, data connectivity, and industrial synergy.

For astute logistics companies, this wave of change is a golden window to escape the homogeneous red ocean and build a core enterprise advantage. Shanghai Wenaili believes that the true leaders will be those who can be the first to master the rules, deeply integrate with industries, and empower the entire process with digitalization as supply chain designers. As the roar of truck engines meshes precisely with the gears of global trade rules, a new era of logistics has already begun at full speed.