TIR can cut Bioceanic Corridor transport costs by 30%

A recent conference in Brazil explored the significant benefits of coupling the Bioceanic Corridor with the TIR system, including cutting transport costs by 30%, according to a government study.

Organised by IRU and its member NTC&Logística, the conference in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, brought together over 70 private and public sector representatives, including officials from Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Brazil.

The event explored how the TIR system will help Brazil and South America maximise the benefits of the Bioceanic Corridor, a major infrastructure project linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Chile.

"By limiting checks to just the points of departure and destination, TIR significantly reduces inspections, and by extension transport costs and times," said IRU Senior Legal Adviser for TIR & Transit Services Ana Taliberti.

"TIR offers international guarantees, standardised documentation, and simplified procedures," added IRU Senior Manager for TIR and Transit Services Lucas Lagier. "This means smoother border crossings, greater customs security and more predictability for companies."

At the conference, Infra S.A., a Brazilian state-owned transport planning company, presented the results of its study on integrating TIR with the Bioceanic Corridor.

It found that TIR could reduce transport costs along the Bioceanic Corridor by 30% - consistent with TIR's proven global impact, where it has been shown to reduce costs by up to 50% depending on route and context.

"For the Bioceanic Corridor to reach its full potential, it is essential to advance not only in infrastructure works, but also in harmonising customs procedures and modernising international cargo transit processes," said Infra S.A. Special Projects Coordinator Elaine Radel.

The Bioceanic Corridor and TIR also stand to significantly benefit Mato Grosso do Sul itself, a major Brazilian agricultural powerhouse, expanding access to Asian and European markets.

"This means that cargo leaving Mato Grosso do Sul will remain sealed until it reaches its final destination. Tax collection, transport and customs clearance processes will be greatly simplified," said José Carlos Barbosa, the Vice Governor of Mato Grosso do Sul.

The conference followed Brazil's recent accession to TIR.

Created by IRU in 1949 to rebuild trade and commercial links across Europe, TIR remains the only global transit system.

Globally, TIR has been shown to cut border transit times by up to 92% and reduce transport costs by up to 50%.