Sheeted vehicles
1. Where appliacble, the provisions of Articles 1 and 2 of these Regulations shall apply to sheeted vehicles. In addition, these vehicles shall conform to the provisions of this Article.
2. The sheet shall be either of strong canvas or of plastic-covered or rubberized cloth, which shall be of sufficient strength and unstretchable. It shall be in good condition and made up in such a way that once the closing device has been secured, it is impossible to gain access to the load compartment without leaving obvious traces.
3. If the sheet is made up of several pieces, their edges shall be folded into one another and sewn together with two seams at least 15 mm apart. These seams shall be made as shown in Sketch No 1 appended to these Regulations ; however, where in the case of certain parts of the sheet (such as flaps and reinforced corners) it is not possible to assemble the pieces in that way, it shall be sufficient to fold the edge of the top section and make the seams as shown in Sketch No 2 or 2 (a) appended to these Regulations. One of the seams shall be visible only from the inside and the colour of the thread used for that seam shall be clearly different from the colour of the sheet itself and from the colour of the thread used for the other seam. All seams shall be machine-sewn.
4. If the sheet is of plastic-covered cloth, and is made up of several pieces, the pieces may alternatively be welded together in the manner shown in Sketch No 3 appended to these Regulations. The edges of the pieces shall overlap by at least 15 mm. The pieces shall be fused together over the whole width of the overlap. The edge of the outer sheet shall be covered with a band of plastic material at least 7 mm wide, affixed by the same welding process. The plastic band and the sheet on each side of it for a width of at least 3 mm shall have a clearly-defined uniform relief pattern stamped on them. The pieces shall be welded in such a way that they cannot be separated and rejoined without leaving obvious traces.
5. Repairs shall be made in accordance with the method described in Sketch No 4 appended to these Regulations ; the edges shall be folded into one another and sewn together with two visible seams at least 15 mm apart ; the colour of the thread visible from the inside shall be different from that of the thread visible from the outside and from that of the sheet itself ; all seams shall be machine-sewn. When a sheet which has been damaged near the edges is repaired by replacing the damaged part by a patch, the seam can also be made in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 3 of this Article and Sketch No 1 appended to these Regulations. Sheets of plastic-covered cloth may alternatively be repaired in accordance with the method described in paragraph 4 of this Article, but in that case the plastic band must be affixed to both sides of the sheet, the patch being fitted on the inside of the sheet.
6. (a) The sheet shall be fixed to the vehicle in strict compliance with the conditions set forth in Article 1 (a) and (b) of these Regulations. The following types of fastening shall be provided: (i) metal rings fixed to the vehicles,
(ii) eyelets let into the edge of the sheet,
(iii) a fastening passing through the rings above the sheet and visible from the outside for its entire length.
The sheet shall overlap solid parts of the vehicle by at least 250 mm, measured from the centre of the securing rings, unless the system of construction of the vehicle in itself prevents all access to the load compartment.
(b) When any edge of a sheet is to be permanently secured to a vehicle, the joint shall be continuous and effected by means of solid devices.
7. The sheet shall be supported by an adequate superstructure (uprights, sides, arches, slats, etc.).
8. The spaces between the rings and the spaces between the eyelets shall not exceed 200 mm. The eyelets shall be reinforced.
9. The following fastenings shall be used: (a) steel wire ropes of at least 3 mm diameter ; or
(b) ropes of hemp or sisal of at least 8 mm diameter encased in a transparent sheath of unstretchable plastic.
Wire ropes may have a transparent sheath of unstretchable plastic.
metal end-piece at each end. The fastener of each metal end-piece shall include a hollow rivet passing through the rope so as to allow the introduction of the thread
10. Each rope shall be in one piece and have a hard or strap of the customs seal. The rope shall remain visible on either side of the hollow rivet so that it is possible to ensure that the rope is in one piece (see Sketch No 5 appended to these Regulations).
11. At the openings in the sheet, used for loading and unloading, the two edges of the sheet shall have an adequate overlap. They shall also be fastened by: (a) a flap sewn or welded in accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4 of this Article;
(b) rings and eyelets meeting the conditions of paragraph 8 of this Article ; and
(c) a thong made of appropriate material, in one piece and unstretchable, at least 20 mm wide and 3 mm thick, passing through the rings and holding together the two edges of the sheet and the flap ; the thong shall be secured inside the sheet and fitted with an eyelet to take the rope mentioned in paragraph 9 of this Article.
A flap shall not be required if a special device, such as a baffle plate, is fitted, which prevents access to the load compartment without leaving obvious traces.
Sketch No 1 Sheet made of several pieces sewn together
>PIC FILE= "T0009684"> Sketch No 2 Sheet made of several pieces sewn together
>PIC FILE= "T0009685"> Sketch No 2 (a) Sheet made of several pieces sewn together
>PIC FILE= "T0009686"> Sketch No 3 Sheet made of several pieces welded together
>PIC FILE= "T0009687"> Sketch No 4 Repair of the sheet
>PIC FILE= "T0009688"> Sketch No 5 Example of end-piece
>PIC FILE= "T0009689">
ANNEX 3 PROCEDURE FOR THE APPROVAL OF ROAD VEHICLES COMPLYING WITH THE TECHNICAL CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN THE REGULATIONS CONTAINED IN ANNEX 2
General
1. Road vehicles may be approved by one of the following procedures: (a) individually ; or
(b) by design type (series of road vehicles).
2. An approval certificate conforming to the standard form of Annex 4 shall be issued for approved vehicles. This certificate shall be printed in the language of the country of issue and in French or English. When the authority which has granted the approval deems it necessary, photographs or diagrams authenticated by that authority shall be attached to the certificate. The number of those documents shall then be inserted by that authority under item 6 of the approval certificate.
3. The approval certificate shall be kept on the road vehicle.
4. Road vehicles shall be produced every two years, for the purposes of inspection and of renewal of approval, where appropriate, to the competent authorities of the country in which the vehicle is registered or, in the case of unregistered vehicles, of the country in which the owner or user is resident.
5. If a road vehicle no longer complies with the technical conditions prescribed for its approval, it shall, before it can be used for the transport of goods under cover of TIR carnets, be restored to the condition which had justified its approval so as to comply again with the said technical conditions.
6. If the essential characteristics of a road vehicle are changed, the vehicle shall cease to be covered by the approval and shall be reapproved by the competent authority before it can be used for the transport of goods under cover of TIR carnets.
7. The competent authorities of the country of registration of the vehicle or, in the case of vehicles for which registration is not required, the competent authorities of the country where the owner or user of the vehicle is established may, as the case may be, withdraw or renew the approval certificate or issue a new approval certificate in the circumstances set out in Article 14 of this Convention and in paragraphs 4, 5 and 6 of this Annex.
Procedure for individual approval
8. The owner, the operator or the representative of either shall apply to the competent authority for individual approval. The competent authority shall inspect the road vehicle produced in accordance with the general rules laid down in paragraphs 1 to 7 above and shall satisfy itself that the vehicle complies with the technical conditions prescribed in Annex 2, and after approval shall issue a certificate conforming to the model in Annex 4.
Procedure for approval by design type (series of road vehicles)
9. Where road vehicles are manufactured by type series, the manufacturer may apply to the competent authority of the country of manufacture for approval by design-type.
10. The manufacturer shall state in his application the identification numbers or letters which he assigns to the type of road vehicle to which his application for approval relates.
11. The application shall be accompanied by drawings and a detailed design specification of the type of road vehicle to be approved.
12. The manufacturer shall give an undertaking in writing that he will: (a) produce to the competent authority such vehicles of the type concerned as that authority may wish to examine;
(b) permit the competent authority to examine further units at any time during the production of the type series concerned;
(c) advise the competent authority of any change, however small, in the design or specification before proceeding with such change;
(d) mark the road vehicles in a visible place with the identification numbers or letters of the design-type and the serial number of the vehicle in the type series (manufacturer's number);
(e) keep a record of vehicles manufactured to the approved design-type.
13. The competent authority shall state what changes, if any, must be made to the proposed design-type in order that approval may be granted.
14. No approval by design-type shall be granted unless the competent authority has satisfied itself by examination of one or more vehicles manufactured to the design-type concerned that vehicles of that type comply with the technical conditions prescribed in Annex 2.
15. The competent authority shall notify the manufacturer in writing of its decision to grant approval by design-type. This decision shall be dated and numbered. The authority which took the decision shall be clearly designated.
16. The competent authority shall take the necessary steps to issue an approval certificate, which it has duly signed, in respect of every vehicle built in conformity with an approved design-type.
17. The holder of the approval certificate shall, before using the vehicle for the carriage of goods under the cover of a TIR carnet, fill in, as may be required, on the approval certificate: - the registration number given to the vehicle (item 1) or,
- in the case of a vehicle not subject to registration, particulars of his name and business address (item 8).
18. When a vehicle which has been approved by design-type is exported to another country which is a Contracting Party to this Convention, no further approval procedure shall be required in that country on account of its importation.
Procedure for endorsement of the certificate of approval
19. When an approved vehicle, carrying goods under cover of a TIR carnet, is found to have major defects, the competent authorities of Contracting Parties may either refuse to allow the vehicle to continue its journey under a TIR carnet, or allow the vehicle to continue its journey under a TIR carnet on its territory while taking the necessary security precautions. The approved vehicle must be restored to a satisfactory state as rapidly as possible, and in any case before it is again used for the transport of goods under cover of a TIR carnet.
20. In each of these cases the customs authorities shall make an appropriate endorsement in item 10 of the certificate of approval of the vehicle. When the vehicle has been restored to a condition which justifies approval, it shall be presented to the competent authorities of a Contracting Party who shall revalidate the certificate by adding an endorsement to item 11 cancelling the earlier observations. No vehicle, the certificate of which has been endorsed at item 10 under the provisions of the preceding paragraph, may again be used for the transport of goods under a TIR carnet until it has been restored to a satisfactory condition and until the endorsement in item 10 has been cancelled as stated above.
21. Each endorsement made on the certificate shall be dated and authenticated by the customs authorities.
22. When a vehicle is found to have defects which the customs authorities consider to be of minor importance and not involving the risk of smuggling, the continued use of the vehicle for the transport of goods under cover of a TIR carnet can be authorized. The holder of the approval certificate shall be notified of the defects and shall restore his vehicle to a satisfactory state within a reasonable time.
ANNEX 4 MODEL CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL OF A ROAD VEHICLE
>PIC FILE= "T0009690"> >PIC FILE= "T0009691">
ANNEX 5 TIR PLATES
1. The dimensions of the plates shall be 250 x 400 mm.
2. The letters "TIR" in capital Latin characters shall be 200 mm high and their strokes at least 20 mm wide. The letters shall be white on a blue background.
ANNEX 6 EXPLANATORY NOTES
INTRODUCTION
(i) In accordance with the provisions of Article 43 of this Convention, the Explanatory Notes interpret certain provisions of this Convention and of its Annexes. They also describe certain recommended practices.
(ii) The Explanatory Notes do not modify the provisions of this Convention or of its Annexes but merely make their contents, meaning and scope more precise.
(iii) In particular, having regard to the provisions of Article 12 of this Convention and of Annex 2 relating to the technical conditions for the approval of road vehicles for transport under customs seal, the Explanatory Notes specify, where appropriate, the construction techniques to be accepted by the Contracting Parties as complying with those provisions. The Explanatory Notes also specify, where appropriate, which construction techniques do not comply with those provisions.
(iv) The Explanatory Notes provide a means of applying the provisions of this Convention and of its Annexes so as to take into account the development of technology and economic requirements.
2. ANNEX 2
2.2. Article 2
2.2.1. (a) Subparagraph 1 (a) - Assembly of constituent parts (a) Where joining devices (rivets, screws, bolts and nuts, etc.) are used, a sufficient number of such devices shall be inserted from outside, traverse the assembled constituent parts, protrude inside and there be firmly secured (e.g. riveted, welded, bushed or bolted and swaged or welded on the nut). However, coventional rivets (i.e. rivets whose placing requires handling from both sides of the assembly of constituent parts) may be inserted from the inside. Notwithstanding the above, load compartment floors may be secured by means of self-tapping screws, or self-drilling rivets or rivets inserted by means of an explosive charge, when placed from inside and passing at right-angles through the floor and the metallic cross-pieces underneath, on condition, except in the case of self-tapping screws, that some of their ends be flush with the level of the outside part of the cross-piece or be welded on to it.
(b) The competent authority shall determine what joining devices, and how many of them, must fulfil the requirements of subparagraph (a) of this note ; they shall do so by making sure that the constituent parts so assembled cannot be displaced and replaced without leaving obvious traces. The choice and placing of other joining devices are not subject to any restriction.
(c) Joining devices which can be removed and replaced from one side without leaving obvious traces (i.e. without requiring handling from both sides of the constituent parts to be assembled) shall not be allowed under subparagraph (a) of this note. Examples of such devices are expansion rivets, blind rivets and the like.
(d) The assembly methods described above shall apply to special vehicles, for example to insulated vehicles, refrigerated vehicles and tank-vehicles in so far as they are not incompatible with the technical requirements which such vehicles must fulfil having regard to their use. Where, due to technical reasons, it is not practicable to secure parts in the manner described in subparagraph (a) of this note, the constituent parts may be joined by means of the devices mentioned in subparagraph (c) of this note provided that the devices used on the inner face of the wall are not accessible from the outside.
2.2.1. (b) Subparagraph 1 (b) - Doors and other closing systems (a) The device on which customs seals can be fixed must: (i) be secured by welding, or by not less than two joining devices conforming to subparagraph (a) of Explanatory Note 2.2.1 (a), or
(ii) be so designed that when the load compartment has been closed and sealed the device cannot be removed without leaving obvious traces.
It must also: (iii) incorporate holes of not less than 11 mm in diameter or slots of at least 11 mm in length by 3 mm in width, and
(iv) afford equal security whatever type of seal is used.
(b) Butt hinges, strap hinges, hinge-pins and other devices for hanging doors and the like must be secured in conformity with the requirements of subparagraphs (a) (i) and (ii) of this note. Moreover, the various components of such devices (e.g. hingeplates, pins or swivels) must be so fitted that they cannot be removed or dismantled when the load compartment is closed and sealed without leaving obvious traces. However, where such a device is not accessible from outside it will suffice if, when the door or the like has been closed and sealed, it cannot be detached from the hinge or similar device without leaving obvious traces. Where a door or closure-device has more than two hinges, only those two hinges nearest to the extremities of the door need to be fixed in conformity with the requirements of subparagraph (a) (i) and (ii) above.
(c) Exceptionally, in the case of vehicles having insulated load compartments, the customs sealing device, the hinges and any fittings, the removal of which would give access to the interior of the load compartment or to spaces in which goods could be concealed, may be fixed to the doors of such load compartments by means of set bolts or set screws which are inserted from the outside but which do not otherwise meet the requirements of Explanatory Note 2.2.1 (a), subparagraph (a) above, on condition that: (i) the tails of the set bolts or set screws are fixed into a tapping plate or similar device fitted behind the outer layer or layers of the door structure, and
(ii) the heads of the appropriate number of set bolts or set screws are so welded to the customs sealing device, hinges, etc., that they are completely deformed and that the set bolts or set screws cannot be removed without leaving visible signs of tampering (1).
The term "insulated load compartment" is to be taken to include refrigerated and isothermic load compartments.
(d) Vehicles comprising a large number of such closures as valves, stopcocks, manhole covers, flanges and the like must be designed so as to keep the number of customs seals to a minimum. To this end, neighbouring closures must be interconnected by a common device requiring only one customs seal, or must be provided with a cover meeting the same purpose.
(e) Vehicles with opening roofs must be constructed in such a manner as to permit sealing with a minimum number of customs seals.
2.2.1. (c) - 1. Subparagraph 1 (c) - Ventilation apertures (a) Their greatest dimension must, in principle, not exceed 400 mm.
(b) Apertures permitting direct access to the load compartment, must be obstructed by means of wire gauze or perforated metal screens (maximum dimension of holes : 3 mm in both cases) and protected by welded metal lattice work (maximum dimension of holes : 10 mm).
(c) Apertures not permitting direct access to the load compartment (e.g. because of elbow or baffle-plate systems) must be provided with the same devices, in which, however, the dimensions of the holes may be as much as 10 and 20 mm respectively.
(d) Where openings are made in sheets, the devices referred to in subparagraph (b) of this note must in principle be prescribed. However, blocking devices in the form of a perforated metal screen fitted outside, and wire or other gauze fitted inside, will be allowed.
(e) Identical non-metal devices may be allowed provided that the holes are of the requisite dimensions and the material used is strong enough to prevent the holes from being substantially enlarged without visible damage. In addition, it must be impossible to replace the ventilation device by working from one side of the sheet only.
2.2.1. (c) - 2. Subparagraph 1 (c) - Drainage apertures (a) Their greatest dimension must, in principle, not exceed 35 mm.
(b) Apertures permitting direct access to the load compartment must be provided with the devices described in subparagraph (b) of Explanatory Note 2.2.1 (c) - 1 for ventilation apertures.
(c) When drainage apertures do not permit direct access to the load compartment, the devices referred to in subparagraph (b) of this note will not be prescribed, on condition that the apertures are provided with a reliable baffle system readily accessible from inside the load compartment. (1)See Sketch No 1 appended to this Annex.
2.3. Article 3
2.3.3. Paragraph 3 - Sheets made up of pieces (a) The several pieces constituting one sheet may be made of different materials conforming to the provisions of Article 3 (2) of Annex 2.
(b) Any arrangement of the pieces which adequately guarantees security will be allowed in making up the sheet, on condition that the pieces are assembled in conformity with the requirements of Article 3 of Annex 2.
2.3.6. (a) Subparagraph 6 (a) - Vehicles with sliding rings
Metal securing rings sliding on metal bars fixed to the vehicles are acceptable for the purpose of this paragraph (see Sketch No 2 appended to this Annex) provided that: (a) the bars are affixed to the vehicles at maximum spacings of 60 cm and in such a manner that they cannot be removed and replaced without leaving obvious traces;
(b) the rings are made with a double hoop or equipped with a central bar and made in one piece without the use of welding ; and
(c) the sheet is fixed to the vehicle in strict compliance with the conditions set forth in Article 1 (a) of Annex 2 to this Convention.
2.3.6. (b) Subparagraph 6 (b) - Permanently-secured sheets
Where one or more edges of the sheet are permanently attached to the body of the vehicle, the sheet shall be held in place by one strip of metal or other suitable material secured to the body of the vehicle by joining devices meeting the requirements of subparagraph (a) of Explanatory Note 2.2.1 (a) of this Annex.
2.3.9. Paragraph 9 - Textile-cored steel fastening ropes
For purposes of this paragraph, ropes comprising a textile core surrounded by six strands consisting solely of steel wire and completely covering the core will be allowed on condition that the ropes (without taking into account the transparent plastic sheath, if any) are not less than 3 mm in diameter.
2.3.11. (a) Subparagraph 11 (a) - Sheet-tensioning flaps
The sheets of many vehicles are provided on the outside with a horizontal flap pierced by eyelets running along the length of the side of the vehicle. Such flaps, known as tensioning flaps, are used to tauten the sheet by means of tensioning cords or similar devices. Such flaps have been used to conceal horizontal slits made in the sheets giving improper access to the goods carried in the vehicle. It is therefore recommended that the use of flaps of this type should not be allowed. The following devices may be used instead: (a) tensioning flaps of similar design fixed on the inside of the sheet ; or
(b) small individual flaps each pierced by one eyelet secured to the outside surface of the sheet and spaced at such distances as will permit an adequate tensioning of the sheet.
Alternatively, it may be possible in certain cases to avoid the use of tensioning flaps on sheets.
2.3.11. (c) Subparagraph 11 (c) - Sheet thongs
2.3.11. (c)-1. The following materials are regarded as suitable for making thongs: (a) leather;
(b) non-tensile textile materials including plastic-covered or rubberized cloth, provided that such materials cannot after severance be welded or reconstituted without leaving obvious traces. Furthermore, the plastic material used to cover thongs shall be transparent and smooth-surfaced.
2.3.11. (c)-2. The device shown in Sketch No 3 appended to this Annex meets the requirements of the last part of Article 3 (11) of Annex 2. It also meets the requirements of Article 3 (6) of Annex 2.
3. ANNEX 3
3.0.17. Approval procedure 1. Annex 3 provides that the competent authorities of a Contracting Party may issue a certificate of approval in respect of a vehicle constructed within its territory and that no additional approval procedures shall be applied in respect of such a vehicle in the country where it is registered or, as the case may be, where the owner is resident.
2. These provisions are not intended to restrict the right of the competent authorities of the Contracting Party where the vehicle is registered or where the owner is resident to require the production of such a certificate of approval either at importation or subsequently for purposes connected with the registration or control of the vehicle or with similar legal requirements.
3.0.20. Procedure for endorsement of the certificate of approval
When an endorsement concerning defects is to be cancelled after the vehicle has been restored to a satisfactory state, it is sufficient to state, under item 11 provided for the purpose, "defects rectified" followed by the name, signature and stamp of the competent authority concerned.
Sketch No 1 Example of hinge and customs sealing device on doors of vehicles having insulated load compartments
>PIC FILE= "T0009692"> Sketch No 2 Sheeted vehicles with sliding rings
>PIC FILE= "T0009693"> Sketch No 3 Example of a device for fastening vehicle sheets
The device illustrated below meets the requirements of the last part of Article 3 (11) of Annex 2. It also meets the requirements of Article 3 (6) of Annex 2. >PIC FILE= "T0009694"> Sketch No 4 Device for fastening sheets
The device illustrated below meets the requirements of Article 3 (6) (a) of Annex 2. >PIC FILE= "T0009695">
ANNEX 7 ANNEX REGARDING APPROVAL OF CONTAINERS
PART I REGULATIONS ON TECHNICAL CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO CONTAINERS WHICH MAY BE ACCEPTED FOR INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT UNDER CUSTOMS SEAL
