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Introduction to Carnet de Passages (CPD)
What You Will Learn in This Guide to Carnet de Passages
The Carnet de Passages (CPD) is an international customs document that allows temporary importation of vehicles without paying customs duties. This system was established under the 1954 Convention on Temporary Admission of Motor Vehicles, signed by 54 countries. Iran officially joined this convention in 2012.
The CPD is a customs transit booklet that simplifies border procedures and makes it easier for travelers to drive their cars or motorcycles across international land borders. CPDs are issued in booklets of 5, 10, 15, or 25 pages. Each time a vehicle enters a new country, one page is used and stamped by customs.
The validity of a CPD depends on the type of vehicle:
- For private cars and motorcycles: three months
- For commercial trucks: one year
In addition, the CPD guarantees that the vehicle will return to its country of origin, ensuring compliance with international customs regulations.
Torang Darya Company provides free consultation in the shortest possible time to offer the best information about temporary import with a Carnet de Passages for personal cars, motorcycles, trucks, and more. We are here to meet all your needs.
What is a Carnet de Passages (CPD)?
A Carnet de Passages (CPD) is an international customs document that allows owners of private cars, motorcycles, trucks, and other vehicles to travel across different countries with their own vehicle. The CPD acts like a passport for your vehicle, giving you permission to enter foreign countries without paying customs duties at each border.
The Convention on Temporary Admission of Private Vehicles and the Carnet de Passages agreement was signed in 1954 by 54 countries. Iran officially joined this convention in 2012, and currently, the issuance of CPDs in Iran is handled by the Touring & Automobile Club of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Laws and Conditions for Temporary Vehicle Import with a CPD in Iran
- Iranian citizens who live abroad can obtain a CPD only if they have resided in the foreign country for at least three consecutive months.
- Foreign citizens can bring their vehicles into Iran with a CPD as long as they are not residents of Iran and are entering solely for travel purposes.
Rules for Temporary Import of Vehicles with a Carnet de Passages in Iran
- Foreign private cars entering Iran temporarily with a CPD must immediately obtain a temporary license plate from the Traffic Police Registration Office.
- These cars are allowed to stay in Iran for up to three months. To extend beyond this period, approval from the customs authority is required.
- Foreign trucks entering with a CPD are valid for one year only. After expiration, you must apply for a new CPD. The old CPD must be returned to the issuing authority in your home country.
- The name on the CPD must match the vehicle owner’s name in the registration documents. If the names are different, the vehicle cannot enter Iran with a CPD.
- Vehicles with a temporary license plate (CPD entry) cannot be sold, rented, or transferred. Any such activity is considered smuggling under Iranian law.
- The CPD also applies to motorcycles. However, motorcycles with an engine capacity above 250cc made in the USA are not allowed to enter Iran under CPD rules.
- Import of the following vehicles with a CPD is strictly prohibited: Porsche, Lamborghini, Bugatti, luxury ceremonial cars, gold-plated or other luxury vehicles, Ferrari, Hummer, Maserati, and all vehicles manufactured in the United States.
Benefits of Traveling with a Carnet de Passages
Using a Carnet de Passages (CPD) for international travel comes with many advantages for both travelers and governments. The key benefits include:
- Lower travel costs by avoiding customs duties, making trips with private cars and motorcycles more affordable.
- No need for a customs guarantee when temporarily importing a personal vehicle into another country.
- Faster border crossing through land borders without lengthy customs procedures.
- Free movement within the destination country using a temporary license plate issued under the CPD.
- Boosting tourism by attracting foreign travelers with their own vehicles, injecting money into local economies, and strengthening friendly relations between CPD member countries.
Carnet de Passages Booklet
The Carnet de Passages (CPD) booklet is one of the most important documents for international vehicle travel. Here are some key points you need to know:
- The CPD can only be obtained through the central office of the Touring & Automobile Club.
- The validity of a CPD is 3 months for private cars and motorcycles, and up to 1 year for trucks after issuance.
- CPDs are issued in booklets of 5, 10, 15, or 25 pages. Each time you cross a border, one page will be stamped and canceled.
- If the CPD booklet expires but has not been used, it is possible to renew and extend its validity.
Required Documents to Obtain a Carnet de Passages
- Copy of the Kaputaj form
- Vehicle ownership certificate
- Valid passport
- International driving license (issued by the Touring & Automobile Club)
- Security deposit based on the official CPD tariff
How to Refund the CPD Deposit
To get back the CPD deposit, the following documents are required:
- The original Carnet de Passages booklet
- The deposit receipt
- An official company letter (for commercial vehicles) or the presence of the vehicle owner
Touring & Automobile Club Offices in Iran
As mentioned earlier, a transit license plate can be obtained from all branches of the Touring & Automobile Club.
However, to apply for a Carnet de Passages, you must visit the central office only.
Conditions for Using a Private Vehicle with CPD Abroad
Traveling abroad with a private vehicle using a Carnet de Passages requires several international documents issued by the Touring & Automobile Club:
- Besides a valid driving license, you also need the international vehicle ownership booklet (translation of vehicle and driver details).
- To obtain an international license plate and ownership booklet, you must first get an international exit permit (available at all customs offices, even at border points).
- After receiving the exit permit, you can visit the Touring & Automobile Club offices with your passport and vehicle ownership certificate to get the required booklet.
- If you are driving someone else’s vehicle, you must provide a notarized power of attorney for international travel.
- Additionally, you need a Tracking Tag with an IR code and QR code containing driver and vehicle information. This tag must be attached to the car and is essential for customs and border police checks.
Steps to Obtain a Carnet de Passages
Cost of Issuing a Carnet de Passages
For accurate and up-to-date information about CPD costs, it is recommended to contact the Touring & Automobile Club of Iran. Generally, several factors affect the cost of a Carnet de Passages:
- Type of vehicle – cars, motorcycles, and trucks have different fees.
- Validity period – longer CPD validity may increase the cost.
- Destination country regulations and rates – each country may have different requirements.
- Currency fluctuations – changes in exchange rates can affect CPD fees.
- International vehicle insurance – mandatory insurance for the vehicle adds to the cost.
- Additional expenses – document translation, exit fees, and other charges contribute to the total cost.
Launch of the Online Transit License Plate System
According to the Touring & Automobile Club of Iran, the online system for applying for transit license plates and replacing transit documents was launched on May 31, 2022.
Applicants who wish to obtain a new transit plate can visit the online international travel permit system at: idp.taci.ir.
Mandatory Replacement of Old Transit Plates
The Touring & Automobile Club of Iran manages the standardization and replacement of transit plates for private cars and public transport vehicles.
- All holders of previous transit plates, including series E, D, B, and A, must participate in this program.
- To receive a new transit plate, owners must submit the required documents and return their old plates.
- New transit plates can be obtained from any official offices and branches of the Touring & Automobile Club, the only authorized organization in Iran for issuing international driving and vehicle documents, accredited by the FIA (Fédération International de automobile).
- The new transit plates are designed according to international standards and coordinated with domestic and international organizations related to transit, including border terminals and customs.
- Note: Old transit plates expired after 2022 and are no longer valid abroad.
What is a Transit License Plate?
If you own a vehicle and want to use it in other countries, you must obtain a transit license plate. A transit plate is issued only once for each vehicle and is valid for the lifetime of that vehicle.
Required Documents for a Transit License Plate
To receive a transit license plate, you must visit one of the Touring & Automobile Club branches, as the club has been responsible for issuing transit plates since September 2010. Important points to know:
- Since September 2010, transit plates with codes TEH and THR are no longer valid.
- Since March 2013, holders of plates with the IR code can only receive a new transit plate by returning their old plate.
- The required documents for obtaining a transit plate are the same as those needed for an international vehicle ownership booklet:
- Temporary exit permit or Kaputaj form (issued by customs)
- Valid passport
- Vehicle ownership certificate
- International driving license (issued by the Touring & Automobile Club)
- Power of attorney for vehicle exit (if applicable)
- If you intend to transfer the vehicle, the transit plate must be handed over to the new owner.
Documents and Conditions for International Travel of Public Vehicles
Like private vehicles, public vehicles (yellow plates) can also apply for a transit license plate. Steps include:
- The company must submit the following documents to the Touring & Automobile Club to process the transit plate application
- Copy of the company articles of association
- Copy of the company establishment announcement
- Copy of the latest official changes in the company’s registration
- Photo introduction letter of the company representative
- Original deposit receipt required for registration
- Samples of authorized signatures and company stamp, certified by a notary
If you have any questions about the Carnet de Passages, you can contact Torang Darya Company.
Frequently Asked Questions
A CPD is a customs transit booklet that allows drivers to temporarily import vehicles, including private cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more, without going through lengthy customs procedures. It enables crossing land borders legally and smoothly. Foreign vehicle owners entering Iran must hold a valid CPD with no erasures or alterations. The details on the CPD must match the vehicle’s specifications, and the owner must be a foreign national. The main benefits include simplified entry and exit at land borders and avoiding long customs procedures. A Volet is a page in the CPD booklet used for a specific country of entry, exit, or transit. Failing to return a Volet indicates that the vehicle has not left the country. This can violate government regulations, classify the vehicle as smuggled, result in fines for the driver, and may lead to penalties, suspension, or closure for the transport company if it was responsible for the vehicle’s exit. The Touring & Automobile Club is responsible for the CPD. The transport company has no responsibility unless it specifically requests the CPD or assumes responsibility for the vehicle’s entry and exit. After the CPD expires, you can apply for a new CPD. Approval from customs and the Touring & Automobile Club is required, and the old CPD must be returned to the issuing authority in your home country. The TIR Carnet is a document used for road transport of goods, allowing cargo to pass through transit countries without customs procedures. In contrast, the Carnet de Passages (CPD) acts like a passport for vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, allowing private vehicle owners to travel to different countries. A CPD enables the holder to continue their journey without paying customs duties in each country. In Iran, CPDs are issued by the Touring & Automobile Club of the Islamic Republic of Iran. No, any erasure or alteration in the CPD is not acceptable. The abbreviation is CPD.
Conclusion
The Carnet de Passages (CPD) facilitates international land travel with vehicles and ensures that the vehicle can return to its home country easily.
Without a CPD, when a vehicle enters Iran, customs must assess its value, and a security guarantee is issued. This process is time-consuming and costly. With a CPD, these procedures are eliminated.
Among Iran’s neighboring countries, entry with a vehicle is only allowed to the UAE and Pakistan if you have a CPD; otherwise, vehicles are not permitted.
CPDs come in four types: 5, 10, 15, or 25 pages, depending on the number of trips. It is required for crossing land borders of certain countries, demonstrating that the vehicle has permission to enter and move within the destination country.
Currently, 54 countries mandate the possession of a CPD. Some European countries may also have similar requirements.
For example:
- Vehicles traveling to the UAE are transported by ship, and a CPD is mandatory for vehicle discharge.
- At the Mirjaveh border with Pakistan, trailers must carry a CPD.
For a CPD trip, it is essential to have valid and updated documents, because without them, travelers may face severe legal consequences in case of an accident, including detention and complex legal proceedings.
Many international trips occur at the end of the year and during Nowruz holidays, as travelers prefer land trips with CPDs to reduce costs.
The Touring & Automobile Club has representatives at active border customs to provide services. In Iraq, the Automobile Club now issues CPDs at three southern borders and three in the Kurdistan region, allowing Iraqi citizens to enter Iran easily without border delays.
Soon, similar customs procedures with CPDs will be implemented at the Armenia border, eliminating border delays for travelers.
For accurate information about the temporary import cost of vehicles with a Carnet de Passages, you can contact the expert team at Torang Darya Company and receive free consultation regarding CPDs.
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