Council Regulation (EEC) No 3237/76 of 21 December 1976 on the advance implementation of the Technical Annexes and the advance use of the specimen TIR carnet of the Customs Convention on the international transport of goods under cover of TIR carnets (TIR Convention) of 14 November 1975, Geneva
Date: 1976-12-21
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: customs formalities, form, international transport, transport document













EUR-Lex - 31976R3237 - EN






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31976R3237

Council Regulation (EEC) No 3237/76 of 21 December 1976 on the advance implementation of the Technical Annexes and the advance use of the specimen TIR carnet of the Customs Convention on the international transport of goods under cover of TIR carnets (TIR Convention) of 14 November 1975, Geneva  


Official Journal L 368 , 31/12/1976 P. 0001 - 0050 Finnish special edition: Chapter 7 Volume 1 P. 0174  Greek special edition: Chapter 02 Volume 2 P. 0248  Swedish special edition: Chapter 7 Volume 1 P. 0174  





COUNCIL REGULATION (EEC) No 3237/76  of 21 December 1976  on the advance implementation of the Technical Annexes and the advance use of the specimen TIR carnet of the Customs Convention on the international transport of goods under cover of TIR carnets (TIR Convention) of 14 November 1975, Geneva  THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,  Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,  Having regard to the recommendation from the Commission,  Whereas the simplification measures provided for under the TIR Convention revised at Geneva in 1975 should apply as soon as possible ; whereas this is particularly so in respect of the technical provisions and the specimen TIR carnet of the aforesaid Convention,  HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:    Article 1 1. As from 1 January 1977, Annexes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 to the 1975 TIR Convention shall apply in the Community.  The Explanatory Notes in Annex 6 to the aforesaid Convention relative to the Annexes listed in subparagraph 1 shall apply as from the same date.  2. As from 1 January 1977, the specimen TIR carnet featuring in Annex I to the 1975 TIR Convention shall have the same legal force and the same effect in the Community as the TIR carnet of the 1959 Convention.  3. The texts of Annexes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 to the 1975 TIR Convention and the Explanatory Notes in Annex 6 relative to those Annexes are contained in the Annex to this Regulation.   Article 2 The Commission shall inform the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Europe of the provisions adopted in Article 1.   Article 3 This Regulation shall enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities.     This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.  Done at Brussels, 21 December 1976.  For the Council  The President  A.P.L.M.M. van der STEE    ANNEX 1 SPECIMEN TIR CARNET  The TIR carnet is printed in French except for page 1 of the cover where the items are also printed in English. The "rules regarding the use of the TIR carnet" given in French on page 2 of the cover are also printed in English on page 3 of the cover.   >PIC FILE= "T0009679">    >PIC FILE= "T9000906">    >PIC FILE= "T0009680">    >PIC FILE= "T0009681">    >PIC FILE= "T0009682">    >PIC FILE= "T0009683">    >PIC FILE= "T9000908">         ANNEX 2 REGULATIONS ON TECHNICAL CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO ROAD VEHICLES WHICH MAY BE ACCEPTED FOR INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT UNDER CUSTOMS SEAL  Article 1 Basic principles  Approval for the international transport of goods under customs seal may be granted only to vehicles, the load compartments of which are constructed and equipped in such a manner that:    (a) no goods can be removed from, or introduced into, the sealed part of the vehicle without leaving obvious traces of tampering or without breaking the customs seal;       (b) customs seals can be simply and effectively affixed to them;       (c) they contain no concealed spaces where goods may be hidden;       (d) all spaces capable of holding goods are readily accessible for customs inspection.       Article 2 Structure of load compartments  1. To meet the requirements of Article 1 of these Regulations:    (a) the constituent parts of the load compartment (sides, floor, doors, roof, uprights, frames, cross-pieces, etc.) shall be assembled either by means of devices which cannot be removed and replaced from the outside without leaving obvious traces or by such methods as will produce a structure which cannot be modified without leaving obvious traces. When the sides, floor, doors and roof are made up of various components, these shall meet the same requirements and be of sufficient strength;       (b) doors and all other closing systems (including stopcocks, manhole-covers, flanges, etc.) shall be fitted with a device on which customs seals can be fixed. This device must be such that it cannot be removed and replaced from the outside without leaving obvious traces, or the door or fastening be opened without breaking the customs seals. The latter shall be adequately protected. Opening roofs shall be permitted;       (c) apertures for ventilation and drainage shall be provided with a device preventing access to the interior of the load compartment. This device must be such that it cannot be removed and replaced from the outside without leaving obvious traces.    2. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 1 (c) of these Regulations, constituent parts of the load compartment which, for practical reasons, have to include empty spaces (for example, between the partitions of a double wall) shall be permitted. In order that the said spaces cannot be used to conceal goods:    (i) where it covers the full height from floor to roof, or, in other cases, where the space between it and the outer wall is completely enclosed, the lining inside the load compartment shall be so fitted that it cannot be removed and replaced without leaving obvious traces, and       (ii) where a lining is of less than full height and the spaces between the lining and the outer wall are not completely enclosed, and in all other cases where spaces occur in the construction of a load compartment, the number of such spaces shall be kept to a minimum and these spaces shall be readily accessible for customs inspection.    3. Windows shall be allowed provided that they are made of materials of sufficient strength and that they cannot be removed and replaced from the outside without leaving obvious traces. Glass shall nevertheless be permitted, but in this case the window shall be fitted with a fixed metal grille which cannot be removed from the outside ; the mesh of the grille shall not exceed 10 mm.  4. Openings made in the floor for technical purposes, such as lubrication, maintenance and filling of the sandbox, shall be allowed only on condition that they are fitted with a cover capable of being fixed in such a way as to render the load compartment inaccessible from the outside.     Article 3 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  Article 1 Basic principles  Approval for the international transport of goods under customs seal may be granted only to containers constructed and equipped in such a manner that:    (a) no goods can be removed from, or introduced into, the sealed part of the container without leaving visible traces of tampering or without breaking the customs seal;       (b) customs seals can be simply and effectively affixed to them;       (c) they contain no concealed spaces where goods may be hidden;       (d) all spaces capable of holding goods are readily accessible for customs inspection.       Article 2 Structure of containers  1. To meet the requirements of Article 1 of these Regulations:    (a) the constituent parts of the container (sides, floor, doors, roof, uprights, frames, cross-pieces, etc.) shall be assembled either by means of devices which cannot be removed and replaced from the outside without leaving visible traces or by such methods as will produce a structure which cannot be modified without leaving visible traces. When the sides, floor, doors and roof are made up of various components, these shall meet the same requirements and be of sufficient strength;  (b) doors and all other closing systems (including stopcocks, manhole-covers, flanges, etc.) shall be fitted with a device on which customs seals can be fixed. This device must be such that it cannot be removed and replaced from outside the container without leaving visible traces, or the door or fastening be opened without breaking the customs seals. The latter shall be adequately protected. Opening roofs shall be permitted;   (c) apertures for ventilation and drainage shall be provided with a device preventing access to the interior of the container. This device must be such that it cannot be removed and replaced from outside the container without leaving visible traces.  2. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 1 (c) of these Regulations, constituent parts of the container which, for practical reasons, have to include empty spaces (for example, between the partitions of a double wall) shall be permitted. In order that the said spaces cannot be used to conceal goods:    (i) it shall not be possible to remove and replace the lining inside the container without leaving visible traces, or       (ii) the number of the said spaces shall be kept to a minimum and these spaces shall be readily accessible for customs inspection.       Article 3 Containers capable of being folded or dismantled Containers capable of being folded or dismantled shall be subject to the provisions of Articles 1 and 2 of these Regulations ; in addition, they shall be fitted with a bolting system which locks the various parts together once the container has been erected. This bolting system must be capable of being sealed by the customs authorities if it is on the outside of the container when the latter has been erected.   Article 4 Sheeted containers  1. Where applicable, the provisions of Articles 1, 2 and 3 of these Regulations shall apply to sheeted containers. In addition, these containers 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 without leaving visible 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 at the rear 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 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 a width of at least 3 mm on each side shall have a well-marked uniform relief stamped on it. The pieces shall be welded in such a way that they cannot be separated and rejoined without leaving visible 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 scams 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 weld must be made on both sides of the sheet, the patch being fitted on the inside of the sheet.  6.    (a) The sheet shall be fixed to the container 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 container,           (ii) eyelets in 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 container by at least 250 mm, measured from the centre of the securing rings, unless the system of construction of the container by itself prevents all access to the goods.       (b) When the edge of a sheet is to be permanently secured to a container, the joint shall be continuous and effected by means of solid devices.   7. The interval between rings and between eyelets shall not exceed 200 mm. The eyelets shall be reinforced.  8. The following fastenings shall be used:    (a) steel wire rope of at least 3 mm diameter ; or       (b) a rope of hemp or sisal of at least 8 mm diameter encased in a transparent unstretchable plastic sheath.    Wire ropes may have a transparent unstretchable plastic sheath.  9. Each rope shall be in one piece and have a hard 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 or the 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).  10. 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 7 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 8 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 goods without leaving visible traces.  11. The identification marks, which must appear on the container, and the approval plate provided for in Part II of this Annex, shall in no circumstances be covered by the sheet.     Article 5 Transitional provisions  Until 1 January 1977, end-pieces shall be allowed which conform to Sketch No 5 appended to these Regulations, even if they include hollow rivets of a type previously accepted with holes of dimensions less than those given in the sketch.   Sketch No 1 Sheets made of several pieces (sewn together by means of seams) >PIC FILE= "T0009696">    Sketch No 2 Sheets made of several pieces >PIC FILE= "T0009697">    Sketch No 3 Sheets made of several pieces (welded together) >PIC FILE= "T0009698">    Sketch No 4 Repair of the sheet  >PIC FILE= "T0009699">    Sketch No 5 Specimen of end-piece  >PIC FILE= "T0009700">      PART II PROCEDURES FOR THE APPROVAL OF CONTAINERS COMPLYING WITH THE TECHNICAL CONDITIONS PRESCRIBED IN PART I  General  1. Containers may be approved for the transport of goods under customs seal either:      (a) at the manufacturing stage, by design type (procedure for approval at the manufacturing stage) ; or           (b) at a stage subsequent to manufacture, either individually or in respect of a specified number of containers of the same type (procedure for approval at a stage subsequent to manufacture).    Provisions common to both approval procedures  2. The competent authority responsible for granting approval shall issue to the applicant, after approval, a certificate of approval valid, as the case may be, either for an unlimited series of containers of the approved type or for a specified number of containers.    3. The beneficiary of approval shall affix an approval plate to the approved container or containers before their use for the transport of goods under customs seal.    4. The approval plate shall be affixed permanently and in a clearly visible place adjacent to any other approval plate issued for official purposes.   5. The approval plate, conforming to Model I reproduced in Appendix 1 hereto, shall take the form of a metal plate measuring not less than 20 x 10 cm. The following particulars shall be stamped into or embossed on the plate or indicated on its surface in any other permanent and legible way, in at least the English or the French language:      (a) the words "Approved for transport under customs seal";           (b) an indication of the country in which approval was granted either by name or by means of the distinguishing sign used to indicate the country of registration of motor vehicles in international road traffic, and the number (figures, letters, etc.) of the certificate of approval and the year (e.g. "NL/26/73" means "Netherlands, certificate of approval No 26, issued in 1973");           (c) the serial number assigned to the container by the manufacturer (manufacturer's number);           (d) if the container has been approved by type, the identification numbers or letters of the type of container.      6. If a container no longer complies with the technical conditions prescribed for its approval, it shall, before it can be used for the transport of goods under customs seal, be restored to the condition which had justified its approval, so as to comply again with the said technical conditions.    7. If the essential characteristics of a container are changed, the container 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 customs seal.   Special provisions for approval by design type at the manufacturing stage   8. Where the containers are manufactured by type series, the manufacturer may apply to the competent authority of the country of manufacture for approval by design type.    9. The manufacturer shall state in his application the identification numbers or letters which he assigns to the type of container to which his application for approval relates.    10. The application shall be accompanied by drawings and a detailed design specification of the container type to be approved.    11. The manufacturer shall give an undertaking in writing that he will:      (a) produce to the competent authority such containers 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, of whatever magnitude, in the design or specification before proceeding with such change;           (d) mark the containers in a visible place with, in addition to the markings required on the approval plate, the identification numbers or letters of the design  type and the serial number of the container in the type series (manufacturer's number);           (e) keep a record of containers manufactured to the approved design type.      12. The competent authority shall state what changes, if any, must be made to the proposed design type so that approval may be granted.    13. No type-approval by design type shall be granted unless the competent authority has satisfied itself by examination of one or more containers manufactured to the design type concerned that containers of that type comply with the technical conditions prescribed in Part I.    14. When a container type is approved there shall be issued to the applicant a single certificate of approval conforming to Model II reproduced in Appendix 2 hereto and valid for all containers manufactured in conformity with the specifications of the type so approved. Such certificate shall entitle the manufacturer to affix to every container of the type series an approval plate in the form prescribed in paragraph 5.  Special provisions for approval at a stage subsequent to manufacture   15. If approval has not been applied for at the manufacturing stage, the owner, the operator, or the representative of either, may apply for approval to the competent authority to which he is able to produce the container or containers and for which he seeks approval.    16. An application for approval submitted under paragraph 15 shall state the serial number (manufacturer's number) placed on each container by the manufacturer.    17. When the competent authority has ascertained that the container or containers comply with the technical conditions prescribed in Part I, by examination of as many containers as it considers necessary, it shall issue a certificate of approval conforming to Model III reproduced in Appendix 3 hereto and valid solely for the number of containers approved. Such certificate, which shall bear the manufacturer's serial number or numbers assigned to the container or containers to which it relates, shall entitle the applicant to affix to each container so approved the approval plate prescribed in paragraph 5.    APPENDIX 1 TO PART II MODEL I  >PIC FILE= "T0009701">    APPENDIX 1 TO PART II MODEL I  >PIC FILE= "T0009702">    APPENDIX 2 TO PART II MODEL II  >PIC FILE= "T0009703">    APPENDIX 3 TO PART II MODEL III  >PIC FILE= "T0009704">      PART III EXPLANATORY NOTES   1. The Explanatory Notes to Annex 2 set out in Annex 6 to this Convention apply mutatis mutandis to containers approved for transport under customs seal for the application of this Convention.    2. Part I - Article 4 (6) (a)  Example of a system of affixing sheets around containers' corner-castings, acceptable from a customs point of view, is given in the sketch appended hereto.   3. Part II - paragraph 5    If two sheeted containers approved for transport under customs seal have been joined together in such a way that they form one container, covered by a single sheet and fulfilling the conditions for transport under customs seal, a separate certificate of approval, or approval plate, shall not be required for the combination.   Device for affixing sheets around containers' corner castings  The device illustrated below meets the requirements of Article 4 (6) (a) of Part I:  >PIC FILE= "T0009705">