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If you’re visiting this page, we’re guessing that you’re on your way to import Chinese goods into Iran. Congratulations, you landed in the perfect place to implement or to increase your import process between the two countries. Without regarding if it will be your first freight, or if you are a well-experimented importer, you will find information you didn’t knew on this page. No matter what the type of goods they’re importing, from a single parcel to numerous fully loaded containers, we remarked that the same interrogations where frequently asked to us by our customers in Iran. To provide a great detailed and structured answer, and also help as many people as possible, we decided to write the following article, based on our 10 years of experience between the two countries. SINO Shipping is your ideal freight forwarding partner. We can plan sea, air and land freight from China to Iran, for all types of products and volumes. First, we’ll explain the customs clearance process in Iran for products made in China. Then we’ll discuss the different freight possibilities to reach Iran from China. And finally, we’re going to overview the trade and diplomatic relationship between the two countries. Personal advices and useful links will also be found along this article
SUMMARY
OUR CUSTOMS BROKER INFORM YOU
CUSTOMS CLEARANCE IN IRAN
Can I be exempted of duties and taxes for an import from China to Iran?
Because there is no Free Trade Agreements bonding China and Iran, there are not big chances for your shipment to be exempted of duties and taxes. Approximately, customs duties are about 28% of the goods value in Iran. The duties are going from 0% for the most basic products that need imports, to 100% or more for the goods that are already produced in Iran. This tariff barrier policy was made to support the local industry and businesses to flourish, instead of being dependent of imports.
Necessary documents
The Original Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin (CO)
In international trades and customs clearance, the Certificate of Origin is an essential document to provide. As you probably guessed it, the CO is demonstrating that your goods were produced in a particular country and place. For the Certificate to be accepted by customs, it must be released by a government or a notary public. Also, the local Chamber of Commerce and the Exporter must put their signature on the document. Iranian customs will select which customs tariff are applicable, with this document.
The Bill of Lading (BL) or Airway Bill
After the Certificate of Preferential Origin, The Bill of Lading is the second most important document when it comes to imports. The BL is acting like an ID card of the cargo, when the Certificate of Origin is the ID card of the products. It is released by the carrier to testify of the reception of the cargo for the transport. It is witnessing that the container where the goods are placed is charged on the vessel. The importance of the Bill of Lading resides in the fact that it ensures the exporter that his payment has been done, and the importer that he will receive the goods. The Airway Bill has the same use but is issued for an air freight. The Letter of Credit (LC) will be issued after the BL.
The Original Invoice
Customs will verify if the goods sent by the exporter are corresponding to the items avowed by the importer.
A general license
It is granted by the Iranian Ministry of Commerce, and it must be accompanied by the approval of the appropriate Ministry in charge of the type of goods.
A commercial card
The commercial card must be issued by the Iranian Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines and approved by the Ministry of Commerce.
An Import License
The import license can be required, depending on the types of goods you’re importing.
SINO Info : Depending on the types of goods you’re importing, further documents might be asked. Please reach the Iranian customs, to have precise information.
Duties and taxes in Iran
Iran, with all the other countries in the world, is identifying traded goods with the Harmonized System (HS) of tariff nomenclature. It is a combination of 6 figuresimputed to each type of goods, named HS Code. It is used as a common language worldwide to identify products and items.
The image below is detailing which information is contained behind each number
SINO Remark : First of all, you must determine which HS code is attributable to your goods. If you’re still uninformed, this website FindHS.codes, will help you to sort it out. (otherwise, you should be able to simply get it from your Chinese supplier)
The HS Code will now help you to find the tariff barriers associated to your products. You will determine it by downloading the corresponding section on the website of IranPartner.
Each section is listing goods sorted by HS Code and is indicating the corresponding taxes rates on the same line. To take the example of a pineapple again, by downloading the section 2 “vegetable products”, on the page number 10, you will find the tariff barrier of 26% of the CIF value of the product.
Info SINO : More information is available on the The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran, and the Iran Customs websites. You still have a doubt ? Fill our online form in a minutes, our SINO Experts will back to you within 48h !
Customs contact in China
Official name: General Administration of Customs of China
Official Website: Chinese Customs Website
Customs contact in Iran
Official name : The Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration
Official Website: Iranian Customs website
Customs process
- Your goods are unloaded from the vessel and put in the customs’ custody.
- Before your cargo lands in the Iranian territory, you must complete the import document file with all the documents detailed above. You must do it as soon as possible, because you will be dutied with extra charges like demurrage, warehousing, if your goods are staying too long in custody.
- Then you send the file to the corresponding customs office, where your goods are warehoused. In the meantime, the carrier will file the Import General Manifest (IGM) to customs.
- Once that the customs are possessing the file, they will proceed to the examination. They will calculate the applicable duties and taxes.
- After you pay the duties and taxes, the release letter of your goods will be issued to the custodians. He will transmit it to you with the completion of customs clearance.
- Then your goods are released, and they can flow to your destination or you can collect them.
The picture below is visualising the customs clearance process in Iran:
SINO Remark : As we already explained you, this step of the import must be finished as soon as possible, to avoid paying useless additional charges. If you’re a beginner, it will probably be difficult for you to manage the entire process, and you will lose a lot of time and energy doing it. You can fully rely on our proficient SINO Customs Staff. With them a smooth process is guaranteed!
Trade relations between China and Iran
Two similar nations with the same ambitions
Both countries share similar psychological behaviours. The two countries are issued from millenary civilisation and empires. So, they both have a strong identity which express itself in national pride. Also, they identify to each other, because China is the biggest power in Asia, while Iran is one of the biggest power in the Middle East. That’s why they are maintaining good relations and are tending to cooperate politically and economically.
China is supplying Iran with electronics, auto parts and other types of consumer goods, but also with heavy technologies and investments like for the Tehran subway networks, cement industry, mining, transportation equipments… On the other hand, Iran is providing China with natural resources like coal, zinc, lead and of course oil. To sum up, China is trading its industry and Iran is trading its natural resources.
Most of the cargoes are shipped by sea freight from China to Iran. The rail freight between the two countries is still existing but not efficient enough now. It is called the Eurasian land bridge, and it is passing through Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. A container train made 15 days from Yiwu in the Zhejiang province, to attain Tehran in 2018. It’s still very expensive and transit times are about 20 days, but this freight solution will surely develop in the future and become a major freight option.
According to the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran, in 2017 China was both the first Import and Export partner of Iran. Trade flow from China to Iran reached a value of 12 billion of USD and was representing 26% of the share of goods imported into Iran. In the other way, 21% of the exports of Iran where sent to China for a total value of 10 billion of USD. Less important for China, Iran was only its 23rd import partner and 27th export partner for the year 2016 according to the World Bank.
To sum up, the two countries are sharing common interests and affinities, due to their similar pasts. Also, being both designed by the new American Administration as economical and political rivals, the two countries are cooperating more and more on the diplomatic and economic fields. This is traduced by China being the first import and export partner of Iran and investing largely in Iranian infrastructures and industries. The two countries are trading between them in Iranian Rial or in Chinese Yuan, so the prohibition of Iran to use US Dollars to trade is not affecting the exchanges between these two countries. Despite the long and complex process to settle your company in Iran, and to make imports between the two countries, all the reasons above should encourage you to do it if it’s your project, or to increase it if you’re already in the domain.
We’re fully proficient in goods’ transfer between East Asia and the Middle East as we have a great base of customers located around the Persian Gulf. If you’re still not convinced, if you want deeper information about what we treated or if you want to transfer goods between China and Iran asap, join our SINO Specialists now!
OUR CUSTOMS BROKER INFORM YOU
Prohibited & restricted items
Remark SINO : If you have one of the following item, you should check directly with our SINO Experts. Some of those items are restricted or even totally prohibited, it is important to anticipate such shipment to avoid any problem.
Drug Contraband
Explosives
Biohazard
Chemicals
Corrosive
Counterfeit
Ivory
Batteries
Flammable
Firearms
Drugs
Counterfeit Notes
Poison
Pornography
Knife
Tobacco
Gambling
Hazardous
SINO Shipping - Dedicated freight forwarder in Iran
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1. SEA FREIGHT FROM/TO IRAN
Ocean freight will be the best deal for you if :
- Your suppliers are located near a major Chinese port
- Your goods are bigger than 2 CBM
- You’re not in a hurry to receive them
To find the perfect solution to transfer your goods via ocean, please contact one of our SINO Sea Experts. Fill our online form in 1 min and get an answer within 48H !
Remark SINO : We made a great article treating the topic of Sea freight from China, learn more here: Sea Freight China.
With its great area Iran is the second largest country in the Middle East, after Saudi Arabia. Iran is also a great maritime country, with its north coast bordering the Caspian Sea and its south coast edging the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Despite the sanctions that they are undergoing, Iran is a great economy and market of 82 million of inhabitants, with a good Human Development Index and a great consuming middle class. Most of the goods that aren’t produced in its territory, are entering through the two Seas, in the north and the south. Port infrastructures are not amongst the biggest but are numerous enough and well designed and maintained.
SINO Note : To reach the ports of the south coast of the country, vessels from China will use the same and only route. First, they will attain Singapore’s coast by navigating through the South China Sea. Then they will change direction and go north to cross the Malacca Strait. Afterwards they will travel straight to the east through the Indian Ocean and arrive to the Arabian Sea. At the end, they will arrive to a south port of Iran in the Gulf of Oman or in the Persian Gulf.
Major ports of Iran
Port of Chabahar
The Port of Chabahar is located on the north shore of the Gulf of Oman, close to the border with Pakistan. It is the only Iranian Port that is boarding the ocean. Its annual cargo tonnage was of 2.1 million of tonnes in 2015.
Port of Bandar Abbas – Bahonar Port – Shahid Rajaee Port
It is the Iranian port that is located in the Hormuz Strait. It is serving the city of Bandar Abbas. The Port is directly linked by train to the capital city of Tehran. In 2015, the container port handled around 3 million of TEUs.
Port of Kish Island – Lenjeh Port
The port is famous for its great number of oil companies who positioned their oil management platforms there, which increased its activity. We can quote Petro Pars ltd., Total Co., Agip Co., Iranian Offshore Oil Co., National Iranian Drilling Co., Petroiran Development Co., Oil Exploration Operations Co. and State Oil Co., amongst the biggest.
SINO Plus : Our numerous collaborators are positioned in all the major export ports of China. Thanks to their daily great work, we’re able to offer a large scale of Maritime freight services to Iran. FCL (whole containers), LCL (some cubic meters) for 20 fts, 40 fts, and 40 fts HQ containers will be booked on your demand. Also, if your products are needing a regulated environment, we can provide reefer containers, Bulk and Roro cargos.
Sea freight transit times
Here are the average transit times to transfer goods from China to Iran:
| Chabahar | Bandar Abbas / Kish Island | Bandar Taheri | Bushehr / Ras Bahrgan | Khorramshahr | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tianjin | 24 days | 25 days | 26 days | 27 days | 28 days |
| Dalian | 23 days | 24 days | 25 days | 26 days | 27 days |
| Shanghai/Ningbo | 22 days | 23 days | 24 days | 25 days | 26 days |
| Guangzhou/Shenzhen/Hong Kong | 20 days | 21 days | 22 days | 23 days | 24 days |
| Qingdao | 23 days | 24 days | 25 days | 26 days | 27 days |
*Transit times between China and Iran are generally around 23-28 days, depending on the port of loading, and the port of entry.
Sea freight rates
*Between China and Iran, Ocean freight is the privileged freight solution. Around 90% of the goods traded, are travelling with this method.
International traders in Iran are preferring this method because of two major benefits: you can ship goods in great quantities for very competitive rates. You will probably choose this method too, if you will ship big volumes regularly.
SINO Shipping is able to provide any performance for every kind of goods, even if they are hazardous or perishable! Our great flexibility allows us to adapt to all your exigences.
SINO Advice : Because the total cost of your freight will depend on what performance you require from us, SINO Shipping is quoting every demand one by one. We will transmit you the exact transit time and price, when you contact one of our SINO Ocean Specialists. This way, all misunderstandings are avoided.
2. AIR FREIGHT FROM/TO IRAN
Air freight will be the most efficient solution if :
- Your goods are smaller than 2 CBM and 200 kg
- You’re in a hurry to receive/send the good
Remark SINO : Air freight is less used than maritime freight. It can be advantageous but only on specific parameters.
Iran is possessing around 15 international airports that are linking its wide territory to the rest of the world. Here is a list of the cities owning one:
- Abadan / Ayatollah Jamil International Airport
- Ahvaz / Ahvaz International Airport
- Arak / Arak International Airport
- Bandar Abbas / Bandar Abbas International Airport
- Birjand / Birjand International Airport
- Isfahan / Shahid Beheshti International Airport
- Kish Island / Kish International Airport
- Larestan / Larestan International Airport
- Mashhad / Shahid Hashemi Nejad Airport
- Qom / Qom International Airport
- Shiraz / Shahid Dastghaib International Airport
- Tabriz / Tabriz International Airport
- Tehran / Imam Khomeini International Airport / Mehrabad International Airport
On the other hand, above 60 international airports are connecting China to other countries. Chinese airports are also amongst the most frequented and the busiest in the world, both in terms of passenger and goods traffic. China Southern Airlines is the only cargo airline that is linking directly China to Iran, Tehran precisely. All the other airlines will stop to Kuala Lumpur or Dubai first and reach Iran after.
Air freight transit times
It will take 9 hours for a cargo plane to reach Iran from China directly, on door-to-door. For a regular air freight performance, your goods will be in your hands within 7 days. To transfer them with an express air freight (courier), you will finally receive them after 4 days approximately.
Remark SINO : It is hard to estimate as it mainly depends of the budget: a direct flight available within a day is possible, but will probably be more expensive. In average, you can expect 4/7 days (export/import process included).
Air freight rates
*The weight which will serve as a base to quote your air freight must be calculated with two distinct methods.
The gross and volumetric weight of your goods must be sorted out. You will be charged on the highest value between them.
SINO Plus : Thanks to our well negotiated partnerships with international cargo airlines, we have great air freight services from China to Iran in our attractive price list. Both normal and express air freight are possible to book on your request. So, don’t waste more time and ask us!
*For express air freight, neither volumetric or gross weight is used to charge your goods. It is this ratio instead: 200 kgs = 1 CBM
SINO Plus : Again, we’re quoting individually all your air freight requests, for a strict following of your budget. Every line of cost will be noted on the invoice, because we’re very pernickety on the transparency between our customers and us.
Inland trucking in Iran
*After your air freight or sea freight done, we can deliver your goods to your city or office directly with a rail freight or trucking.
We can plan rail and road freight to almost everywhere in Iran thanks to our very dense network. The airports and ports where we’re positioned in Iran have a multimodal hub, enabling your goods to travel inside the country by train or truck.
Freight insurance
If a provision shortage can be lethal for your business, you shouldn’t take any risk and cover your goods. A vessel accident caused by a terrible weather or human factor, is something that can lead to damage or the complete loss of your cargo. Risks must never be neglected in international freight. To avoid this kind of situation, SINO Shipping linked with the greatest insurers in the business. If you subscribe, your goods will be covered, and a total compensation of the value of your shipment will be refunded to you.
Note SINO : Depending on your goods’ class, we will charge 1-3% of the freight + goods (CIF) value.
A further protection isn’t a luxury with SINO Shipping!
SINO Info : Contact our SINO Insurance Team or consult our special article about Freight Insurance to have a deeper understanding of how your goods can be covered.
Recurrent questions regarding the shipping from China to Iran
What is the shipping cost from China to Iran?
How long does it take to ship from China to Iran?
What are the best freight options to send good from China to Iran?
How much tax will I pay for importing goods from China to Iran?
Do customs open every package?
How do I avoid custom charges?
How can I reduce my shipping costs?
Interested in our logistics services? Need further assistance & dedicated information?