IRAN CUSTOMS

Clearance of goods is among the things that are very important in the field of export and import. If you import a product from abroad, it will go to the customs office and you must take the necessary steps to clear it.

The clearance of the goods is that when the goods enter the country, they enter the customs so that some costs such as taxes, commercial interest, customs duties and the cost of facilities used in export and import are applied to the goods. But the important point here is that the clearance process is by no means a simple task and has many steps that must be followed. It is for this reason that Tejarat Joyan Company is trying to be a help to traders in this matter with full respect for the clearance rules.

What is customs clearance?

Customs clearance refers to all processes and procedures that lead to the release of imported or exported goods from customs. The customs clearance process is complex and is carried out by qualified people who have the right to act as an official customs agent.

The goods clearance service provided by Tejarat Joyan to customers includes all customs rights and formalities of goods in all customs offices of Iran.

The customs clearance process in Iran is very complicated and difficult, and this is due to the complex, incomprehensible laws and the involvement of several organizations with each other for importing or exporting goods. Sometimes, for the clearance of some items, about 6 to 7 permits are needed from different organizations related to customs, which shows the difficulty of the clearance process in Iran.

The stages of goods clearance from Iranian customs include the following measures:

1. Registration of customs declaration in the EPL system: To prepare and register the customs declaration in the EPL system, you must prepare documents such as bill of lading, license, commercial card, certificate of origin, proforma, product catalog or brochure, packing list and other items.

2. Authentication and determining the customs route: customs experts will check your documents and one of the green, yellow or red customs routes will be selected for you.

Customs formalities

Import customs formalities refer to the set of processes and procedures based on which imported or exported goods are released within the customs territory and cleared by paying entry fees and related service fees and completing all formalities.

Customs formalities are related to the process of import and export from the country. First, the owner of the goods sends the relevant declaration along with electronic documents through the website of the comprehensive system of customs affairs at www.epl.irica.ir. Then the relevant customs checks and evaluates the documents and goods using risk management. Then, after receiving the legal and regulatory permits, he pays the import duties and related duties, issues the customs license, orders the loading permit, and finally releases the goods from the customs.

The process of clearing goods from customs and carrying out import formalities may be done by people with the right of official customs agent.

Also, the business card is the first step to enter the field of import, export and foreign trade. This card is a document that enables the export and import of goods and is issued by the branches of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines of Iran in the name of the applicants, whether natural or legal persons. If you need to import in commercial volume, a commercial card is required. However, in certain cases such as import as a sample, a commercial card is not required.

Also, for some persons and goods, a commercial card is not required. In general, the following persons and conditions can import without a commercial card:

1- Marzneshinan cooperative companies
2- Iranian sailors
3- Pilehorans if they have a pileh card and an entry permit from the commercial department of the relevant city or province
4- Iranian workers working abroad if they have a job report from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs
5- Goods that do not need customs formalities for sale
6- Passenger goods
7- Gift items and souvenirs that arrive by mail.

Customs clearance refers to the process of officially authorizing the entry or exit of imported or exported goods into the territory of a country and ensuring compliance with customs and tax regulations. This process involves several steps and documentation to verify that the goods meet legal requirements and that the appropriate customs duties and taxes are paid. Below is an explanation of customs clearance:

1. Customs declaration:

When the goods enter the port or border, the importer or exporter must submit a customs declaration. This document provides detailed information about the goods, their value, origin and purpose. It also includes any applicable invoices, bills of lading and certificates.

2. Customs inspection:

Customs authorities may inspect the goods to ensure that they comply with the information provided in the declaration. This can include physical examination of goods, document review and confirmation of compliance with safety, health and environmental standards.

3. Assessment of duties and taxes:

Customs officials determine the customs duties, taxes and charges related to goods based on factors such as classification, value and origin. Importers are usually responsible for paying these fees to customs authorities.

4. Verification of documents:

Customs officers check all documents including invoices, certificates of origin and permits to ensure they are accurate and complete. Any discrepancies or missing information may result in delays or additional inspections.

5. Risk assessment:

Customs agencies often use risk assessment systems to identify high-risk shipments for further investigation. Factors such as the nature of the goods, the country of origin and the history of the importer may affect this assessment.

6. Payment of duties and taxes:

Importers must pay the assessed duties, taxes and customs charges before the goods are cleared from customs. This payment is usually made through electronic systems or at a designated customs office.

7. Supply of goods:

After all requirements and necessary payments have been met, the customs authorities will issue a clearance order or clearance certificate. This allows the goods to be released and delivered to their designated importer or consignee.

8. Audit after discharge:

Customs agencies may conduct post-clearance inspections to verify the accuracy of declarations and compliance with customs regulations. Penalties may be imposed in case of violation.

It is important to note that the clearance process can vary from country to country and may also depend on the type of goods being imported or exported. In addition, certain goods may be subject to additional regulatory requirements or restrictions, such as special permits or documents.

To ensure smooth clearance of goods from Iranian customs, importers and exporters often work with customs brokers or consultants who are experienced in navigating the customs process and can assist with compliance and documentation. Non-compliance with customs regulations can lead to delays, fines or even confiscation of goods, so it is very important to follow the rules and procedures carefully.

Goods clearance and customs formalities in Iran

Customs clearance and formalities are integral parts of the international trade process and ensure that goods can cross borders legally and smoothly while complying with the regulations of exporting and importing countries. Here is an overview of customs clearance and formalities:

The first step in starting the order of goods and facilitating the customs clearance process of Iran is to complete the declaration in the Electronic Customs Clearance (EPL) system and enter all the information related to the goods in the system through online tools. This vital step can be done online without the need for a physical visit. According to the comprehensive guide available on the official customs website (irica.gov.ir), both the customs declaration and the specifications of the goods are prerequisites for successful and timely clearance.

Documents required to declare goods at customs:

To successfully complete the import process, you need to prepare a set of necessary documents. These documents are critical to compliance and a smooth clearance process. Here is a summary of the required documents:

Final Import Declaration: This document specifies the details of your import, including the nature of the goods, their value, and their origin. This is a basic requirement for customs clearance.

Copy of valid commercial card, warehouse receipt: these documents are proof of ownership or authorization to handle goods and are important for documentation purposes.

Bill of lading: This document, issued by the shipping company, provides information about the shipment, including the origin, destination, and goods on the vehicles. It is necessary for tracking and customs clearance.

Certificate of Origin: This certificate verifies the origin of the goods and may be required to determine eligibility for preferential trade agreements.Invoice or

Purchase List: This document details the financial aspects of the transaction, including the price and terms of sale.

Foreign Currency Supply Statement: If applicable, this statement explains how foreign currency is supplied or used in the transaction.

Proforma invoice: Proforma invoice serves as the initial sales invoice and provides a preview of the commercial invoice.

Authorization to place an order: This authorization allows you to order goods.

Bale list: For shipments that include baled goods, this list specifies the contents and quantities inside each bale.

Insurance Policy: Any insurance policy related to shipping should be included to cover potential risks.

Exploitation Permit: Depending on the nature of the goods, you may need an Exploitation Permit for importation or legal processing.

Catalogs and brochures: These materials may provide additional information about the goods and help customs officials better understand the products.

Legal Permits Required for Clearance: Various permits such as Health Certificate, Standard, Atomic Energy and Plant Quarantine may be necessary. Make sure you have all the necessary licenses for your specific products.

Official Power of Attorney and Work Permit Card: If applicable, these documents authorize the individuals or entities involved in the importation process.

Export license: For goods subject to export control regulations, an export license is required.

Together, these documents form the foundation of a consistent and efficient import process. Making sure you have all the necessary documents ready and in order will help make clearing customs easier and facilitate the arrival of your goods.

It is very important to be careful while filling the e-declaration form. Whether you are the owner of the goods or their legal representative, remember that the exact amount you pay in import duties is important information on the declaration. As the declaration process progresses, this amount will be calculated. Therefore, it is imperative that you approach filling out the form with great care to ensure that it goes smoothly and without errors, and to avoid any potential financial loss.

After successfully completing the declaration, the system will generate a serial number and a reference number for your records. It is necessary to print this information and keep it for future reference during the next steps. These documents serve as a critical reference point in the import process.

Product authentication

The authentication department, which is a technical branch within customs, plays an important role in the customs clearance process. After submitting all the required documents and completing the electronic declaration, the authentication department checks your documents to ensure their accuracy and compliance with customs regulations. Here is a more detailed explanation of the process:

Document Verification: The authentication department will carefully check all the documents you submitted, including customs declarations, invoices, bills of lading, certificates and other relevant documents. They will check for completeness, accuracy and consistency.

Compliance check: They also check that your goods and import/export process comply with all customs regulations, trade agreements, and import/export restrictions. This includes verifying that the declared value matches the actual value of the item and that any necessary permits are in place.

Duty and Tax Assessment: If your goods are subject to customs duties, taxes or fees, the authentication department will assess these fees based on the information you have provided in your declaration. They calculate how much you owe.

Registration number or cottage number: If everything is in order and your documents are in accordance with customs requirements, the authentication department will assign you a registration number or cottage number. This number serves as a unique identifier for your import or export transaction in the customs system.

Stamp: After allocating a registration or quota number, customs will stamp your documents for their official validity. This seal shows that your goods have been officially registered for customs clearance.

Continue customs clearance: By confirming the documents, stamp and registration number, you can continue the customs clearance process. This usually includes paying any customs duties and taxes assessed, performing inspections if necessary, and obtaining final clearance for your goods.

The filing and stamping of your declaration is a very important step as it shows that your import or export process has met the necessary requirements and has been officially recognized by customs. It also allows for proper tracking and documentation of your goods as they move through the customs clearance process. This registration number and stamp are often used as reference points for subsequent customs-related activities and can help ensure a smooth and consistent transaction.

Control and evaluation of goods route

The classification of goods into green, yellow and red lanes is part of the customs clearance process used by many customs authorities around the world. These routes indicate the level of scrutiny and inspection that your goods will be subjected to when passing through customs. Here is a more detailed explanation of these routes:

1- The green route:

Goods on the green track are considered low-risk and usually undergo minimal inspection or review. They usually clear up fairly quickly without extensive intervention. The goods in this category comply with the documentation provided and there are no significant concerns or discrepancies.

2- Yellow route:

Goods in the yellow route are subject to a higher level of scrutiny and inspection. This route is used for products that may have discrepancies or inconsistencies in their documentation or are considered moderate risk. Customs authorities may carry out more detailed checks to verify the accuracy of the information provided.

3- Red route:

The goods in the red route are subject to the highest level of inspection. This route is reserved for goods that are considered high risk or where there are discrepancies, concerns or doubts about their nature, value or origin. Customs authorities may conduct full inspections, including physical inspection, laboratory tests and verification of additional documents.

During the evaluation process in the yellow and red lanes, the following aspects of the goods are usually checked:

Value and customs records: Customs officers will closely check the declared value of the goods to ensure that it matches market prices and customs records. Differences in valuation can prompt a more detailed review.

Verification of documents: All submitted documents, including invoices, certificates of origin and licenses, are carefully checked for accuracy and compliance with customs regulations.

Physical inspection: On the red track, customs officials may physically inspect the goods to check their contents, condition and compliance with safety and quality standards.

Expert evaluation: If needed, experts and customs inspectors may be invited to fully evaluate the goods. This can include specialist knowledge in areas such as technology, health or agriculture.

Comparative analysis: Customs officials compare goods and documents to detect any possible inconsistencies, discrepancies or irregularities.

Risk assessment: Goods in the yellow and red lanes are subject to a risk assessment, which includes an assessment of their potential impact on revenue, security and public health.

It’s important to note that being on a yellow or red lane doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing something wrong or not following it. It may simply indicate that the customs authorities want to ensure the correctness and compliance of the goods before clearance.

Importers should be prepared for possible delays and provide any requested information promptly to facilitate the clearance process. Clear and accurate documentation is very important to reduce the possibility of goods being placed in yellow or red lanes.

Tariff review and specialized classification

At this stage of the customs clearance process, customs tariff service experts play an important role in verifying and matching the goods with related documents. Here is a more detailed explanation of this step:

Goods Inspection and Matching: Customs experts carefully inspect the physical goods to ensure they match the descriptions provided in accompanying documents such as customs declarations, invoices and packing lists. This includes checking the accuracy in terms of quantity, quality and characteristics of the products. Any discrepancies between the goods and the documents may cause further investigation.

Verification of documents: experts carefully check all documents related to the goods, including certificates of origin, permits, documents and other related documents. Their goal is to ensure complete, accurate and compliant compliance with customs regulations and import/export restrictions.

Re-evaluation of license: Experts also visit the licenses obtained in the previous stages of re-clearance. They cross-reference these licenses with the current assessment to ensure they are still valid and are being imported or exported for specific goods. Any inconsistencies or issues with permissions are checked at this stage.

Confirmation and signature: If the experts do not see any discrepancies or problems during their assessment, they will sign the documents and confirm them for further consideration. This confirmation is a critical step, as it shows that the goods and their documents comply with customs regulations and can proceed to the next stage of the clearance process.

The role of customs experts at this stage is to ensure the accuracy, legality and compliance of the entire customs declaration and related documents. Their expertise is essential to avoid mistakes, fraud and irregularities in the import/export process.

By carefully examining and verifying goods and documents, they help maintain the integrity of the customs clearance process and ensure that all legal requirements are met before goods are allowed to enter or leave a country.

Payment fund and issuance of goods clearance document

At the final stage of customs clearance, the owner of the goods is required to pay the duties determined by the customs. These costs usually include customs duties, taxes and other related costs based on the valuation of the goods.

Importantly, this payment is usually required in cash and ensures immediate financial settlement. After payment, customs will issue a receipt as proof of payment. This receipt is an important document in this process and serves as proof of all financial obligations.

After receiving the payment and issuing a receipt, the customs will grant the owner of the goods a “Customs Green Permit”. This authorization means that the goods have successfully completed the customs clearance process and are now allowed to be imported or exported.

With a green license, the owner of the goods can physically clear and transport the goods from the customs area. It is important to note that the owner may be responsible for initiating the logistics and transportation necessary to move the goods from the customs facility to the final destination, which often involves coordinating with logistics providers and shippers to ensure a smooth transition.

Warehousing and loading

After the customs clearance document is issued and all customs fees are settled, the next stage of the import or export process includes coordination with the shipping company. After the necessary agreement and coordination with the transport company, the owner of the goods can receive the warehouse bill and other necessary documents. These documents are very important for tracking and managing goods as they move through the logistics chain.

With the warehouse receipt and other required documents in hand, the customs will issue a “customs loading permit”. This permit allows the loading or unloading of goods in a designated customs warehouse or warehouse. It is important to note that storage costs are usually associated with this step and can vary between different customs authorities.

These costs often include various components, such as unloading and loading costs, product insurance, and the duration of the goods’ storage in the customs warehouse. Payment of these fees ensures that the goods can be safely stored and handled while remaining under customs supervision until they are ready for onward shipment or distribution. This part of the process is critical to the safe and orderly movement of goods through customs and the wider supply chain.

Customs clearance in Iran

The owner of the goods will finally be in a position to receive the warehouse receipt from the customs warehouse after successfully completing all the customs clearance procedures. This important document is the climax of the customs clearance process.

To secure a warehouse receipt, the owner of the goods usually does the following: First, he must provide a customs green permit confirming that all customs requirements and fees have been properly cleared. In addition, the check of the exit door seal is done by the warehouse staff. After completing these checks, the warehouse owner issues a warehouse receipt to the goods owner.

With the warehouse bill in hand, the owner of the goods accesses the customs warehouse to load his goods into the vehicle of his choice. This is an important moment in the process, as it indicates that the goods are now ready to be transported to their final destination.

However, before departure, a final round of inspection is carried out to ensure that the shipment complies with the documents and is in good condition. Once this verification is satisfactorily completed, the goods are allowed to leave the customs warehouse, marking the end of the customs clearance journey and the beginning of their journey to the distribution network or the wider market. This step is crucial to ensure the seamless flow of goods while maintaining the integrity and compliance of the entire customs clearance process.

Shelf life of products in customs

The aim of importers is usually to speed up the process of clearing their goods from customs. However, there are cases where they may delay the discharge for various reasons. It is important to understand that customs regulations specify a specific period of time for the goods to remain in the customs warehouse, from the moment the declaration or manifest is completed.

The maximum period allowed for the goods to stay in customs is determined annually. This period is subject to special rules and regulations determined by the customs of the respective country.

The important thing is that if the owner of the goods or their representative does not clear the goods from the customs within the specified period, the customs can classify it as abandoned goods. In such cases, restarting the clearance process can become significantly more challenging, especially if the importer lacks the expertise and experience to navigate the complexities of restarting the clearance process.

Therefore, it is very important for importers to carefully consider their logistics and timing to ensure that the goods clear customs within the stipulated time frame to avoid possible duties and labeling of their goods as abandoned.

Customs clearance rules and regulations

As we mentioned at the beginning, customs clearance is a central aspect of the import process. It is important to recognize that each country implements separate customs clearance regulations and compliance with these regulations during the clearance process is of great importance.

Failure to comply could result in your goods being smuggled, potentially leading to a range of legal consequences. Additionally, inaccuracies or incorrect information on clearance forms can increase your customs fees. Traders and importers, often constrained by busy schedules, may not have the opportunity to fully familiarize themselves with the intricacies of these procedures.

Hence, in such situations, it is recommended to use professional experts. A skilled clearance specialist not only ensures accuracy and expediency in customs clearance, but can also significantly reduce customs costs.

However, it is important to note that not all cleaning agents are created equal. Some may lack experience in customs clearance, potentially leading to significant losses. Consequently, it is wise to use the services of reputable clearance companies.

It is generally easier to assess the records of a company than to examine an individual representative. Reputable companies active in the field of goods clearance, such as Tejarat Joyan Trading, use experienced experts and can be trusted with confidence.

For example, Tejarat Joyan Trading Company has a professional team that facilitates fast and cost-effective customs clearance processes, providing peace of mind to importers looking for a reliable partner in the complexities of international trade. Gives.

The customs clearance process is a well-structured procedure as described in the previous sections. However, beyond the established regulations, there are other considerations that can significantly speed up the customs clearance process. This section deals more with these critical factors:

The first and most important among these considerations is obtaining the necessary permits. Along with completing the necessary documents for clearance, it is necessary to obtain specialized permits from the country’s customs. These permits, like work permits and business cards, serve as compelling indicators of the legality and regulatory compliance of your business operations. Having these licenses shows that your business activities adhere to the regulatory framework set by the relevant authorities.

Moreover, an integral aspect of customs clearance lies in the valuation of the goods being cleared. It is the responsibility of importers and exporters to ensure the exact value of their goods.

It is important to note that the valuation of goods may be different in different countries. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the goods both when leaving the country of origin and when entering the country of destination.

By paying close attention to these elements, you can effectively navigate the complexities of customs clearance and ensure a smoother and more efficient process that facilitates the timely movement of goods across borders.

Who is a customs broker?

Carrying out customs formalities is a multifaceted and completely specialized work. While it may seem possible to do the above steps independently, the reality is that this process requires deep experience and expertise. The key to the successful and timely exit of goods from customs is in the hands of people who have years of practical experience in this field – people known as customs clearance.

Clearance of goods from customs, whether as a natural person or a legal entity with a power of attorney on your part, takes a central role in performing the necessary legal procedures for the exit of your goods from customs. This experienced specialist serves as your representative in dealing with customs authorities, saving you from frequent visits to customs facilities.

The key difference between simply getting advice from a customs consultant and using the services of a customs clearance agent is that the customs consultant represents you in the customs framework and handles all customs processes.