Shipping from China to Iran requires efficient logistics solutions, whether by air freight for fast delivery or sea freight for cost-effective transport. Learn about shipping costs, transit times, customs clearance, and the best freight options for your cargo. Explore how to streamline your supply chain and ensure smooth shipping from China to Iran with reliable carriers and expert insights.
Can I be exempted of duties and taxes for an import from China to Iran?
Since China and Iran have no Free Trade Agreement, duty exemptions are unlikely. Iran’s customs duties average around 28% of the goods’ value. Some essential imports have 0% duties, while locally produced goods can face tariffs of 100% or more. These high tariffs aim to protect local industries and reduce reliance on imports.
Necessary documents
The Original Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin (CO)
The Certificate of Origin (CO) is a key document for international trade and customs clearance. It proves where the goods were produced. To be valid, a government or notary public must issue it. The local Chamber of Commerce and the exporter must also sign it. Iranian customs use this document to determine the correct tariff for the shipment.
The Bill of Lading (BL) or Airway Bill
The Bill of Lading (BL) is the second most important document after the Certificate of Origin. It serves as an ID for the cargo, while the CO acts as an ID for the products. The carrier issues the BL to confirm cargo reception for transport. It also proves the goods are loaded onto the vessel. This document ensures the exporter gets paid and the importer receives the shipment. For air freight, the Airway Bill serves the same purpose. The Letter of Credit (LC) is issued after the BL.
The Original Invoice
Customs check the invoice to verify that the shipped goods match what the importer declared.
A general license
The Iranian Ministry of Commerce issues this license. It must be approved by the relevant ministry overseeing the imported goods.
A commercial card
Issued by the Iranian Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Mines, this card must also be approved by the Ministry of Commerce.
An Import License
Some goods require an import license, depending on their type.
Duties and taxes in Iran
Like other countries, Iran classifies traded goods using the Harmonized System (HS) of tariff nomenclature. Each product is assigned a unique six-digit HS Code, which serves as a universal classification system.
Guanwutong Remark:
First, determine the HS Code for your goods. If you don’t know it, you can use FindHS.codes or ask your Chinese supplier.
The HS Code helps you find the applicable tariff rates. You can check this by downloading the relevant section from the IranPartner website. Each section lists products by HS Code and shows the corresponding tax rates. For example, pineapples fall under Section 2: Vegetable Products. On page 10, the tariff for pineapples is 26% of the CIF value.
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 placed under customs custody.
- Before arrival, you must prepare and submit all required import documents. Delays can lead to extra charges like demurrage and storage fees.
- Submit your document file to the customs office where your goods are stored. Meanwhile, the carrier files the Import General Manifest (IGM) with customs.
- Customs will review your file, inspect the goods, and calculate the duties and taxes.
- After you pay the required duties and taxes, a release letter is issued to the custodian.
- The custodian will hand over the release letter to you after customs clearance is complete.
- Your goods are now cleared and ready for transport to their final destination.
Air freight from China to Iran
Air cargo is a popular shipping option from China to Iran. Many daily flights carry shipments, ensuring fast and reliable delivery.
If your package weighs over 30kg, has high value, or if you need a quick shipping solution, air freight is the best choice. It is known for its safety and security, making it one of the most trusted shipping methods.
Although air freight is more expensive than sea cargo, it offers fast delivery. Shipments can arrive in Iran within 1 to 2 days, making it the ideal option when time is critical.
Air Freight in Iran: Key Hubs for China-Iran Trade
Air freight services between China and Iran are vital for trade due to their efficiency and reliability. Despite Iran having few international airports, trade between the two countries has reached around $276 billion over seven years, according to the Handbook on China and Developing Countries.
Which city in iran can accept air freight shipment from china ?
Due to U.S. sanctions, only a few airlines provide air freight services from China to Iran.
Air freight transit times from China to Iran
To check the transit time from a major city in China to a main city in Iran, refer to the latest flight schedules and shipping services.
Air freight Cost from China to Iran
Transit times vary based on the departure and arrival cities. Direct flights usually take 9 to 12 hours, while indirect routes may take longer.
Sea transportation from China to Iran
Main Sea Port of Iran
Iran, one of the largest countries in the Middle East, has several major seaports that are crucial for sea shipping from China to Iran. These ports handle thousands of containers daily, making them key hubs for trade.
Bandar Abbas (IRBND)
- Location: Southern Iran, along the Persian Gulf.
- Importance: The busiest and most strategic port for sea shipping from China to Iran.
- Address: Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan Province, Iran.
Bushehr (IRBUZ)
- Location: Bushehr Province, on the Persian Gulf coast.
- Importance: A key entry point for sea shipments and maritime trade.
- Address: Bushehr, Bushehr Province, Iran.
Imam Khomeini Port (IRBKM)
- Location: Near Mahshahr, Khuzestan Province.
- Importance: A vital hub for shipping and trade between China and Iran.
- Address: Mahshahr, Khuzestan Province, Iran.
Chabahar (IRZBR)
- Location: Southeastern Iran, on the Gulf of Oman.
- Importance: A key gateway to international shipping routes, connecting trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia.
- Address: Chabahar, Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran.
These ports are essential for sea shipping, ensuring a smooth trade flow between China and Iran.
What is the best sea port in Iran for shipping from China?
Based on experience, Bandar Abbas (IRBND) and Bushehr (IRBUZ) are the best ports for shipping from China to Iran.
These ports offer cost-effective shipping options, making them ideal for businesses looking to reduce expenses.
Their customs processes are also more efficient compared to other Iranian ports. This helps speed up clearance and minimizes delays.
For reliable and affordable shipping from China, Bandar Abbas and Bushehr are top choices. Their low costs and efficient customs handling make them the preferred options for international trade.
Sea freight transit times from China to Iran
Shipping time depends on several factors, including:
- FCL or LCL Service – Full Container Load (FCL) is usually faster than Less than Container Load (LCL).
- Departure Port – The port in China you choose affects transit time.
- Destination Port – Different Iranian ports have different processing times.
- Direct or Indirect Shipping – Direct routes are quicker than transshipment options.
Cost of Shipping 20ft & 40ft Container from China to Iran
Sea Shipping Cost from China to Iran
Like air freight, ocean freight costs change quickly and depend on several factors:
- Shipment Size & Volume – Larger shipments may have lower rates per unit.
- Container Type – Different containers have different costs.
- Product Type – Some goods require special handling, affecting price.
- Shipping Route – Costs vary by departure and destination ports.
For the best shipping rates, contact the DDPCH team. We offer tailored solutions and competitive prices.
For reference, here is the sea shipping cost for a 20ft container from China to Iran.
Documents Required For Customs Clearance In Iran
Clearing customs in Iran can be challenging. Some goods require multiple licenses from different authorities, making the process complex and costly.
Strict rules and regulations often create difficulties for businesses, leading to higher expenses for import clearance.
However, Iran has many major seaports and international airports, providing multiple entry points for imports and easing the customs process.
To start the customs clearance process for shipping from China to Iran, you must prepare several important documents.
How to start the customs clearance process in Iran
Follow these steps to begin the customs clearance process in Iran:
1. Find a Reliable Customs Broker or Agent
Look for an experienced customs broker with strong connections to Iranian customs authorities. They will help simplify the clearance process.
2. Work with a “ترخیص کار” (Tarkhis Kar)
In Iran, a customs broker is called a “ترخیص کار” (Tarkhis Kar). Hiring an expert Tarkhis Kar ensures smooth handling of customs procedures.
3. Prepare Documents and Apply for Licenses
Once you hire a broker, gather all required documents, including:
- Commercial ID
- Delivery Order
- Warehouse Receipt
- Bill of Lading
- Packing List
- Proforma Invoice
- Certificate of Origin
- Standard Certificate
- Order of Registration
- Any required permits
4. Set Up an Agreement with Your Broker
Sign a clear contract outlining your broker’s responsibilities and services. Many businesses prefer a full-service agreement where the broker handles the entire clearance process.
Hiring a trusted customs broker helps ensure compliance with regulations, reduces delays, and makes the process faster and easier.
Inland trucking in Iran
After your air or sea freight arrives, we can deliver your goods directly to your city or office by rail or truck.
Our extensive network allows us to arrange road and rail transport to almost any location in Iran. Major airports and seaports serve as multimodal hubs, ensuring smooth inland transportation by train or truck.
Trade relations between China and Iran
China and Iran share a strong economic partnership, mainly in general trade and the oil-gas sector. Many Iranian entrepreneurs visit China to buy goods, showing a steady demand for Chinese products.
Trade between Tehran and Beijing has grown rapidly, with an average annual growth rate of 40%. Trade volume increased from $400 million in 1994 to $29 billion in 2008 (Iran Sees, 2010).
China is now Iran’s top economic partner in Asia and ranks third globally, ahead of the European Union. Official data shows the EU as Tehran’s top trade partner at $35 billion in 2023, while China’s trade with Iran reached $29 billion.
However, much of Iran’s trade with the UAE includes goods transshipped from China. When factoring in these indirect transactions, China’s actual trade with Iran likely exceeds $36.5 billion, possibly making it Iran’s largest trading partner.
Two similar nations with the same ambitions
China and Iran share similar cultural and historical backgrounds. Both have ancient civilizations and empires, giving them a strong national identity and pride. As China leads in Asia and Iran in the Middle East, they see each other as strategic partners, fostering political and economic cooperation.
China exports electronics, auto parts, and consumer goods to Iran, along with heavy technology and infrastructure investments in areas like Tehran’s subway, cement production, mining, and transportation. In return, Iran supplies natural resources such as coal, zinc, lead, and oil. This trade dynamic highlights China’s industrial power and Iran’s resource wealth.
Most shipments between the two countries rely on sea freight. Rail freight exists but remains slow and expensive. The Eurasian Land Bridge, passing through Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, connects Yiwu (China) to Tehran, taking 15–20 days. Although costly, this route is expected to improve and expand in the future.
In 2017, China was Iran’s top import and export partner, with trade reaching $12 billion (26% of Iran’s imports) and $10 billion (21% of Iran’s exports). However, for China, Iran ranked 23rd as an import partner and 27th as an export partner in 2016, according to the World Bank.
Prohibited & restricted items
- Prohibited Items: Alcohol, narcotics, pork products, gambling materials, anti-Islamic content, counterfeit goods, weapons, and explosives.
- Restricted Items: Pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, chemicals, telecommunications devices, cultural artifacts, and certain electronics (require special permits).
Freight insurance
If a supply shortage could harm your business, protecting your goods is essential. Shipping accidents due to bad weather or human error can cause damage or total loss of cargo. These risks should never be ignored in international freight.
To prevent losses, Guanwutong partners with top insurance providers. By subscribing, your shipment is fully covered, and you will receive compensation for its total value if lost or damaged.
Note – Guanwutong:
Insurance costs 1–3% of the CIF value (freight + goods), depending on your product type.
