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Customs Clearance of Food Doughs and Children’s Play Dough (HS Code + Documents and Permits)
Clearance of various food doughs and kids’ play items Food doughs: raw materials and applications in the food industry Food doughs are edible materials made by combining flour, water, salt, and other additives such as yeast and fats. These doughs are an essential part of producing various breads, pizzas, cakes, and fast-food products. The variety ranges from thin doughs like phyllo to thicker doughs for breads and deep-dish pizzas, reflecting their wide use in the food industry.
To estimate time and cost for clearing food doughs and play dough, contact Saba Tarkhis experts.
Instant Free ConsultationTechnical Notes for Clearing Food Doughs from Customs
Customs Tariff (HS Code): Food doughs fall under various HS codes, the most important being 19012000 for baked doughs and 19012090 for ready-to-bake doughs. These codes are used to set customs tariffs and calculate import taxes and duties.
Health Permits: Since these doughs are for consumption, obtaining permits from the Ministry of Health and the Food and Drug Organization is necessary. In addition, accredited laboratories must confirm product quality and safety.
Special Transport: Food doughs are temperature- and time-sensitive and must be stored and transported carefully. Cold-chain logistics are recommended to prevent potential spoilage.
Exporter Countries: Leading producers and exporters of food doughs include Italy, Türkiye, France, and Germany. These countries produce high-quality doughs ready for global markets.
Importer Countries: Iran mainly exports these products to neighboring countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Iranian products are popular there due to competitive pricing and acceptable quality.
Children’s Play Dough
Children’s play dough, as an educational and entertainment tool, not only fosters creativity and fine motor skills but also offers high safety. These products are made from ingredients such as flour, water, salt, and oil, and because they use approved food-grade colorants and contain no harmful chemicals, they are safe for children.
Uses and Benefits of Play Dough
Creativity development: Children can make various shapes and models with these doughs, which helps grow their creativity.
Fine motor skill enhancement: Working with dough improves children’s motor skills and strengthens hand manipulation.
Teaching colors and shapes: Through play, children become familiar with different colors and shapes, boosting cognitive abilities.
Health Permits: Since these doughs are for consumption, obtaining permits from the Ministry of Health and the Food and Drug Organization is necessary. In addition, accredited laboratories must confirm product quality and safety.
Special Transport: Food doughs are temperature- and time-sensitive and must be stored and transported carefully. Cold-chain logistics are recommended to prevent potential spoilage.
Exporter Countries: Leading producers and exporters of food doughs include Italy, Türkiye, France, and Germany. These countries produce high-quality doughs ready for global markets.
Importer Countries: Iran mainly exports these products to neighboring countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Iranian products are popular there due to competitive pricing and acceptable quality.
Children’s Play Dough
Children’s play dough, as an educational and entertainment tool, not only fosters creativity and fine motor skills but also offers high safety. These products are made from ingredients such as flour, water, salt, and oil, and because they use approved food-grade colorants and contain no harmful chemicals, they are safe for children.
Uses and Benefits of Play Dough
Creativity development: Children can make various shapes and models with these doughs, which helps grow their creativity.
Fine motor skill enhancement: Working with dough improves children’s motor skills and strengthens hand manipulation.
Teaching colors and shapes: Through play, children become familiar with different colors and shapes, boosting cognitive abilities.
Children’s Play Dough
Children’s play dough, as an educational and entertainment tool, not only helps develop creativity and fine motor skills, but also provides high safety. These products are made from ingredients such as flour, water, salt, and oil; using approved food-grade colorants and lacking harmful chemicals, they are safe for children.
Uses and Benefits of Play Dough
- Creativity development: Children can build various shapes and models with these doughs, helping their creative growth.
- Fine motor reinforcement: Working with dough improves motor skills and strengthens hand dexterity.
- Learning colors and shapes: By playing with dough, children learn different colors and shapes, enhancing cognition.
Key Points for Clearing Children’s Play Dough
Customs Tariff (HS Code): Children’s play dough is classified under tariff code 34070000. This code is designed for moldable, reworkable items and is specifically used for children’s play products. Safety standards: Importing children’s play dough, due to its specific audience, requires adherence to particular safety standards. The National Standards Organization and the Food and Drug Organization issue permits to ensure the absence of hazardous chemicals in these products. Exporter countries: Major producers include China, the USA, and Italy. Iran is a major importer from these countries due to competitive price and suitable quality. Transport and warehousing: These products must be stored safely in proper packaging to avoid damage or quality loss. During clearance, special attention is paid to temperature and environmental conditions.
Types of Dough and Their Applications with Tariff Codes
Doughs play important roles across industries—from food production to children’s toys and even papermaking. Each dough type is categorized based on ingredients and applications and is identified by a customs tariff (HS Code). Below are key dough types and their uses with related tariff codes.
1. Bread Dough
Customs Tariff (HS Code): 19012000
Use: For baking various breads such as white, whole wheat, and leavened breads. Typically consists of flour, water, yeast, and salt; as bread is a dietary staple, this is among the most widely used doughs globally.
2. Pizza Dough
Customs Tariff (HS Code): 19012090
Use: For thin- or thick-crust pizzas. Made with simple ingredients like flour, water, and oil; texture and thickness vary by pizza type. Many restaurants use ready-made dough to speed preparation and service.
3. Piroshki Dough
Customs Tariff (HS Code): 19012090
Use: Widely used for meat, cheese, or vegetable piroshki. Thanks to its soft, flexible texture, it bakes into a crisp, tasty shell.
4. Pastry Dough
Customs Tariff (HS Code): 19012090
Use: As a base for various pastries and cakes. Contains softening agents like butter, eggs, and sugar; recipes vary by pastry type.
5. Phyllo Dough
Customs Tariff (HS Code): 19012090
Use: Produced as extremely thin, delicate sheets for layered desserts and dishes like baklava. Popular in Middle Eastern and European confectionery.
6. Children’s Play Dough
Customs Tariff (HS Code): 34070000
Use: Designed for children’s entertainment and education. Made from safe, non-toxic materials, allowing kids to form shapes while boosting creativity and fine motor skills.
7. Industrial Dough
Customs Tariff (HS Code): 35051000
Use: Mainly in non-food industries. Used to produce adhesives, binders, and even in construction. Formulations vary and often include polymeric materials.
8. Paper Pulp
Customs Tariff (HS Code): 47050000
Use: The raw material for various papers and cellulose products. Derived from wood or plant matter for printing papers, packaging, and hygiene products.
1. Bread Dough
Customs Tariff (HS Code): 19012000
Use: For baking various breads such as white, whole wheat, and leavened breads. Typically consists of flour, water, yeast, and salt; as bread is a dietary staple, this is among the most widely used doughs globally.
2. Pizza Dough
Customs Tariff (HS Code): 19012090
Use: For thin- or thick-crust pizzas. Made with simple ingredients like flour, water, and oil; texture and thickness vary by pizza type. Many restaurants use ready-made dough to speed preparation and service.
3. Piroshki Dough
Customs Tariff (HS Code): 19012090
Use: Widely used for meat, cheese, or vegetable piroshki. Thanks to its soft, flexible texture, it bakes into a crisp, tasty shell.
4. Pastry Dough
Customs Tariff (HS Code): 19012090
Use: As a base for various pastries and cakes. Contains softening agents like butter, eggs, and sugar; recipes vary by pastry type.
5. Phyllo Dough
Customs Tariff (HS Code): 19012090
Use: Produced as extremely thin, delicate sheets for layered desserts and dishes like baklava. Popular in Middle Eastern and European confectionery.
6. Children’s Play Dough
Customs Tariff (HS Code): 34070000
Use: Designed for children’s entertainment and education. Made from safe, non-toxic materials, allowing kids to form shapes while boosting creativity and fine motor skills.
7. Industrial Dough
Customs Tariff (HS Code): 35051000
Use: Mainly in non-food industries. Used to produce adhesives, binders, and even in construction. Formulations vary and often include polymeric materials.
8. Paper Pulp
Customs Tariff (HS Code): 47050000
Use: The raw material for various papers and cellulose products. Derived from wood or plant matter for printing papers, packaging, and hygiene products.
Special Conditions for Import and Export of Food Doughs and Children’s Play Dough
Import and export of food doughs and children’s play dough require compliance with special regulations due to product sensitivity. Particularly for food doughs, specific health standards must be met because they are meant for consumption. These include obtaining health permits and meeting quality standards.
Health Permits: For importing food doughs, permits from the Food and Drug Organization and the Ministry of Health are necessary. Given direct consumer health impact, products must undergo strict sanitary testing. For exports, destination countries often require specific standards that Iran must meet.
Quality Control: Food products must meet domestic and international quality standards. This is crucial when exporting to countries with stringent requirements, such as European nations.
Transport Conditions: Some doughs—especially ready-to-bake—are perishable and require cold-chain (refrigerated) transport. Appropriate logistics are necessary to preserve quality throughout transit.
Health Permits: For importing food doughs, permits from the Food and Drug Organization and the Ministry of Health are necessary. Given direct consumer health impact, products must undergo strict sanitary testing. For exports, destination countries often require specific standards that Iran must meet.
Quality Control: Food products must meet domestic and international quality standards. This is crucial when exporting to countries with stringent requirements, such as European nations.
Transport Conditions: Some doughs—especially ready-to-bake—are perishable and require cold-chain (refrigerated) transport. Appropriate logistics are necessary to preserve quality throughout transit.
Exporter and Importer Countries of Food and Play Dough
Food dough imports to Iran:
Iran widely imports food and play doughs from multiple countries. Key exporters of food doughs to Iran include:
Italy: A major producer of pizza and bakery doughs exporting to Iran.
Türkiye: Also a major supplier of bread and pastry doughs for the Iranian market.
Germany and France: Primarily export ready-to-bake and pastry doughs to Iran.
Imports of children’s play dough:
Iran imports a large share of play doughs from China, the USA, and Italy. Due to high popularity among Iranian children and competitive pricing, demand is substantial.
Exports from Iran:
Besides imports, Iran also exports food and play doughs. Major destinations include:
Iraq and Afghanistan: Due to geographic proximity and strong trade ties, these are key markets for Iranian food and play doughs.
Gulf countries: Especially in the Persian Gulf region, Iranian food products are popular thanks to favorable pricing and quality.
Iran widely imports food and play doughs from multiple countries. Key exporters of food doughs to Iran include:
Italy: A major producer of pizza and bakery doughs exporting to Iran.
Türkiye: Also a major supplier of bread and pastry doughs for the Iranian market.
Germany and France: Primarily export ready-to-bake and pastry doughs to Iran.
Imports of children’s play dough:
Iran imports a large share of play doughs from China, the USA, and Italy. Due to high popularity among Iranian children and competitive pricing, demand is substantial.
Exports from Iran:
Besides imports, Iran also exports food and play doughs. Major destinations include:
Iraq and Afghanistan: Due to geographic proximity and strong trade ties, these are key markets for Iranian food and play doughs.
Gulf countries: Especially in the Persian Gulf region, Iranian food products are popular thanks to favorable pricing and quality.
Import and Export Volumes of Food and Play Dough to Iran
Import volumes:
Food doughs: Iran imports significant volumes annually, including pizza and bread doughs. The growth of fast food and demand for ready meals has notably increased import volumes.
Play doughs: Imports of kids’ play doughs—especially from China—are very common; due to high domestic demand, large volumes arrive each year.
Export volumes:
Food doughs: Iran exports food doughs—particularly to neighbors like Iraq and Afghanistan—thanks to competitive prices and suitable quality, with rising volumes.
Play doughs: Domestically produced play doughs are also exported to neighboring markets, notably Iraq.
Food doughs: Iran imports significant volumes annually, including pizza and bread doughs. The growth of fast food and demand for ready meals has notably increased import volumes.
Play doughs: Imports of kids’ play doughs—especially from China—are very common; due to high domestic demand, large volumes arrive each year.
Export volumes:
Food doughs: Iran exports food doughs—particularly to neighbors like Iraq and Afghanistan—thanks to competitive prices and suitable quality, with rising volumes.
Play doughs: Domestically produced play doughs are also exported to neighboring markets, notably Iraq.
Global Turnover, Leading Exporters and Importers
Food dough market turnover:
The global market for food doughs—especially bread and pizza—continues to grow. In 2023, its value exceeded 40 billion USD and is projected to reach about 60 billion USD by 2030, driven by increasing demand for ready and fast foods worldwide.
Play dough turnover:
Children’s play doughs constitute a significant portion of the global toys market. In 2023, the market value was estimated at over 1.5 billion USD and is forecast to reach 2.5 billion USD by 2030, fueled by rising demand for educational and safe toys.
Food dough exporters:
Italy: One of the largest exporters of pizza and bread doughs globally.
France and Germany: Major exporters of bread and pastry doughs to various countries.
Türkiye: Exports bread doughs and ready-to-bake products to the Middle East and other regions.
Play dough exporters:
China: Among the largest producers and exporters of children’s play doughs.
USA: Countries like the United States—with well-known brands such as “Play-Doh”—are also key exporters.
Food dough importers:
USA and Canada: Major importers due to high consumption of bread and fast-food products.
Middle Eastern countries: Such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with high demand for ready-to-bake goods.
Play dough importers:
European countries and the USA: Due to strong demand for high-quality children’s products.
The global market for food doughs—especially bread and pizza—continues to grow. In 2023, its value exceeded 40 billion USD and is projected to reach about 60 billion USD by 2030, driven by increasing demand for ready and fast foods worldwide.
Play dough turnover:
Children’s play doughs constitute a significant portion of the global toys market. In 2023, the market value was estimated at over 1.5 billion USD and is forecast to reach 2.5 billion USD by 2030, fueled by rising demand for educational and safe toys.
Food dough exporters:
Italy: One of the largest exporters of pizza and bread doughs globally.
France and Germany: Major exporters of bread and pastry doughs to various countries.
Türkiye: Exports bread doughs and ready-to-bake products to the Middle East and other regions.
Play dough exporters:
China: Among the largest producers and exporters of children’s play doughs.
USA: Countries like the United States—with well-known brands such as “Play-Doh”—are also key exporters.
Food dough importers:
USA and Canada: Major importers due to high consumption of bread and fast-food products.
Middle Eastern countries: Such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with high demand for ready-to-bake goods.
Play dough importers:
European countries and the USA: Due to strong demand for high-quality children’s products.
Required Documents for Clearing Food and Play Doughs
To clear various food and play doughs from customs, a set of documents must be prepared and submitted, which may vary by product type and regulations. These play a crucial role in clearance; without them, import or export is not possible.
1. Commercial Invoice
Explanation: A primary document including seller/buyer details, prices, payment terms, and deal specifics. It must be accurate and match shipped goods.
Requirement: Mandatory for all imports/exports.
2. Packing List
Explanation: Lists number/type of packages, net/gross weights, and dimensions. Important for customs checks and matching with the invoice.
Requirement: Needed for all consignments, especially large/bulky ones.
3. Bill of Lading
Explanation: Issued by the carrier, evidences shipment to destination; includes mode of transport, conveyance type, and destination.
Requirement: Required for sea/air/land shipments.
4. Certificate of Origin
Explanation: Shows country of production, usually issued by the chamber of commerce. Important for tariffs and trade preferences.
Requirement: Needed for tariff determination and preferential duty benefits.
5. Health Certificate
Explanation: Required for food doughs, issued by the Food and Drug Organization/Ministry of Health, confirming safety and quality.
Requirement: For importing food doughs.
6. Standard Certification
Explanation: Goods subject to standards must obtain approval from the National Standards Organization, confirming compliance with national/international standards.
Requirement: For controlled goods.
7. Order Registration
Explanation: All imports to Iran must be registered in the Comprehensive Trade System. Includes complete info on goods, seller, payment, and deal details.
Requirement: Mandatory for all imports into Iran.
8. Release Order
Explanation: Issued by the carrier indicating goods are ready for customs release; shows proper delivery and readiness to exit customs.
Requirement: Essential for final clearance.
9. Insurance Policy
Explanation: Proves insurance coverage during transport; ensures compensation in case of damage.
Requirement: Recommended for sensitive/high-value goods.
10. Inspection Certificate
Explanation: In some cases, goods must undergo quality checks before release. Issued by reputable inspection bodies to confirm conformity with contract specs.
Requirement: For certain goods, especially when exporting to countries with strict standards.
11. Customs Tariff (HS Code)
Explanation: Customs charges are determined based on the HS code. Each product has its own code for duty calculation.
Requirement: Needed for tariff assessment.
12. MIMT Permit (if required)
Explanation: Some goods, such as industrial doughs or sensitive products, require a permit from the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade. This indicates ministerial approval for import/export.
Requirement: For specific goods under current regulations.
1. Commercial Invoice
Explanation: A primary document including seller/buyer details, prices, payment terms, and deal specifics. It must be accurate and match shipped goods.
Requirement: Mandatory for all imports/exports.
2. Packing List
Explanation: Lists number/type of packages, net/gross weights, and dimensions. Important for customs checks and matching with the invoice.
Requirement: Needed for all consignments, especially large/bulky ones.
3. Bill of Lading
Explanation: Issued by the carrier, evidences shipment to destination; includes mode of transport, conveyance type, and destination.
Requirement: Required for sea/air/land shipments.
4. Certificate of Origin
Explanation: Shows country of production, usually issued by the chamber of commerce. Important for tariffs and trade preferences.
Requirement: Needed for tariff determination and preferential duty benefits.
5. Health Certificate
Explanation: Required for food doughs, issued by the Food and Drug Organization/Ministry of Health, confirming safety and quality.
Requirement: For importing food doughs.
6. Standard Certification
Explanation: Goods subject to standards must obtain approval from the National Standards Organization, confirming compliance with national/international standards.
Requirement: For controlled goods.
7. Order Registration
Explanation: All imports to Iran must be registered in the Comprehensive Trade System. Includes complete info on goods, seller, payment, and deal details.
Requirement: Mandatory for all imports into Iran.
8. Release Order
Explanation: Issued by the carrier indicating goods are ready for customs release; shows proper delivery and readiness to exit customs.
Requirement: Essential for final clearance.
9. Insurance Policy
Explanation: Proves insurance coverage during transport; ensures compensation in case of damage.
Requirement: Recommended for sensitive/high-value goods.
10. Inspection Certificate
Explanation: In some cases, goods must undergo quality checks before release. Issued by reputable inspection bodies to confirm conformity with contract specs.
Requirement: For certain goods, especially when exporting to countries with strict standards.
11. Customs Tariff (HS Code)
Explanation: Customs charges are determined based on the HS code. Each product has its own code for duty calculation.
Requirement: Needed for tariff assessment.
12. MIMT Permit (if required)
Explanation: Some goods, such as industrial doughs or sensitive products, require a permit from the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade. This indicates ministerial approval for import/export.
Requirement: For specific goods under current regulations.
| Dough/Product Type | Short Application | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Bread dough | Baking various breads | 19012000 |
| Pizza/pastry/phyllo/piroshki dough | Ready-to-bake/layered/pastry | 19012090 |
| Children’s play dough | Educational & entertainment | 34070000 |
| Industrial dough (adhesive/binder) | Non-food applications | 35051000 |
| Paper pulp | Paper/cellulose production | 47050000 |
Exact classification depends on ingredients, state (chilled/frozen/dry), packaging, and end use.
Need precise HS Code, health permits, and order registration? Our team manages the case end-to-end.
Submit Proforma RequestFrequently Asked Questions
What are the HS Codes for food doughs and play dough?
Food doughs typically use 19012000 and 19012090, while children’s play dough uses 34070000; final determination depends on composition and state.
What permits are required to import food dough?
Permits from the Ministry of Health and the Food and Drug Organization plus lab approvals; order registration in the Comprehensive Trade System is mandatory.
What is suitable transport for ready-to-bake doughs?
Use a cold chain (refrigerated) with temperature control to prevent spoilage; impermeable packaging and precise labeling are recommended.
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- Caption: “HS checklist, health permits, and cold chain for food and play doughs.”
- Infographic: “Clearance roadmap: HS → Permits → Order Registration → Inspection → Release”
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Summary and Call to Action
For fast, safe, and cost-effective clearance of food and play doughs, leverage Saba Tarkhis’ expertise and professional network.
Request Expert Consultation Get Clearance ProformaSpecial Customs Clearance Services by Saba Brokerage
As a leading firm in customs clearance across national ports, our brokerage offers comprehensive services for importing and clearing various food and non-food doughs. These services are designed to facilitate and accelerate clearance of products like bread dough, pizza dough, phyllo, and children’s play dough.
Our standout service features:
Specialized, professional consulting: Our experienced experts well-versed in customs regulations and health standards support you through every stage of import and clearance to avoid any issues or delays.
Obtaining health and standard permits: All necessary permits from relevant bodies such as the Ministry of Health and the Food and Drug Organization are secured to ensure smooth, lawful clearance.
Fast and safe transport: Collaboration with reputable carriers enables quick, safe logistics. For sensitive products like food doughs, refrigerated transport is available.
Accurate duty and tax payments: A key concern for importers is precise calculation of tariffs and customs costs. With full knowledge of tariffs and tax rules, we help you avoid extra costs and clear goods at minimal expense, in the shortest time.
Continuous support and operational transparency: We provide end-to-end support throughout import and clearance. Accurate information and transparency at every stage ensure complete customer satisfaction.
With years of experience and professional, rapid service, we assure you that importing and clearing various doughs will be completed at the lowest cost and in the shortest possible time.
