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Clearance of Stationery from Customs | HS Codes 96091000, 96081000, 48201000, 96033000; Standards, Documents, Imports/Exports, and Required Papers

Clearance of Various Stationery from Iran Customs (HS Code + Documents and Standards)

Clearance of various stationery from customs
Clearing stationery from customs is one of the key and complex stages in import and export processes. Owing to broad domestic demand—especially in education, office work, and the arts it has become highly important. A comprehensive understanding of customs tariffs, standards and legal requirements, exporting and importing countries, and familiarity with the documents needed for customs clearance helps traders and importers plan precisely and efficiently to carry out stationery imports with ease.

To estimate the time and cost of stationery clearance, contact the Saba Tarkhis experts.

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One) Types of stationery

Types of stationery refer to a set of tools and equipment used for writing, drafting, drawing, and office tasks. Given diverse user needs, these products are divided into various categories, each with unique features that must be examined carefully during import procedures.
Classification of stationery types:
Writing instruments: key products such as ballpoint pens, pencils, roller pens, and markers. Paper products: various notebooks, A4 papers, drawing papers, and sticky notes.
Writing accessories: items such as erasers, sharpeners, rulers, and pen stands. Art products: colored pencils, design markers, art brushes, and pastels used in artistic and design fields.

Two) Customs tariffs and HS codes for stationery

Customs tariffs and HS codes for stationery one of the most critical stages in customs clearance is determining the correct Harmonized System (HS) code. The HS code is a global system that helps importing and exporting countries identify the type of goods and properly apply taxes, duties, and legal requirements related to those goods. Each type of stationery has a specific tariff code that must be selected carefully. Using an incorrect code can lead to additional duties or even legal issues at the time of clearance. Some relevant stationery tariff codes include: pencils and colored pencils: tariff code 96091000; ballpoint pens and roller pens: tariff code 96081000; notebooks and paper products: tariff code 48201000; erasers and sharpeners: tariff code 96033000. Customs duties vary by product type, country of origin, and import volume. In addition, in some cases, duty exemptions may be applied based on supportive policies for specific sectors (such as education).
Goods Short description HS Code
Pencils and colored pencils Wood/graphite/colored writing instruments 96091000
Ballpoint pen and roller pen Fountain/roller/marker for writing 96081000
Notebooks and paper products Notebooks/planners/office papers 48201000
Erasers and sharpeners Erasers and pencil sharpeners 96033000

Exact subheading selection depends on material, use, packaging, and quality/safety features.

Three) Standards and import conditions for stationery

Some stationery items because they are widely used by children and adolescents must comply with international health and safety standards. For example, colored pencils, markers, and other art products that may come into direct contact with children’s skin or mouth should be free of toxic substances such as lead or hazardous chemicals. Some writing instruments like ballpoint and roller pens may also require writing-quality tests to ensure durability and adequate performance. Customs may require importers to provide laboratory test reports for these products.

Four) Clearance steps and key tips to streamline the process

To facilitate and expedite the clearance of stationery from customs, the following are very important:
Selecting the appropriate tariff code: ensure accurate HS selection to avoid issues in valuation and duty calculation.
Accurate completion of documents: any deficiencies can delay clearance.
Advance preparation for standards and permits: imported products that require health and safety approvals must have all necessary permits obtained before the goods arrive at customs.

Standards and import conditions for stationery (repeated input text)

Some stationery items especially products used directly by children require health approvals and quality standards. For example:
Colored pencils and markers: must be free of toxic substances and comply with international safety standards. Pens and other writing instruments: may require checks on writing quality and product durability.

Five) Imports and exports of stationery (Iran)

Imports of stationery into Iran

Iran’s market extensively relies on stationery imports from East Asian countries. China, South Korea, Taiwan, and India are among the major exporters of stationery to Iran. Their products are welcomed due to competitive prices and wide variety. Imports peak during the months leading up to the start of the school year especially in the months of Shahrivar and Mehr.

Exports of stationery from Iran

Iran is also active in producing some paper products and notebooks. These are exported to neighboring countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Persian Gulf states. Iranian manufacturers have strengthened their position in nearby markets by offering quality products at reasonable prices.

Six) Global import and export volumes of stationery

The global stationery market is massive due to continuous demand in education and office sectors. According to reports, China, Germany, Japan, and the United States are among the largest exporters of stationery worldwide. The United States, the United Kingdom, and European Union member states are recognized as the largest importers.

Seven) Documents required for clearing stationery

To clear stationery from customs, a set of essential documents must be prepared and submitted as part of the legal import process. These papers ensure compliance with customs laws and regulations, determine applicable tariffs and taxes, and verify product quality and standards. Below are the key documents required for clearing stationery from customs:
1. Commercial invoice
The commercial invoice contains complete information on imported goods, such as product type, quantity, unit price, total price, and seller/buyer details. It is submitted to customs and forms the basis for tax and duty calculations.

2. Packing list
This list includes details on how the goods are packed, including number of packages, net and gross weight of each package, and exact package dimensions. These details facilitate customs inspection and transportation.

3. Bill of lading
The bill of lading is the carriage document and includes transport details such as the means of transport, carrier name, route, and shipping conditions. It is issued by the carrier and must be presented to customs so the goods can be released.

4. Certificate of origin
This certificate states the country where the goods were produced and is important for determining customs duties and accessing international trade agreements. Some goods may benefit from duty preferences available with a certificate of origin.

5. Customs declaration
This document is submitted electronically to customs and includes full information about the goods, weight, value, and the HS code. The declaration is used to review and determine taxes and duties.

6. Import license
In some cases, importing certain stationery items requires special permits from relevant authorities such as the National Standard Organization or the Ministry of Health. Products used directly by children particularly require health and safety approvals.

7. Inspection certificate
Sometimes goods must undergo qualitative or quantitative inspection prior to shipment from the country of origin or after arrival in Iran. The inspection certificate indicates compliance with specified standards and expected specifications and may be issued by accredited inspection companies.

8. Standard/health certificate
Some stationery products—especially items used by children (such as colored pencils, markers, and other writing instruments)—must comply with health and safety standards. These certificates ensure goods are free of harmful substances and safe to use.

9. Cargo insurance policy
The insurance policy shows the shipment is covered. If damage occurs during transport, insurance plays a key role in compensation.

10. Trade card (business license)
The trade card is issued by the Iran Chamber of Commerce and is required for commercial activities such as import and export. Companies and individuals importing goods must hold this license.

11. Proforma invoice
The proforma is an initial agreement between buyer and seller and includes terms and details of the purchase contract. It is used in early import stages and is necessary for order registration.

12. Special permits
Depending on the type of goods, the importer may need additional permits from competent bodies such as the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, the National Standard Organization, or the Food and Drug Organization. These permits vary by product and application.

Preparing and submitting all the above documents completely and accurately is crucial for clearing stationery from customs. Any deficiencies may delay clearance or incur extra costs.

Need precise HS classification, health/standard approvals, and document preparation? Our team manages the case end-to-end.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the HS codes for commonly used stationery?

Pencils/colored pencils: 96091000; pens/roller pens: 96081000; notebooks/paper: 48201000; erasers/sharpeners: 96033000. Final determination depends on product features.

What standards are required for children’s items?

Free of toxic substances (such as lead), passing safety/health tests, and providing standard/health certificates from credible bodies where required.

Which documents are mandatory for clearance?

Invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, declaration, insurance policy, import/standard permits, and inspection certificate if required.

When is the peak import season in Iran?

The months leading up to the school year, especially Shahrivar and Mehr, according to your input.

Media suggestions

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  • Alt Text: Clearance of stationery from Iran customs | HS 96091000, 96081000, 48201000, 96033000
  • Caption: “From HS and standards to clearance documents: the stationery import pathway.”
  • Infographic: “HS checklist, child-safety standards, documents, and clearance steps.”

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Summary and call to action

With Saba Tarkhis’s specialized services, the import and clearance of stationery will be carried out per standards and without hassle.

Request expert consultation Get a clearance pro forma

Special customs-clearance services by Saba Brokerage

Special services for stationery clearance built on many years of customs expertise offer a quality suite aimed at facilitating and expediting clearance. These services help ensure that stationery clearance proceeds quickly and without issues. Key services include:

 Pre-import expert consulting: our specialists, fully versed in customs tariffs and related laws, help importers choose the best import strategy. Professional pre-import advice ensures an optimized, trouble-free clearance process.
Comprehensive follow-up on documents and permits: from preparing and filing the customs declaration to obtaining required health and standard approvals, all administrative and legal steps are handled by experts, ensuring documents are prepared correctly and in the shortest time.
Fast and reliable clearance: leveraging close relations with customs and full command of regulations, clearance is performed quickly and reliably so you receive your goods without delay and with full confidence.
Logistics services and transport management: from loading to final delivery, logistics are fully managed. With tight control of each stage, goods reach customers at the specified time and place.

Because stationery clearance involves legal, financial, and health requirements, professional accuracy and management are essential. By using a professional brokerage, importers and exporters can release goods with greater confidence and speed and bring them to market.

Contact our experts for more information.

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