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Customs Clearance of Trucks in Iran (HS Code + Documents & Permits)
For estimating the time and cost of truck customs clearance, contact the experts at Saba Tarkhis.
Instant Free Consultation1) Types of Trucks and Their Applications
Light-duty trucks are typically used for small-volume, lightweight goods.
Medium-duty trucks are used for medium loads and industrial equipment.
Heavy-duty trucks are mainly used for transporting heavy raw materials, construction supplies, large volumes of agricultural products, and fuels.
For each of these trucks, specific HS (Harmonized System) codes exist as identifiers for determining customs tariffs and import requirements. These codes are essential in setting tariff levels and clearance conditions.
2) Specialized Steps for Truck Customs Clearance
1. Determining & Reviewing the Truck HS Code
2. Payment of Customs Duties & Taxes
3. Compliance with Technical & Environmental Standards
4. Technical Inspection & Final Release
3) Key Factors Determining Customs Tariffs
Country of origin: The manufacturing country significantly affects tariff rates. Preferential tariffs may apply for certain origins.
Truck type: Technical characteristics such as number of axles, gross weight, and fuel type can influence the tariff.
Year of manufacture: Older trucks may face higher tariffs, especially if they lack up-to-date environmental standards.
Special economic conditions: In some cases—sanctions, domestic market conditions, or government trade policies—tariffs may change. For example, during shortages of commercial vehicles, rates may be lowered to boost imports.
4) Special Conditions for Import/Export of Trucks
Special Conditions for Truck Imports to Iran
Restrictions on used-truck imports: Importing used trucks faces strict limits. Only those that meet technical and environmental standards set by the Department of Environment and the Ministry of Industry, Mine & Trade are allowed. Criteria include emission levels, road safety, and technical condition.
Mandatory environmental compliance: Imported trucks must comply with global environmental standards such as Euro 4 or Euro 5. These set permissible air and noise emission limits; non-compliance may lead to rejection of clearance and return of the vehicle.
Obtaining special permits: Some truck types require special permits from authorities like the Ministry of Industry, Mine & Trade and the Department of Environment, confirming compliance with all technical and environmental requirements.
Technical & environmental inspections: Before final clearance, imported trucks undergo detailed technical and environmental inspections by authorized experts to ensure all legal requirements are met.
Special Conditions for Truck Exports from Iran
Compliance with technical & safety standards: Exported trucks must meet the destination’s technical and road-safety standards, including emissions and build quality. Non-compliance can lead to returns and financial loss.
Obtaining required certificates: Certificates such as Certificate of Origin, Technical Inspection Certificate, and environmental compliance documents may be required to prove full legal and technical conformity.
Alignment with destination-country rules: Each country has specific import laws for trucks—tariffs, restrictions, technical requirements—so exporters must study them and secure the necessary permits before shipment.
Market & competition analysis: Exporters should analyze target markets to understand competition and demand, enabling effective export strategies and suitable pricing/terms.
5) Major Truck Exporters & Importers
6) Documents Required for Truck Clearance
1. Invoice
A primary document presented to customs, including full details of price, purchase conditions, truck specifications, quantity, and types. The invoice must be officially issued by the seller and include serial number, model, year of manufacture, and manufacturer name.
2. Bill of Lading
A transport document issued by the carrier showing movement from origin to destination, with consignor/consignee, truck details, carriage terms, and mode (e.g., vessel or trailer).
3. Certificate of Origin
Issued by competent authorities or chambers of commerce in the manufacturing country, confirming origin—used for tariff determination and preferential trade agreements.
4. Technical Inspection Certificate
Shows the truck has been examined for technical and safety compliance with the destination’s standards—covering braking systems, emission control, etc.—usually issued by reputable inspection firms.
5. Environmental Compliance Certificate
Confirms compliance with environmental standards such as Euro 4 or Euro 5 (air/noise emissions). Essential especially where strict environmental regimes apply.
6. Customs Clearance Certificate
Issued after all procedures and duty/tax payments are completed, confirming the truck is released and may enter the country or proceed to its final destination.
7. Import License
In some cases, truck imports require special authorization from ministries such as the Ministry of Industry, Mine & Trade—particularly for certain models or used units.
8. Ownership Documents
Documents proving legal ownership by the importer/exporter—typically the purchase deed or sales contract.
9. Insurance Documents
Transport insurance policies covering risks during transit, stating insurance type, coverage, and insurer.
10. Customs Declaration Form
Includes all information related to the truck—customs value, HS code, and other details—and must be completed accurately and submitted to customs.
11. Customs Duty Payment Receipts
Receipts proving payment of duties/taxes, submitted for final release with details of payments and confirmations.
12. Tax Documents
In some countries, beyond customs duties, taxes such as VAT or income tax must be paid; proof of payment is required.
13. Special Permits or Certificates
For special trucks (e.g., hazardous materials carriers or military trucks), specific permits from relevant bodies may be required—security clearances, hazmat transport permits, or other specialized certificates.
7) Common HS Codes for Trucks
| Item | Short Description | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Light-duty truck | Small-volume/light cargo | 870421 |
| Medium-duty truck | Medium loads/industrial equipment | 870422 |
| Heavy-duty truck | Raw materials/construction/bulky goods | 870423 |
Final classification depends on gross weight, number of axles, engine/fuel type, year of manufacture, and manufacturer documents.
Need precise HS classification, duty calculation, and document preparation? Our team manages the case end-to-end.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common HS codes for trucks?
Per this text, trucks are mainly declared under heading 8704 and subheadings 870421 (light), 870422 (medium), and 870423 (heavy); the final determination depends on technical specs.
How much are truck duties and taxes?
According to the text, the duty rate—depending on type, year, origin, and HS code—typically ranges 20%–40% of the customs value; same-day official inquiry is advised.
What standards apply for truck clearance?
Compliance with road-safety standards and Euro 4/5 emissions, plus full technical inspection on arrival; if non-compliant, clearance may be denied or conditioned on modifications.
Multimedia Suggestions
- Image file name:
truck-customs-clearance-iran-hs-8704.jpg - Alt Text: Customs clearance of trucks in Iran | HS 870421, 870422, 870423
- Caption: «Truck clearance checklist: correct HS, Euro 4/5, and complete documents»
- Infographic: «Clearance steps + tariff factors + key documents»
Summary & Call to Action
For fast and reliable clearance of all truck types—from accurate HS selection to permits, inspection, and precise duty calculation—we are by your side. With practical experience, Saba Tarkhis streamlines your process in accordance with regulations.
Request Expert Consultation Get a Clearance ProformaPremium Customs Services by Saba Brokerage
Clearing trucks from customs requires precision, expertise, and close coordination with multiple authorities. Our experienced, specialized team simplifies and accelerates the process with comprehensive, tailored services, including:
Specialized and free consulting: We clarify and simplify all steps—accurate HS selection, understanding customs laws, and guidance on required documentation—to prevent potential issues.
Review & preparation of required documents: We carefully compile and prepare the invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, technical inspection certificate, and other documents so clearance proceeds quickly and flawlessly.
Coordination with relevant organizations: We handle full coordination with authorities such as the Ministry of Industry, Mine & Trade, the Department of Environment, and the National Standards Organization to obtain permits and ensure compliance with technical and environmental standards.
Conducting technical inspections: In cooperation with reputable inspection firms, technical inspections are performed swiftly and accurately to ensure compliance and avoid downstream issues.
Fast and reliable clearance: Leveraging our experience and expertise, we ensure all steps are completed legally, quickly, and in full compliance. We also provide regular online status reports so you remain informed and worry-free about delays or potential issues.
By applying our expertise and experience, we handle truck customs clearance in the simplest and most effective way so you can focus on your core business with peace of mind.
