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Customs Clearance of Various Animal Skins from Iran Customs (HS Code + Documents & Permits)
Customs clearance of various animal skins Animal skins, as one of the primary raw materials in various industries—especially in the production of leather and luxury goods—are of great importance. Importing and clearing animal skins from customs is one of the sensitive and challenging parts of the supply chain for related industries. The import process not only requires compliance with domestic laws and regulations, but also adherence to international standards and health requirements.
For estimating the time and cost of clearing various animal skins, contact the experts at Saba Tarkhis.
Instant free consultation1) Uses of animal skins
Uses of animal skins Animal skins are among the primary products widely used across industries, particularly in leather manufacturing. Animal skins are used to produce items such as:
Leather bags and shoes: One of the main products made from animal skins; thanks to high durability and a stylish appearance, they are in high demand in domestic and international markets. Leather and fur garments: Furry animal skins such as rabbit and mink are used to produce warm, luxurious winter clothing.
Leather furniture: In the furniture industry, natural leather is highly valued for its beauty, durability, and natural feel.
Automotive upholstery: Animal skins are also used to produce leather upholstery for luxury cars. These diverse applications have boosted the trade of animal skins—especially in international markets—making their import and export a vital sector for many countries.
Leather bags and shoes: One of the main products made from animal skins; thanks to high durability and a stylish appearance, they are in high demand in domestic and international markets. Leather and fur garments: Furry animal skins such as rabbit and mink are used to produce warm, luxurious winter clothing.
Leather furniture: In the furniture industry, natural leather is highly valued for its beauty, durability, and natural feel.
Automotive upholstery: Animal skins are also used to produce leather upholstery for luxury cars. These diverse applications have boosted the trade of animal skins—especially in international markets—making their import and export a vital sector for many countries.
2) Types of animal skins and customs tariff code (HS Code)
In classifying animal skins by type and processing stage, different HS Codes are assigned. These codes are used to precisely identify the goods and facilitate customs procedures. Some of the most important tariff codes for animal skins include:
Raw bovine and ovine hides (HS Code 4101): This category includes large animals such as cattle and sheep whose skins are unprocessed and in a raw state.
Raw hides of other animals (HS Code 4102): This code covers raw hides of other animals such as goat, deer, and other smaller species, which are sent to factories for processing.
Tanned or semi-tanned hides (HS Code 4104): Used for hides that have undergone tanning but have not yet reached the final leather stage.
Fur skins (HS Code 4302): Includes skins such as mink, rabbit, and other fur-bearing animals used to produce winter or decorative garments.
Aquatic animal skins (HS Code 4106): Skins of animals such as crocodile and snake, commonly used to produce specialty bags and shoes.
Paying attention to these HS Codes during import and clearance is crucial. Besides clarity in the customs declaration, these codes help prevent potential issues and speed up the clearance process.
Raw bovine and ovine hides (HS Code 4101): This category includes large animals such as cattle and sheep whose skins are unprocessed and in a raw state.
Raw hides of other animals (HS Code 4102): This code covers raw hides of other animals such as goat, deer, and other smaller species, which are sent to factories for processing.
Tanned or semi-tanned hides (HS Code 4104): Used for hides that have undergone tanning but have not yet reached the final leather stage.
Fur skins (HS Code 4302): Includes skins such as mink, rabbit, and other fur-bearing animals used to produce winter or decorative garments.
Aquatic animal skins (HS Code 4106): Skins of animals such as crocodile and snake, commonly used to produce specialty bags and shoes.
Paying attention to these HS Codes during import and clearance is crucial. Besides clarity in the customs declaration, these codes help prevent potential issues and speed up the clearance process.
| Group | Short description | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Raw bovine/ovine hides | Raw; unprocessed | 4101 |
| Other raw hides (goat/deer...) | Sent for processing | 4102 |
| Tanned/semi-tanned hides | Before final leather | 4104 |
| Fur skins | Mink/rabbit etc. | 4302 |
| Aquatic animal skins | Snake/crocodile etc. | 4106 |
Exact classification depends on species, processing status, tanning method, and form of supply.
3) Key points in clearing animal skins from customs
Health and quarantine permits: Due to their sensitive nature, animal skins can carry pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, one of the crucial requirements for import is obtaining health and quarantine permits from the Veterinary Organization and other relevant bodies. These permits must demonstrate the consignment is healthy and free of any disease or contamination.
Compliance with international standards: Importing animal skins into many countries—such as EU member states and the United States—requires conformity with strict standards established to protect consumer health and prevent disease transmission.
Required documents: Documents to be submitted for customs clearance include the commercial invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, health permit, and in some cases certificates related to tanning and processing methods. These documents must be carefully prepared and submitted to customs on time.
Timing and warehousing: A major issue in clearing animal skins is their high sensitivity to storage conditions. If stored for long periods under unsuitable conditions, skins may spoil and lose quality. Therefore, expediting clearance and delivery from customs is of particular importance.
Compliance with international standards: Importing animal skins into many countries—such as EU member states and the United States—requires conformity with strict standards established to protect consumer health and prevent disease transmission.
Required documents: Documents to be submitted for customs clearance include the commercial invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, health permit, and in some cases certificates related to tanning and processing methods. These documents must be carefully prepared and submitted to customs on time.
Timing and warehousing: A major issue in clearing animal skins is their high sensitivity to storage conditions. If stored for long periods under unsuitable conditions, skins may spoil and lose quality. Therefore, expediting clearance and delivery from customs is of particular importance.
4) Special conditions for import and export of animal skins
Import and export of animal skins—due to health and environmental sensitivities and the economic value of this product in global markets—require compliance with special laws and regulations. Importing raw skins, mostly including cattle, sheep, and goat skins, is subject to obtaining health permits from competent authorities. These rules aim to prevent disease transmission and protect the environment. Moreover, importing and exporting certain types, such as fur or wild animal skins, requires special environmental permits like a CITES permit (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). This permit is essential to ensure that specific species are not driven toward extinction and to protect international biodiversity. Observing these regulations assures exporting and importing countries that the animal skin trade is conducted legally and responsibly.
5) Exporting and importing countries of animal skins
The production and trade of animal skins are significant worldwide, and countries with extensive livestock production or access to specific species account for a large share of this trade. Some major exporters and importers of animal skins are as follows:
Exporting countries:
Australia: one of the largest producers and exporters of sheep skins in the world. Australian skins are in high demand due to their quality and suitability for the leather industry.
Argentina and Brazil: both are major exporters of bovine hides with a significant share of the global market.
China: as one of the largest producers of leather goods, China converts imported skins into leather products and exports part of them.
Iran: given Iran’s high livestock production, it is one of the important exporters of raw hides in the region. Iranian exports are shipped to countries such as Turkey and Italy.
Importing countries:
Italy: one of the largest importers of raw and tanned skins globally, active in leather manufacturing and the production of bags and shoes.
Turkey: a regional hub for leather production, importing significant volumes of animal skins, especially from neighboring countries.
India: also a major importer of raw and tanned skins for domestic leather production and re-export.
Exporting countries:
Australia: one of the largest producers and exporters of sheep skins in the world. Australian skins are in high demand due to their quality and suitability for the leather industry.
Argentina and Brazil: both are major exporters of bovine hides with a significant share of the global market.
China: as one of the largest producers of leather goods, China converts imported skins into leather products and exports part of them.
Iran: given Iran’s high livestock production, it is one of the important exporters of raw hides in the region. Iranian exports are shipped to countries such as Turkey and Italy.
Importing countries:
Italy: one of the largest importers of raw and tanned skins globally, active in leather manufacturing and the production of bags and shoes.
Turkey: a regional hub for leather production, importing significant volumes of animal skins, especially from neighboring countries.
India: also a major importer of raw and tanned skins for domestic leather production and re-export.
6) Iran’s import/export volumes and global turnover
The volume of animal skin imports and exports in Iran: given Iran’s strong potential in livestock production and the use of animal skins, exporting raw skins from Iran to industrial countries such as Turkey and Italy is common. Iran’s exports of raw skins amount to several thousand tons annually, and on the import side, processed and tanned skins for domestic leather industries are imported from countries like Italy and Turkey. Demand for high-quality skins in domestic markets has led to continued growth in imports based on industry needs. Global turnover of animal skins: the financial turnover of global animal skin trade reaches several billion dollars annually. Demand for raw, tanned, and processed skins has increased in international markets due to growth in the fashion and leather goods industries. Countries such as Italy, Turkey, India, and China are leaders in this industry. In addition, countries such as Australia and Argentina—thanks to high output and quality raw skins—are among the largest exporters worldwide.
7) The best and simplest method to clear animal skins
To clear animal skins, full compliance with all customs and health regulations is essential. The best approach is to work with a professional, experienced customs broker who can manage all legal and administrative steps expertly. Saba Brokerage is one of the leading companies in clearing animal skins, offering comprehensive services to importers and exporters through a seasoned team well-versed in customs and international regulations.
Need precise HS classification, CITES, and veterinary permits? Our team manages the entire file end-to-end.
Submit proforma request8) Required documents for clearing animal skins from customs
Clearing animal skins from customs—due to health and environmental sensitivities—requires multiple documents and permits. These are necessary not only to comply with Iran’s domestic laws but also to ensure alignment with international standards.
1. Commercial Invoice (Invoice)
The commercial invoice is the first document that must be submitted. Issued by the seller/exporter, it provides precise details such as type, quantity, unit price, and total value of the shipment. This document enables customs to perform tax and duty calculations correctly.
2. Packing List
The packing list details the dispatched packages, including the number of packages, net and gross weights, and a brief description of each package’s contents. Its purpose is to match the shipment with the declaration and prevent any irregularity or delivery error.
3. Bill of Lading
The bill of lading is issued by the carrier and shows the shipment has been properly loaded and dispatched. It lists the consignor, consignee, type of goods, and destination, and serves as the delivery document for customs.
4. Certificate of Origin
Issued by the chamber of commerce of the exporting country, this certificate confirms the country of production. It is important for determining customs tariffs and identifying trade agreements between countries, and is one of the key documents in international trade.
5. Health and quarantine permit
One of the most important documents for importing animal skins is the health permit. Issued by the veterinary authority of the exporting country, it guarantees the consignment is free of any disease or contamination. In some cases, skins must be quarantined under specific conditions to ensure safety.
6. CITES Certificate (if required)
If the import involves endangered species, obtaining a CITES certificate is mandatory. Issued through environmental and international bodies, it indicates that trade in skins of these species complies with global conservation laws.
7. Tanning Certificate (if processed)
If the skins have been processed and tanned prior to import, a tanning certificate is required. It guarantees the skins were processed under standard, sanitary conditions and are ready for use in various industries.
8. Customs Declaration
The customs declaration is submitted by the importer and includes all information on the goods, value, and applicable tariffs. It forms the basis for calculating taxes and duties and must be prepared accurately and completely.
9. Inspection Certificate
In some cases—especially for sensitive goods—an inspection certificate issued by a reputable company is required. It confirms the goods meet the ordered technical and sanitary specifications and can serve as a quality assurance document.
10. Import Permit or Order Registration
Issued by Iran’s Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, this permit authorizes the import. Order registration and obtaining this permit are done through the National Trade System and constitute a primary document for starting the import process.
1. Commercial Invoice (Invoice)
The commercial invoice is the first document that must be submitted. Issued by the seller/exporter, it provides precise details such as type, quantity, unit price, and total value of the shipment. This document enables customs to perform tax and duty calculations correctly.
2. Packing List
The packing list details the dispatched packages, including the number of packages, net and gross weights, and a brief description of each package’s contents. Its purpose is to match the shipment with the declaration and prevent any irregularity or delivery error.
3. Bill of Lading
The bill of lading is issued by the carrier and shows the shipment has been properly loaded and dispatched. It lists the consignor, consignee, type of goods, and destination, and serves as the delivery document for customs.
4. Certificate of Origin
Issued by the chamber of commerce of the exporting country, this certificate confirms the country of production. It is important for determining customs tariffs and identifying trade agreements between countries, and is one of the key documents in international trade.
5. Health and quarantine permit
One of the most important documents for importing animal skins is the health permit. Issued by the veterinary authority of the exporting country, it guarantees the consignment is free of any disease or contamination. In some cases, skins must be quarantined under specific conditions to ensure safety.
6. CITES Certificate (if required)
If the import involves endangered species, obtaining a CITES certificate is mandatory. Issued through environmental and international bodies, it indicates that trade in skins of these species complies with global conservation laws.
7. Tanning Certificate (if processed)
If the skins have been processed and tanned prior to import, a tanning certificate is required. It guarantees the skins were processed under standard, sanitary conditions and are ready for use in various industries.
8. Customs Declaration
The customs declaration is submitted by the importer and includes all information on the goods, value, and applicable tariffs. It forms the basis for calculating taxes and duties and must be prepared accurately and completely.
9. Inspection Certificate
In some cases—especially for sensitive goods—an inspection certificate issued by a reputable company is required. It confirms the goods meet the ordered technical and sanitary specifications and can serve as a quality assurance document.
10. Import Permit or Order Registration
Issued by Iran’s Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, this permit authorizes the import. Order registration and obtaining this permit are done through the National Trade System and constitute a primary document for starting the import process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which HS Codes are used for various animal skins?
Most common headings: 4101 (raw bovine/ovine), 4102 (other raw), 4104 (tanned or semi-tanned), 4106 (aquatic), and 4302 (fur skins).
What permits are required for import?
Veterinary/quarantine permits, health documents, CITES where species are protected, plus transport documents, invoice, CO, and order registration.
How can spoilage and quality loss be prevented?
Expedite clearance, observe storage conditions with proper humidity/temperature, ensure suitable transport, and minimize dwell time at entry points.
Media suggestions
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animal-skins-customs-clearance-iran.jpg - Alt Text: Customs clearance of various animal skins in Iran | HS 4101, 4102, 4104, 4106, 4302
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- Infographic: «Checklist of documents, HS, and quarantine points»
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Conclusion & Call to Action
Clearing animal skins is sensitive due to health, quarantine, and environmental requirements. With hands-on experience, Saba Tarkhis advances your process quickly and in compliance with regulations.
Request expert consultation Get customs proformaSpecial services for clearing animal skins by Saba Brokerage
Relying on extensive experience and expertise in clearing sensitive goods such as animal skins, this brokerage offers a set of special services designed to facilitate and accelerate the clearance process, including:
Obtaining health and quarantine permits: Working closely with the Veterinary Organization and other relevant bodies, our specialist team swiftly secures all required permits and ensures the consignment’s health and compliance with standards.
Specialized consulting on customs tariffs and international regulations: Our experts, fully aware of the latest tariff changes and international rules, provide precise advice to minimize clearance costs and speed up the process.
Accurate preparation of documents and paperwork: Our professional team takes charge of preparing and organizing all necessary documents such as invoice, certificate of origin, bill of lading, and other required papers, and submits them to customs with utmost accuracy.
Expediting clearance and reducing storage time: Through proper management and process optimization, storage times are minimized and goods are cleared in the shortest possible time.
Continuous support and follow-up: Post-clearance support and ongoing follow-up are among our key services, ensuring goods reach customers safely and without any issues.
As a result, by offering comprehensive and professional services, we help importers and exporters of animal skins complete customs procedures quickly and precisely and avoid potential issues in the future.
