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Customs Clearance for Live Animals

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Live Animals Customs Clearance in Iran | Complete Guide, Permits, Quarantine, and HS Code

Live animals customs clearance in Iran is a highly specialized and precise process that requires extensive knowledge and deep experience in customs matters, international transport regulations, veterinary and sanitary standards, as well as environmental considerations. This process—especially when it involves the import or export of rare or protected species—demands greater expertise due to multiple complexities.

For checking the timeline and cost of live animals clearance, contact the Saba Tarkhis experts.

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1) Classification of Live Animals and Its Role in Clearance

Live animals are divided into several main categories, each requiring compliance with specific regulations and requirements. This classification includes domesticated livestock (such as cattle, sheep, and goats), companion animals (such as dogs and cats), wild animals and rare species (such as certain birds and reptiles). The classification plays an important role not only in determining customs tariffs but also in defining sanitary requirements and the necessary permits.

2) Customs Classification and Related Tariffs (HS Code Chapter 01)

Each type of live animal has its own HS (Harmonized System) code that determines customs tariffs and other related legal requirements. Some of these codes include:

Group Short description HS Code
Cattle (bovine) Domesticated bovine livestock 0102
Sheep and goats Light domesticated livestock 0104
Live birds All kinds of poultry and birds 0106

Correct HS Code selection is crucial to avoid delays, valuation disputes, and penalties.

3) Import Regulations and Requirements for Live Animals

Veterinary Health Certificate

One of the essential requirements for importing live animals is to provide a valid veterinary health certificate from the country of origin. This certificate must indicate the animals’ full health and the absence of any communicable diseases. These certificates must be prepared in accordance with the standards of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

Iran Veterinary Organization Permits

Before import, the importer must obtain the relevant permits from the Iran Veterinary Organization. These permits vary depending on the animal type, country of origin, and other conditions. If the import concerns rare or protected animals, environmental permits are also required in addition to veterinary permits.

Quarantine Regulations

All imported live animals must, upon entry into Iran, be placed under supervision and quarantine. This stage includes thorough sanitary and veterinary inspections to ensure the absence of any diseases and compliance with quarantine conditions.

4) Transport and Handling Standards for Live Animals

Transporting live animals from origin to destination requires strict compliance with international and national standards. These standards include sanitary conditions, sufficient space, appropriate temperature and ventilation, and prevention of possible injuries during transit.

International Air Transport Standards (IATA)

For air transport of live animals, IATA standards must be observed; including crate requirements, interior space, ventilation, feeding, and sanitary care.

Road and Maritime Transport Conditions

For road and sea transport, specific requirements must also be observed to keep animals in proper conditions during the journey; including periodic checks and provision of veterinary services when needed.

5) Clearance Steps and Required Documents

  1. Document review and approval: veterinary health certificate, import permits, transport documents, and other required paperwork.
  2. Customs formalities: payment of customs duties, taxes, and fees related to clearance.
  3. Physical inspection and sanitary testing: sampling, laboratory tests, and issuance of release authorization upon health approval.

6) Market and Trade Analysis of Live Animals

Main Exporting Countries

European countries such as Germany and the Netherlands, Australia, and some African countries are among the main exporters of livestock to Iran. Certain companion animals are also imported from Asian and European countries.

Iran’s Export Market

Iran is also active in exporting live animals to neighboring countries and the Persian Gulf region. These exports mainly include live livestock such as sheep and goats and certain birds.

7) The Role of Saba Tarkhis Brokerage in the Clearance Process

Leveraging its experience and expertise in live animals clearance, Saba Tarkhis is known as one of the leaders in this field in Iran. By providing comprehensive and professional services—including specialized consulting, full management of documents and permits, overseeing compliant transport, and continuous follow-up—the company ensures all stages of live animal clearance are completed accurately and swiftly. Mastery of customs procedures and an experienced team help streamline the process for clients and free them from concerns associated with this complex undertaking.

Key Points and Practical Recommendations

  • Determine the HS Code based on the species (livestock, birds, …) and the purpose of import.
  • Prepare and keep the veterinary health certificate up to date in accordance with OIE standards.
  • For sensitive consignments, coordinate quarantine plans and additional inspections in advance.
  • For air transport, follow IATA standards; for road/sea, observe animal welfare requirements.
Group Clearance sensitivity Control point Suggested HS
Cattle (bovine) High Vaccination/health 0102
Sheep and goats High Endemic disease control 0104
Live birds Very high Avian influenza/quarantine 0106

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents are required to import a live animal?

Veterinary health certificate from the country of origin, import permit from the Iran Veterinary Organization, transport documents, invoice, packing list, and environmental permits if necessary.

Is quarantine mandatory for all consignments?

Yes. All live animals are subjected to inspection and quarantine upon arrival to verify their health and compliance with sanitary requirements.

How is the HS Code for live animals determined?

The HS Code is determined based on the species (livestock, birds, …), the purpose of import, and international classification—for example, 0102 for cattle, 0104 for sheep and goats, and 0106 for birds.

How does Saba Tarkhis help?

From obtaining permits and coordinating quarantine to completing customs formalities and supervising transport, our team manages the entire process and minimizes clearance time.

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Conclusion and Call to Action

Live animals customs clearance—due to sanitary requirements, quarantine, and specialized transport—requires precise document management and coordination with the relevant authorities. With hands-on experience and mastery of customs procedures, the Saba Tarkhis team moves your process forward quickly and reliably.

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Specialized Live Animals Clearance Services by Saba Brokerage

With years of experience in customs clearance—and particularly in live animals clearance at Iran’s main customs—Saba Brokerage provides comprehensive and specialized services to its clients:

  1. Specialized consulting: our experienced team, well-versed in animal quarantine regulations, sanitary standards, and international requirements, offers the best solutions for live animals clearance.
  2. Document preparation and follow-up: the veterinary health certificate, the Veterinary Organization permit, and live-animal transport documents are of high importance. We carefully follow up and complete all these documents.
  3. Compliance with animal safety and welfare standards: transporting and housing live animals requires observing IATA standards and welfare principles. We conduct the clearance process while ensuring these standards are met.
  4. Expediting the clearance process: leveraging extensive connections and familiarity with customs procedures, we manage live animals clearance faster and at lower cost.
  5. Post-clearance services: after entry, we also provide services such as advice on domestic transport, insurance, and housing.

Contact our experts now for specialized consulting on live animals clearance.

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