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Customs Clearance of Mercury and Alum in Iran (HS Code + Documents & Permits)
For a time and cost estimate to clear mercury and alum, contact Saba Tarkhis experts.
Instant free consultation1) Clearing Mercury from Customs
Overview and Applications of Mercury
Mercury (Hg), atomic number 80, is a heavy, rare metal that is liquid at room temperature. This unique property makes mercury a key material in various industries. Owing to its special characteristics—such as good electrical conductivity and limited chemical reactivity—mercury is used in thermometers, barometers, and other precision measuring instruments. It also has applications in pharmaceuticals, dental amalgams, certain batteries, and as a catalyst in chemical processes.
HS Code for Mercury
HS Code is essential for classifying goods in international trade. For mercury, the HS is typically 28054000. This code in the Harmonized System helps ensure correct identification, calculation of duties, and compliance with import/export regulations. Given mercury’s sensitivity and control requirements, accurate tariff classification is particularly important.
Import Regulations and Conditions for Mercury
Imports of mercury into Iran are subject to strict oversight due to environmental and public-health risks. Key requirements include:
Obtaining Legal Permits
- Department of Environment (DOE): Given the environmental hazards of mercury, DOE must issue import approval. This ensures compliance with national environmental standards during import and use.
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Ministry of Health: Due to potential impacts on human health, the Ministry’s approval is required. Approvals confirm that import and use comply with national and international safety standards.
Providing MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
The MSDS must outline mercury’s physical/chemical properties, associated hazards, and safe handling/transport procedures. Submission to regulators and customs is mandatory to demonstrate compliance with international safety standards.
Packaging and Transport Conditions
- Because of its hazardous nature, mercury requires special packaging and transport. It must be shipped in robust, leak-proof containers to prevent spills and environmental contamination. Packaging should comply with UN dangerous goods standards, with clear safety information displayed.
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Transport: Use specialized, supervised transport. National and international dangerous-goods rules must be followed.
Import Restrictions
Imports of mercury may face quotas, special permits, or even prohibitions in certain cases. Always review current regulations before proceeding.
Professional Recommendations for Importing & Clearing Mercury
Obtain all permits before shipment. Use expert legal/technical advice on hazardous chemicals to facilitate clearance. Choosing an experienced customs broker reduces the time and cost of clearing this hazardous material. By following the requirements above and coordinating with regulators, importers can complete clearance successfully while minimizing environmental and health risks.
Obtaining Legal & Regulatory Approvals for Mercury (Extended)
Given mercury’s hazardous nature and its environmental/health impacts, imports are tightly controlled. The two main authorities are:
- Department of Environment (DOE):
- As mercury is a dangerous pollutant, DOE must issue permits before import. DOE reviews quantities, packaging, and transport methods to ensure compliance with national and international standards.
- Ministry of Health and Medical Education:
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Due to risks to human health, health approvals are required. The Ministry reviews sources, quality, and intended use to ensure public health is not compromised. It also supervises storage and distribution within the country.
MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
An MSDS must include:
Physical/Chemical properties: melting/boiling point, density, vapor pressure, water solubility.
Health hazards: inhalation, skin contact, ingestion risks; symptoms of poisoning.
Transport guidance: packaging type, safe transport conditions, and incident response. Customs and regulators require MSDS submission to ensure safe import/use.
Physical/Chemical properties: melting/boiling point, density, vapor pressure, water solubility.
Health hazards: inhalation, skin contact, ingestion risks; symptoms of poisoning.
Transport guidance: packaging type, safe transport conditions, and incident response. Customs and regulators require MSDS submission to ensure safe import/use.
Tariffs and Duties for Mercury
Tariffs depend on origin, quantity, and any special national policies. Given mercury’s risks, duties are often comparatively high to control imports and encourage safer substitutes.
- Origin: Preferences from trade agreements may apply, but mercury’s sensitivity often limits reductions.
- Quantity: Large volumes may face progressive duties to mitigate risk.
- Special policies: Additional taxes/restrictions or temporary bans may be imposed for environmental, health, or economic reasons.
Review customs rules carefully: Given legal/regulatory complexity, consult customs/legal experts and liaise with authorities. Understanding duties and procedures helps you budget accurately and avoid issues.
Countries & Transport for Mercury
Major exporters include China, Spain, and Mexico. Iran imports mercury primarily for specific industrial uses.
Transport must follow international standards. Use robust, leak-proof packaging and full safety measures. Specialized carriers and approvals from competent authorities are essential.
2) Clearing Alum from Customs
Alum Overview and Applications
Alum is a class of double sulfates typically containing potassium, ammonium, or sodium. Owing to its crystal structure and chemistry, alum is vital in several industries. Key uses include water treatment (as a coagulant), leather tanning, dyeing, and personal-care products (e.g., deodorants).
HS Code for Alum
Applicable HS depends on the specific type:
- Potassium alum: HS 28332200
- Ammonium alum: HS 28333000
Import Regulations for Alum (Iran)
Imports must comply with national/international quality and health standards to ensure consumer safety.
Food & Hygiene Standards
If alum is used in food or hygiene products, importers must obtain approvals from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA of Iran). Approvals are issued following sampling and documentation review to confirm compliance with national standards.
Packaging & Labelling
Packaging must meet standards and protect against contamination or property changes. Labels must show product name, purity, weight, and manufacturer details for customs and clearance.
Tariffs and Duties for Alum
Alum duties are generally lower than many chemicals but vary by type and use. In Iran, tariffs may depend on:
Type: Potassium vs. ammonium alum (per HS).
End use: Food, pharma, or hygiene inputs may have special rates under policies/agreements.
Origin: Bilateral agreements may reduce duties for certain origins.
Type: Potassium vs. ammonium alum (per HS).
End use: Food, pharma, or hygiene inputs may have special rates under policies/agreements.
Origin: Bilateral agreements may reduce duties for certain origins.
Professional Tips for Importing Alum
Follow all regulations precisely.
Specialist advice: Engage experienced customs/legal advisors for permits.
Document accuracy: Prepare MSDS, health approvals, and shipping docs correctly to speed clearance.
Trusted broker: A reputable broker can reduce clearance time and avoid surprises.
Specialist advice: Engage experienced customs/legal advisors for permits.
Document accuracy: Prepare MSDS, health approvals, and shipping docs correctly to speed clearance.
Trusted broker: A reputable broker can reduce clearance time and avoid surprises.
Alum Exporters/Importers & Transport
India, China, and Türkiye are among the largest exporters. Iran imports alum for diverse industrial uses.
Alum is shipped as powder/crystals; while no special DG handling is typically required, protect from moisture. Proper packaging and optimized logistics are important.
3) HS Code Table
| Item | Short Description | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Mercury | Liquid metal; requires DOE & Health permits | 28054000 |
| Potassium alum | Coagulant for water, leather, dyeing | 28332200 |
| Ammonium alum | Hygiene/cosmetic & industrial uses | 28333000 |
Exact subheading and permits depend on purity, end use, and origin.
Need precise HS codes and permit guidance? We manage the entire file end-to-end.
Request a pro-formaFAQs
What are the HS Codes for mercury and alum?
Mercury: 28054000; Potassium alum: 28332200; Ammonium alum: 28333000.
Which permits are required to import mercury?
DOE approval, Ministry of Health approval, and MSDS submission are mandatory.
What are alum’s use cases and does it require approvals?
Water treatment, leather tanning, dyeing, and personal care. For food/hygiene uses, FDA (Iran) approval is required.
How should mercury be packed and transported?
In robust, leak-proof UN-compliant containers and via specialized carriers. Safety warnings must be displayed on labels.
Media Suggestions
- Image file name:
customs-mercury-alum-clearance-iran.jpg - Alt Text: Clearing Mercury (HS 28054000) and Alum (HS 28332200/28333000) in Iran
- Caption: “Permit checklist and safe-transport standards for mercury and alum”
- Infographic: “Path to environmental, health, and FDA approvals for mercury & alum”
Suggested Links
Summary & Call to Action
Clearing sensitive items like mercury and alum requires careful documentation planning and compliance with multi-agency permits and safety standards. Saba Tarkhis leverages hands-on experience to move your file quickly and compliantly.
Request expert consultation Get a clearance quotePremium Customs Services by Saba Brokerage
Obtaining necessary permits: We secure approvals from DOE, Ministry of Health, and FDA (Iran)—critical for hazardous chemicals like mercury and alum that require multiple clearances.
Specialized transport services: With reputable domestic/international carriers, we ensure shipment under best practices: optimal mode selection, safe packaging, and continuous tracking.
Fast, efficient clearance: Using electronic systems such as EPL and direct customs liaisons, we accelerate clearance and prevent delays.
Accurate, transparent reporting: We provide clear reports on status, tariffs, and steps so you can plan confidently and avoid discrepancies.
With broad experience and partnerships, we ensure top-standard, trouble-free import and clearance of your sensitive, high-value goods.
