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Methanol Customs Clearance (HS 29051100 + Documents & Permits)

Methanol customs clearance  methanol, or methyl alcohol (Methanol), with the chemical formula CH₃OH, is one of the most important industrial alcohols worldwide and, due to its broad use in chemical and fuel industries, carries significant importance. It is a key feedstock in producing various products such as formaldehyde, acetic acid, and MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether). Methanol is also used as a fuel in fuel cells and certain combustion engines. In this article, we review the details of importing, exporting, and clearing methanol through Iranian customs with a focus on technical points and required regulations. We conclude with a complete introduction to Saba Brokerage’s comprehensive services for methanol clearance.

For an estimate of the timeline and cost of methanol customs clearance, contact the Saba Tarkhis experts.

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Industrial Applications of Methanol and Its Importance in the Global Market

Formaldehyde Production: Methanol serves as a feedstock for formaldehyde, one of the most important chemicals in plastics, resins, and industrial coatings. Formaldehyde is used to manufacture a broad range of plastic and polymer products.

Acetic Acid Production: Acetic acid is a key product derived from methanol and is used to produce various esters, plastics, and as a precursor in food and pharmaceutical industries.

MTBE Production: Methanol is used to produce methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), a gasoline additive that raises octane number  particularly important in the oil and gas industry.

Alternative Fuel and Energy: Methanol is used as a clean alternative fuel and in fuel cells. Owing to its high energy potential and environmental compatibility, it is of interest to the automotive and energy sectors.

Antifreeze and Solvents: Thanks to its low freezing point, methanol is used as an antifreeze in cooling systems and as a solvent across various industries.

Technical Notes and Steps for Methanol Customs Clearance

Clearing methanol through Iranian customs requires high accuracy and strict compliance. Due to its chemical nature, methanol is subject to special oversight, and any deficiency in documentation or non-compliance can delay clearance. Below are several key points:

HS Code of Methanol

Methanol is classified under customs tariff code 29051100. This code is used to identify the product and determine customs duties and taxes. Accurate classification is critical.
Commodity Short Description HS Code
Methanol Methyl alcohol; chemical/fuel feedstock 29051100

Import Licenses and Regulatory Approvals

Importing methanol into Iran requires permits from relevant authorities such as the Department of Environment and the Ministry of Industry, Mine & Trade. Submission of quality and safety documents  e.g., Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS) is also mandatory.

Methanol Packaging and Transportation

Methanol must be transported in specialized, chemical-resistant packaging suitable for hazardous materials. Compliance with international dangerous goods transport standards, such as the IMDG Code, is required to prevent incidents during transit.

Certificate of Origin and Valuation

A valid Certificate of Origin endorsed by the chamber of commerce in the exporting country is required for methanol clearance. Valuation should be performed carefully based on credible documents such as supplier invoices and commercial contracts to avoid disputes at customs.

Environmental and Safety Regulations

Given methanol’s potential environmental and safety hazards, strict adherence to national and international EHS regulations is mandatory. Importers must prepare and present all documents demonstrating compliance.

Methanol Import/Export Conditions in Iran

Methanol Imports to Iran: As one of the world’s largest methanol producers, Iran predominantly meets domestic demand via local production. However, in specific cases, methanol may be imported from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Russia under special conditions and strict customs compliance.

Methanol Exports from Iran: Iran is one of the world’s largest exporters of methanol, supplying Asian markets including China, India, South Korea, and Japan. High quality and competitive pricing have earned Iranian methanol a strong position globally.

Methanol Trade Volume

Iran produces millions of tons of methanol annually, the majority of which is exported to international markets. In recent years, Iran’s methanol exports have steadily increased, reaching approximately 10 to 15 million tons per year.

Global Methanol Market

Due to strong demand from multiple industries, the global methanol market is highly valuable, estimated at over $30 billion. Major producers include Saudi Arabia, China, and the United States, with primary demand originating from Asian, European, and North American countries.

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FAQs

What is the HS Code for methanol?

The common tariff code for methanol is 29051100; accurate entry on import documents is essential.

Which permits are required to import methanol?

Permits from the Ministry of Industry, Mine & Trade and the Department of Environment, along with safety documentation such as MSDS, plus compliance with dangerous goods transport standards.

What are the key points for methanol packaging and transport?

Use resistant containers, comply with the IMDG Code, apply hazard labeling, and ensure leak control/ventilation during transit.

Is Iran an importer or exporter of methanol?

Iran is among the largest producers and exporters of methanol; imports occur only in specific cases.

Specialized Customs Services by Saba Brokerage

  • Specialized Customs Consulting: Our experienced advisors, fully versed in import/export regulations for methanol, support you through every clearance step to ensure a smooth, confident process.
  • Acquisition of Required Permits: Acting on your behalf, we obtain all necessary permits from relevant authorities as quickly as possible, including environmental approvals, quality standards, and other required documents.
  • Valuation & Appraisal: In cooperation with customs experts, our team performs accurate and fair valuation for your imported/exported methanol to avoid delays or issues during clearance.
  • Safe Packaging & Transport: In partnership with international carriers, we arrange the best packaging and transport methods so your methanol reaches its destination without incident.
  • Customs Follow-up & Fast Clearance: Leveraging our extensive network across Iranian customs offices, we complete your methanol clearance in the shortest possible time, tracking all stages through final release.

Contact our experts for more information.

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