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Polyurethane Customs Clearance in Iran (HS Code + Documents & Permits)
Polyurethane is one of the most important synthetic polymers and, due to its unique properties, is used across diverse industries including automotive, construction, furniture, and packaging. Thanks to physical and chemical characteristics such as flexibility, chemical resistance, thermal and acoustic insulation, and high resistance to wear and impact, it plays a key role in manufacturing many industrial products. As a result, its import into Iran is highly significant. However, clearing this material through customs requires compliance with specific customs and environmental regulations and standards.
For an estimate of the time and cost to clear polyurethane through customs, contact the experts at Saba Tarkhis.
Instant Free Consultation1) Detailed Description: What Is Polyurethane and Why Is It Important?
Polyurethane is a diverse family of polymers that, through formulation, can be flexible or rigid, foamed or compact. Key advantages include low weight, thermal/acoustic insulation, chemical resistance, impact absorption, and abrasion durability. This versatility extends its applications from automotive parts and home appliances to industrial adhesives and packaging foams. Therefore, choosing the correct tariff line, providing valid quality documentation, and complying with environmental requirements are critical for clearance.
2) Specialized Industrial Applications of Polyurethane
Due to its structural and formulation variety, polyurethane is used to produce a wide range of industrial and consumer products. Some of its most important applications include:Automotive industry: Thanks to light weight and high strength, polyurethane is used in interior parts such as seats, dashboards, inner panels, and acoustic/thermal insulation systems. It helps reduce vehicle weight, increase part durability, and improve fuel efficiency.
Construction industry: In building projects, polyurethane serves as one of the most effective thermal and acoustic insulators. It is used in walls, roofs, floors, and windows to improve energy performance and reduce heating/cooling costs.
Furniture and mattress manufacturing: Polyurethane foams, due to flexibility and high durability, are used in various upholstered furniture, office chairs, and mattresses. These foams easily take different shapes and resist permanent deformation after repeated use.
Packaging industry: Polyurethane acts as a protective material in packaging foams. It can protect products against mechanical impacts during transportation. Owing to its strong adhesion, it is also used in industrial adhesives.
Footwear industry: With high resistance to abrasion and stress, polyurethane is used in outsoles of athletic and industrial footwear. It helps reduce weight and increase durability, while resisting water and chemicals.
3) Key Points & Specialized Requirements for Clearing Polyurethane
Customs Tariff (HS Code)
The HS code for polyurethane varies by type and physical form. In the HS system, polyurethane is generally classified under Chapter 39 and heading 3909 for “amino-resins, phenolic resins, and polyurethanes, in primary forms.” The precise line depends on the form of supply (granules, solution, foam in primary forms) and additives.
Required Documents & Permits
To clear polyurethane, submission of the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and, where applicable, health/environmental certificates is mandatory. Depending on the item, permits from the National Standard Organization and the Department of Environment may also be required.
Environmental & Health Regulations
Given the chemicals used in polyurethane production, compliance with environmental and health requirements is essential; certain types may contain components of environmental concern and require special control.
Quality Controls & Standards
Manufacturer quality certificates (results of physical/chemical tests) demonstrating conformity with national and international standards are commonly required during clearance.
4) Customs Tariff / HS Code
| Goods | Short Description | HS Code (example) |
|---|---|---|
| Polyurethane in primary forms | Polyurethane resin, granules/powder/solution | 3909 (final line set by form and composition) |
The final line is determined by form of supply, additives, purity, and declared use.
5) Special Conditions for Importing & Exporting Polyurethane
Because of its varied applications and unique physical/chemical properties, polyurethane holds a special place across industries. It is used to produce flexible foams, thermal and acoustic insulators, industrial adhesives, and many other products. Therefore, importing and exporting this material is highly important for countries with advanced industries.
Importing polyurethane into Iran
Exporting countries to Iran: Iran is one of the largest importers of polyurethane in the region. China, Germany, South Korea, and Turkey are among the main suppliers to Iran. Thanks to technological advancement and large-scale production, these countries offer high-quality polyurethane at competitive prices on the global market. Imports serve to meet demand across automotive, construction, and consumer-product industries.
Exporting polyurethane from Iran
Export limitations: Given broad domestic demand, Iran mostly acts as an importer and exports are not extensive. Still, Iran has limited exports to neighboring countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and some Central Asian states, mainly to supply smaller industries.
Importing polyurethane into Iran
Exporting countries to Iran: Iran is one of the largest importers of polyurethane in the region. China, Germany, South Korea, and Turkey are among the main suppliers to Iran. Thanks to technological advancement and large-scale production, these countries offer high-quality polyurethane at competitive prices on the global market. Imports serve to meet demand across automotive, construction, and consumer-product industries.
Exporting polyurethane from Iran
Export limitations: Given broad domestic demand, Iran mostly acts as an importer and exports are not extensive. Still, Iran has limited exports to neighboring countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and some Central Asian states, mainly to supply smaller industries.
6) Iran Market: Imports, Exports & Trade Geography
Imports of polyurethane into Iran are significant due to high multi-industry demand. Thousands of tons enter the country annually, and the volume is increasing. With growth in automotive, construction, and industrial manufacturing, demand for polyurethane imports is expected to rise in the coming years. In contrast, export volumes are very limited, with focus primarily on domestic needs.
7) Trade Volume: Iran’s Imports & Exports
Imports of polyurethane into Iran are significant due to high multi-industry demand. Thousands of tons enter the country annually, and the volume is increasing. With growth in automotive, construction, and industrial manufacturing, demand for polyurethane imports is expected to rise in the coming years. In contrast, export volumes are very limited, with focus primarily on domestic needs.
8) Global Polyurethane Market & Major Players
Global polyurethane market: As one of the most widely used polymers, polyurethane accounts for a substantial share of the global chemicals market. Owing to rising demand across industries, its market value has grown markedly in recent years. Forecasts indicate this growth will continue, and the global market for polyurethane will reach billions of dollars by 2030. This increase is driven by expansion in automotive, furniture, construction, and packaging across many countries.
Top global exporters of polyurethane
China: One of the largest producers and exporters worldwide; large-scale production and advanced technologies give it a major global share.
Germany: A key exporter thanks to advanced innovation in chemicals and polymers; high product quality drives strong demand.
South Korea: Another major producer leveraging modern polymer manufacturing technologies.
Japan: A leading country producing high-quality polyurethane for export to global markets.
Top global importers of polyurethane
United States: As one of the largest consumers, it imports a substantial portion of its needs; the material is widely used in automotive and construction.
Germany: Despite being a major exporter, it is also one of the largest importers due to constant industrial demand.
India: With rapid growth in automotive and construction, it is a major importer.
Brazil: Imports heavily to support developing industries and industrial raw-material needs.
Iran: One of the principal importers in the Middle East due to multi-sector growth.
Top global exporters of polyurethane
China: One of the largest producers and exporters worldwide; large-scale production and advanced technologies give it a major global share.
Germany: A key exporter thanks to advanced innovation in chemicals and polymers; high product quality drives strong demand.
South Korea: Another major producer leveraging modern polymer manufacturing technologies.
Japan: A leading country producing high-quality polyurethane for export to global markets.
Top global importers of polyurethane
United States: As one of the largest consumers, it imports a substantial portion of its needs; the material is widely used in automotive and construction.
Germany: Despite being a major exporter, it is also one of the largest importers due to constant industrial demand.
India: With rapid growth in automotive and construction, it is a major importer.
Brazil: Imports heavily to support developing industries and industrial raw-material needs.
Iran: One of the principal importers in the Middle East due to multi-sector growth.
9) Required Documents for Polyurethane Customs Clearance
Clearing polyurethane through customs requires multiple documents to ensure a smooth and swift import process. Any importer planning to bring this chemical in should prepare a complete file to pass legal and customs steps without delay.1. Commercial Invoice
The primary document indicating price and terms of sale. It must include full details such as product type and quantity, unit price, and total price. Seller authentication in the country of origin is necessary for it to serve as an official instrument of sale.
2. Packing List
Helps customs and carriers with precise information on packaging method, number of packages, type of packaging, and net/gross weight—vital for transport planning and clearance.
3. Certificate of Origin (COO)
Indicates the country where the goods were manufactured. Usually issued by the chamber of commerce of the origin country and directly affects duties and import conditions.
4. Customs Green Sheet
Issued by Iranian Customs as confirmation that inspection and tariff determination have been performed. Without it, goods cannot leave customs.
5. Permits from relevant organizations
Imports of chemicals such as polyurethane may require several permits, including:
National Standards Organization of Iran — quality compliance with national standards;
Department of Environment — required where potential environmental impact exists;
Ministry of Industry, Mine & Trade — for order registration and approval to import chemicals.
6. Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Provided by the manufacturer, detailing physical and chemical properties. Essential for quality assurance and compliance with required standards.
7. Bill of Lading (B/L)
The transport document issued by the carrier, showing how the goods are shipped and the origin/destination. Required for customs to initiate clearance.
8. Insurance Policy
Ensures the shipment is covered during transit. In case of incident or damage, compensation can be claimed from the insurer; the policy must be duly endorsed.
9. Customs Declaration
Submitted by the importer or representative, listing all details including quantity, type, value, and tariff lines—used to calculate duties and applicable taxes.
10. Order Registration in the Single Trade System
Before import, the order must be registered in the Iran Single Window/Integrated Trade System with full and accurate product information (type, quantity, value, and terms). This is an initial import step.
11. Business Card (Trade License)
Every importer needs a valid “Karte Bazargani” (business card) issued by Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, Industries & Mines to conduct international trade.
Key Tips & Practical Recommendations
- Select the precise HS based on form of supply and additives to avoid tariff disputes.
- Obtain up-to-date COA and, if needed, SDS from the manufacturer.
- For insulations/foams, pre-confirm destination product standards.
- Pre-submitting documents and requesting a preliminary customs review shortens clearance time.
FAQs
What is the HS Code for polyurethane?
Generally classified in Chapter 39 under 3909; the exact line is set based on form and composition.
Which documents are required for clearance?
Invoice, Packing List, COO, Green Sheet, permits from Standards/Environment/Ministry of Industry, COA, B/L, insurance policy, customs declaration, and order registration.
Which countries mainly supply Iran?
China, Germany, South Korea, and Turkey are major suppliers of polyurethane to the Iranian market.
How can we shorten clearance time?
Pre-submit documents, determine the precise HS, coordinate with permitting bodies, and choose a customs office equipped with suitable storage.
Specialized Services for Polyurethane Clearance by Saba Tarkhis
As one of the leading customs brokerages, we provide specialized, comprehensive services for clearing polyurethane. These services are designed to complete every stage quickly and at the lowest possible cost.Specialized, free consulting: Our expert team provides free, specialized guidance on document preparation, tariffs and customs rules, and how to clear polyurethane helping you avoid potential issues during clearance.
Permit follow-up and acquisition: We diligently and swiftly obtain all necessary permits from organizations such as the National Standards Organization, the Ministry of Industry, Mine & Trade, and the Department of Environment speeding up clearance and preventing delays.
Fast, delay-free clearance: With our experience and expertise, your imports clear customs in the shortest possible time, with every legal step handled precisely so goods reach importers at minimum cost.
Transport and warehousing services: We offer comprehensive logistics and warehousing so your goods are delivered securely and cost-effectively to their final destination reducing total landed cost.
Process optimization: By using advanced technology and smart customs-process management, we’ve optimized clearance workflows to minimize bottlenecks and delays so goods arrive on schedule.
These comprehensive, professional services help you clear polyurethane and other imported products from customs with confidence and peace of mind.
