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Shirt Customs Clearance

Shirt customs clearance is one of the key stages in the process of importing garments into the country. Given the high demand for shirts in Iran’s market and the global diversity of production, importers must be thoroughly familiar with customs rules and regulations, import tariffs, and the documents required for clearing this commodity. Strict compliance matters because of the complexity of apparel imports, including men’s, women’s, and children’s shirts.

For estimating the time and cost of shirt clearance, contact the experts at Saba Tarkhis.

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1) Shirt Customs Tariff (HS Code)

Customs tariffs are a major cost factor for importers, and shirts are no exception. HS Codes for shirts vary based on type, fabric, and use, and they affect payable duties and import costs. Below are common codes for shirt clearance by material:
  • Men’s or boys’ cotton shirts: HS Code: 61051000
  • Women’s cotton shirts: HS Code: 61062000
  • Men’s or women’s shirts of synthetic fibers: HS Code: 61061000
  • Silk or wool shirts: HS Code: 62052000

These HS Codes determine the level of customs duties payable for each shirt type. Import duties are typically estimated at about 20 to 30 percent of the goods’ value, in addition to freight and insurance, which impact the importer’s final invoice.

Shirt Type Short Description HS Code
Men’s/Boys’ Cotton Shirt Cotton material, knitted (tricot) 61051000
Women’s Cotton Shirt Cotton, natural fibers 61062000
Shirt of Synthetic Fibers Men’s/Women’s, synthetic fibers 61061000
Silk/Wool Shirt Woven (warp/weft) 62052000

Exact classification may vary based on fabric composition, percentage blends, knit/woven structure, design (men’s/women’s/children’s), and sewing details.

2) Steps for Clearing Shirts from Customs

The clearance process involves multiple steps, each of which must be completed accurately and lawfully. Non-compliance can cause delays and increase costs. Key steps include:
  1. Order registration in the NTSW system: the first step for importing shirts is registering the order in the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade system, where importers enter product specifications and shipment details.
  2. Preparing commercial documents: after registration, arrange all required paperwork such as invoice, bill of lading, and certificate of origin. Submit them to customs on time to avoid delays.
  3. Customs value assessment: a crucial step where the customs value is determined based on the invoice and incidental costs like freight and insurance. Accurate valuation is essential for correct duties and import taxes.
  4. Paying duties and taxes: after valuation, import duties and value-added tax (VAT) are calculated. Customs duties vary by type and fabric, and together with the 9 percent VAT must be paid.
  5. Cargo inspection: once costs are paid, customs officers inspect the goods to ensure conformity with the declaration and submitted documents.
  6. Issuance of the clearance permit: after final approval and inspection, the permit is issued and the goods are ready for delivery to the importer.

Need precise HS Code classification, duty estimation, and document preparation? Our team manages your case end-to-end.

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3) Special Conditions for Shirt Import and Export

Shirt imports to Iran are affected by various regulations and restrictions, including cultural, religious, and commercial considerations. In some cases, apparel imports may face limitations due to national ethical and religious standards. For example, garments conflicting with hijab rules may require special permits or adherence to standards set by competent authorities. Additionally, in some countries, exporting shirts to Iran faces challenges due to sanctions and trade restrictions imposed by international bodies or specific governments which may include limitations on cooperation with certain apparel producers, e.g., in the United States.
Conversely, exporting shirts from Iran is also subject to particular conditions. Thanks to capable domestic manufacturers, Iran can access international markets; however, to compete with countries such as China, Türkiye, and Bangladesh who dominate via mass production and lower costs Iran must improve quality, increase productivity, and reduce production costs to strengthen its global position.

4) Import and Export Volumes of Shirts to/from Iran

Shirt imports are a significant segment of Iran’s apparel market. According to available data, Iran spends millions of dollars annually importing shirts and other garments. Main supplier countries include China, Türkiye, Bangladesh, and India, which hold the largest market share due to scale and low production costs. In terms of volume, China is the largest apparel exporter to Iran and supplies a major portion of imports. On the other hand, although smaller than imports, Iran’s shirt exports are growing, with neighboring countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Persian Gulf states as key destinations. Domestic producers are gradually strengthening their position by focusing on quality and using local raw materials.

5) Global Circulation of Shirts in International Markets

The global apparel industry especially shirt manufacturing and exports is one of the world’s largest industries. Reports indicate that over 300 billion dollars of global trade relates to apparel, with shirts constituting a substantial share. China, Bangladesh, and India are recognized as the top three exporters of shirts worldwide due to access to affordable labor and strong manufacturing infrastructure. Major importers include developed markets such as the United States, the European Union, Japan, and Canada, driven by high consumer demand and purchasing power.

6) Required Documents for Shirt Clearance

To clear shirts through customs, a set of documents must be prepared and submitted to legally import the goods. Below are the most important documents explained simply.
  1. 1. Commercial Invoice
    Shows from whom and at what price you purchased the shirts. It includes quantity, shirt type, unit price, and total amount, and must be provided to customs.
  2. 2. Bill of Lading
    Issued by the carrier to confirm shipment. It states cargo details (e.g., number of packages, weight, and type of goods) and transport information (route and final destination). Mandatory for customs.
  3. 3. Certificate of Origin
    Indicates the country where the shirts were produced. Issued by the exporter country’s chamber of commerce and may directly affect duties for instance, preferences for certain origins.
  4. 4. Customs Declaration
    Details the goods (quantity, value, type) accurately. You must submit this information so customs can assess and clear the shipment.
  5. 5. Health and Standard Certificates (if required)
    Some shirts especially of natural materials like cotton or wool may require health or standard certificates from the country of origin, confirming compliance with sanitary and environmental standards.
  6. 6. Packing List
    Provides packaging details such as number of packages, weight per package, and packing method, helping customs verify consistency with the B/L and the declaration.
  7. 7. Order Registration Certificate
    Registration in the Ministry’s NTSW system is essential. Without it, legal import is not possible.
  8. 8. Cargo Insurance Policy
    Insures the goods against risks during transit, ensuring compensation in case of damage en route.
  9. 9. Special Permits (if required)
    Sometimes shirt imports need specific permits—e.g., related to quality standards, health, or particular trade rules.
  10. 10. Valuation Certificate
    Customs may require a valuation certificate to help determine the exact value and correctly compute duties.

7) Key Tips and Practical Recommendations

  • Match HS Codes precisely with fabric, target wearer (men/women/children), and knit/woven type to avoid tariff disputes.
  • Complete commercial documents (Invoice, B/L, CO, PL) flawlessly before arrival to prevent holds.
  • Comply with labeling/fiber content and sizing requirements per national standards when requested.
  • Provide a transparent cost breakdown: import duty + commercial profit (per tariff line) + 9% VAT + freight, insurance, and service fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common HS Codes for shirts?

Based on your text: 61051000 (men/boys cotton), 61062000 (women’s cotton), 61061000 (synthetic fibers), and 62052000 (silk or wool).

Approximately how much are the import duties for shirts?

Per your content, duties are typically around 20 to 30 percent of the goods’ value, plus a 9% value-added tax.

What are the most important documents for clearing shirts?

As listed: Invoice, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, Customs Declaration, Health/Standard Certificates (if required), Packing List, Order Registration Certificate, Cargo Insurance Policy, Special Permits (if required), and Valuation Certificate.

What are the steps for clearing shirts from customs?

Per your text: NTSW order registration, preparing commercial documents, customs valuation, paying import duties and 9% VAT, goods inspection, and finally issuing the clearance permit.

Multimedia Suggestions

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  • Alt Text: Shirt customs clearance in Iran | HS 61051000, 61062000, 61061000, 62052000
  • Caption: «Complete guide to HS Codes, documents, and steps for clearing shirts from Iranian customs»
  • Infographic: «Clearance flowchart + document checklist + cost estimation»

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Summary & Call to Action

By using our specialized services, clients can benefit from fast, hassle-free clearance of shirts.

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Specialized Shirt-Clearance Services by Saba Brokerage

One of the best ways to accelerate and optimize shirt customs clearance is to use professional customs brokerage services. A leading company in this field provides comprehensive, specialized services to help apparel importers complete the clearance process faster and more accurately.

Expert consulting across all stages: From NTSW order registration to obtaining permits and preparing documents, the advisory team helps importers complete administrative steps correctly and avoid potential issues.
Faster clearance: Leveraging strong networks and extensive experience, this brokerage can complete shirt clearance in the shortest possible time.
Precise legal follow-up: The company tracks every administrative and legal step from order registration to paying duties and issuing the clearance permit ensuring goods are released without customs problems.
Resolving legal and customs issues: If any legal or customs issues arise, a specialized legal team well-versed in regulations resolves them promptly and smooths the clearance process.
Cost reduction and tax optimization: Through precise tariff analysis and appropriate tax solutions, the brokerage helps importers minimize customs costs and optimize the import process.
Transparent reporting: At every stage, importers receive clear financial and operational reports on their cargo, enabling close tracking of the process.

Using these services enables shirt importers to proceed with full confidence, free from customs concerns, while benefiting from reduced costs and greater efficiency.

Contact our experts for more information.

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