Sodium Citrate Customs Clearance

Applications of Sodium Citrate

Food industry:

Sodium citrate is used as a pH regulator and emulsifier in food production. Particularly in beverages such as carbonated drinks, juices, and dairy products, it plays a major role in improving product quality and shelf life. It is also used as a buffering and emulsifying agent in processed cheeses.

Pharmaceutical industry:

Thanks to its chemical characteristics, sodium citrate is used to adjust pH in pharmaceutical and injectable solutions. It is also used in anticoagulant formulations and antioxidant products. Due to its vital role in enhancing the stability of drugs and solutions, it is considered an essential raw material in this sector.

Chemical & hygiene products:

In detergents and personal-care products, sodium citrate functions as a buffer and acidity regulator. It is used in lotions, creams, and cosmetics to stabilize pH and protect active ingredients from degradation.

Medical products:

In the medical field, sodium citrate serves as an anticoagulant. It is used specifically in hemodialysis devices to prevent blood clotting and in the management of pseudobleeding.

Key Notes for Sodium Citrate Customs Clearance

Importing sodium citrate into Iran is governed by specific customs rules and regulations. Adhering to these rules is critical to avoid unnecessary delays and reduce costs. Familiarity with certain technical and specialist details is essential when clearing this chemical through customs.

HS Code for sodium citrate:

The HS (tariff) code for sodium citrate falls under 29181500. This code acts as the global identifier for this chemical and is used to set import tariffs and calculate customs duties. Accurate entry of this code on the declaration is crucial, since any error can lead to clearance delays and higher costs.

Exact subheading depends on grade, purity, form, packaging, and end use.

Import Conditions for Sodium Citrate into Iran

Compliance with standards & regulations:

Imports must comply with national quality and health standards. The Ministry of Health and the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran oversee quality control and issue required permits. If the substance is intended for food or pharma, quality-control testing is required to ensure safety and compliance.

International standards:

Imported sodium citrate must meet relevant international standards to perform correctly in production processes. Importers should verify compliance with national and international rules prior to shipment. Non-compliance may result in seizure or return of the goods.

Permits & quality control:

Where sodium citrate is imported for food or pharmaceutical use, related permits from the Ministry of Health or Food & Drug Administration are required. Samples should be submitted to accredited labs for quality and safety testing to confirm compliance.

Major Exporters of Sodium Citrate

Sodium citrate is imported into Iran from multiple countries. Top producers and exporters include:

China:

China is among the world’s largest chemical producers, and a major share of Iran’s sodium citrate originates there, driven by high capacity and competitive pricing.

India:

India, another large Asian chemical producer, exports significant volumes of sodium citrate to Iran and beyond, known for acceptable quality and pricing.

Germany & the United States:

These countries, with advanced technology and high production standards, are key exporters to European, American, and some Asian markets. Their products are often used in pharma and food industries.

Major Importers of Sodium Citrate

Iran:

Due to broad demand from food and pharma industries, Iran regularly imports sodium citrate from China, India, and several European countries.

United States:

The U.S. is also a major importer, particularly for pharmaceutical and food applications.

European Union countries:

European countries—especially Germany, France, and Italy—import sizable volumes for food and pharmaceutical production.

Japan & South Korea:

These Asian economies also import sodium citrate to support their advanced pharma and food industries.

Import & Export Volumes of Sodium Citrate to Iran

Given wide industrial dependence, Iran’s annual import volumes are substantial—mostly sourced from China and India. As a major importer with limited domestic production, Iran has seen rising import volumes in recent years.

Sodium citrate export volumes:

Iran is primarily an importer and exports little due to domestic demand and relatively high production costs.

Global Circulation of Sodium Citrate

Sodium citrate is a globally important chemical with cross-industry usage. Its worldwide trade has been steadily increasing, driven by growth in food and pharma. China and India are the largest producers, supplying a major portion of global demand. The market is worth billions of dollars annually and continues to grow due to its broad applications.

Documents Required for Sodium Citrate Clearance

Clearing sodium citrate requires careful preparation and submission of documents so customs can process quickly and without issue. Below are the required documents:

1. Commercial Invoice

The invoice must include:

• Product type (Sodium citrate)
• Quantity (net and gross weight)
• Unit price and total value
• Delivery & payment terms  these must be presented clearly and in line with international trade rules to speed up clearance.

2. Certificate of Origin

Indicates the producing country and should be endorsed by the exporting country’s chamber of commerce. Customs use it to determine applicable duties and any tariff preferences.

3. Packing List

Details the number and type of packages, weights, and dimensions. It facilitates inspection and reconciliation of the shipment.

4. Insurance Policy

Covers potential losses during carriage; enables financial recovery in case of damage or incident in transit.

5. Bill of Lading or Air Waybill

A principal transport document showing carrier, cargo details, and origin/destination. Required for delivery and clearance.

6. Health & Pharmaceutical Permits

If intended for food/pharma, obtain permits from the Ministry of Health / Food & Drug Administration confirming safety and compliance.

7. Customs Declaration

Accurately states product type, quantity, value, and origin to ensure correct duty assessment.

8. Inspection Certificate (if required)

In some cases, customs may request pre-clearance inspection by an independent inspection company to confirm conformity with documents.

9. Standards permits (if required)

If subject to national/international standards, quality compliance must be certified to guarantee product adequacy.

10. Certificate of Analysis (COA)

Commonly required for food and pharma uses; verifies compliance with chemical and quality specifications.

11. HS Code

Sodium citrate is classified under HS 29181500. Correct usage of this code is essential for duty and tax calculations.

12. Business Card (Import License)

Any company importing into Iran must hold a valid commercial card issued by the Chamber of Commerce authorizing trade activity.

Media Suggestions

• Image file name: sodium-citrate-customs-clearance-hs-29181500-iran.jpg
• Alt Text: Sodium Citrate Customs Clearance in Iran | HS 29181500
• Caption: “Sodium citrate clearance pathway from health permits to COA and HS 29181500.”
• Infographic: “Checklist of documents, permits, and key applications of sodium citrate.”

Suggested Links

• Saba Tarkhis Customs Clearance Services
• HS Code Selection Guide
• Wikipedia, WTO, UN

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