Customs Clearance of Electrical Panels in Iran (HS Code + Documents, Permits, and Standards)
Clearing electrical panels from customs is one of the critical and sensitive stages in the supply chain of industrial equipment. This process is especially important for importing electrical panels, which are key components in electrical energy distribution and control systems. Electrical panels play a decisive role as the nerve center of power distribution networks in industrial, building, and infrastructure projects, and any delay or issue in their clearance can lead to delayed project commissioning and increased costs.
To estimate the time and cost of clearing various electrical panels, contact the Saba Tarkhis experts.
Instant Free Consultation1) Definition and Categories of Electrical Panels
An electrical panel is a set of electrical and electronic equipment used to manage, control, distribute, and protect electrical energy within an electrical system. In general, electrical panels are divided into three main categories:
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Low Voltage Panels: These panels are used for systems with voltages below 1,000 volts. They are mainly used in residential, commercial, and light industrial power distribution systems. These panels include components such as circuit breakers, fuses, relays, and other protective devices.
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Medium Voltage Panels: These panels are designed for systems with voltages from 1,000 to 36,000 volts. They are typically used in large industrial and commercial facilities, power plants, and power distribution networks. Medium-voltage panels include devices such as switchgear, transformers, and more complex protection systems.
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High Voltage Panels: These panels are used for systems with voltages above 36,000 volts and are mainly used in power plants and transmission lines. Equipment includes high-power switches, high-capacity transformers, and remote control equipment.
2) Specialized Applications of Electrical Panels
As the control and management center of electrical energy, electrical panels have wide applications across various industries. Some specialized applications include:
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Power distribution systems: Electrical panels act as the main point for distributing and splitting power from a large source to different circuits in industrial and building facilities. They can route power to different sections of a project and adjust the power flow according to each section’s needs.
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Protection of electrical equipment: A primary function of electrical panels is to protect equipment and electrical circuits against overload, short circuit, and voltage fluctuations. Using protective equipment such as circuit breakers and protective relays, panels help prevent equipment failure and reduce safety risks.
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Control and automation: Panels play a vital role in controlling and automating industrial processes. By using relays, PLCs, and advanced monitoring systems, they enable project managers to control and monitor device and system performance in real time.
3) Technical and Specialized Notes for Clearing Electrical Panels
Clearing electrical panels from customs requires adherence to numerous technical and operational notes. Some include:
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Accurate selection of HS Code: One of the most important steps is the correct HS Code selection based on the type of panel and its internal equipment. Generally, electrical panels are registered under code 8537.10, but depending on specific features, other codes may apply.
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International and national standards: Imported panels must comply with recognized international standards such as IEC 61439 and national standards. These standards ensure quality and safety; non-compliance can lead to rejection at customs.
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Technical documents and certificates: Preparing and presenting complete technical documents—including safety certificates, performance tests, and quality approvals—is essential. These must be prepared by the original manufacturer and validated by recognized international bodies.
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Import permits: Depending on the type and application, special permits may be required from authorities such as the Ministry of Energy, the Institute of Standards & Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI), or the Department of Environment. Obtaining these before shipment prevents delays and extra costs.
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Valuation: Correct valuation based on commercial invoices and packing lists is necessary for accurate duties and taxes. Careful valuation avoids potential issues later on.
4) Important Technical Points in Clearing Electrical Panels
Clearing panels requires a precise understanding of technical and operational points in importing these vital devices, including selecting the correct tariff code, complying with international standards, obtaining required permits, and accurate valuation—each discussed below.
1. Correct selection of HS Code
One of the first and most important steps is precise HS Code selection, which determines duties and directly affects clearance speed. In general, panels are classified under 8537.10 covering “boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets and other bases for the control or distribution of electricity” at ≤1,000 V. However, depending on the specific panel, installed equipment, and special applications, a different code may apply. Incorrect selection can increase costs, cause delays, or legal issues. Expert advice is essential.
2. International and national standards
Imported panels must comply with recognized international standards, including IEC 61439—the comprehensive global standard for panel assemblies—covering technical, safety, and reliability requirements, confirming the product is designed and built per best practices. Non-conformity can lead to rejection, extra costs to bring products into compliance, or even return to origin. Compliance with Iranian national standards is also required.
3. Obtaining required permits
Depending on the type and application, special permits may be needed from various government bodies. For example:
Ministry of Energy: If panels are used in major energy projects like power plants or distribution networks, approval is required.
ISIRI (National Standards Organization): All panels must obtain necessary approvals confirming compliance with national and international standards.
Department of Environment: If specific materials or environmental pollutants are involved, a permit is mandatory.
These permits must be obtained before customs clearance and submitted to authorities. Failure to provide them can cause delays or even return of goods.
Ministry of Energy: If panels are used in major energy projects like power plants or distribution networks, approval is required.
ISIRI (National Standards Organization): All panels must obtain necessary approvals confirming compliance with national and international standards.
Department of Environment: If specific materials or environmental pollutants are involved, a permit is mandatory.
These permits must be obtained before customs clearance and submitted to authorities. Failure to provide them can cause delays or even return of goods.
4. Accurate valuation
Valuation is another sensitive stage. It must be based on valid commercial invoices, packing lists, and related documents. Correct valuation is crucial for accurate calculation of duties and taxes, helps avoid disputes with customs, and speeds up clearance. Incorrect valuation can lead to overpayment, legal problems, or even stoppage of the clearance process. Cooperation with experts familiar with valuation rules can prevent such issues.
5) Conditions for Import and Export of Electrical Panels
Import of electrical panels: As a developing country with extensive industrial equipment needs, especially electrical panels, Iran is a large market for such imports. Panels are mainly imported from China, Germany, South Korea, Turkey, and Italy. Due to high-quality production and advanced technologies, these countries are primary suppliers to Iran. The import volume is steadily increasing due to expansion of power infrastructure, industrial projects, and growing national needs.
Export of electrical panels
In exports, Iran is a recognized regional manufacturer and holds a significant share of neighboring and Persian Gulf markets. Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Gulf countries are key destinations. Iranian products have secured a good position thanks to high quality, competitive prices, and compatibility with regional climates.
Expanding exports requires strengthening production standards, improving product quality, and developing new regional markets. Given intense global competition, modern marketing strategies and leveraging advanced production capacity can increase Iran’s export share.
In exports, Iran is a recognized regional manufacturer and holds a significant share of neighboring and Persian Gulf markets. Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Gulf countries are key destinations. Iranian products have secured a good position thanks to high quality, competitive prices, and compatibility with regional climates.
Expanding exports requires strengthening production standards, improving product quality, and developing new regional markets. Given intense global competition, modern marketing strategies and leveraging advanced production capacity can increase Iran’s export share.
6) Essential Documents for Clearing Electrical Panels
- Clearing electrical panels is a sensitive, complex process requiring accurate, complete documentation for customs. Each document is vital for verifying identity, value, and quality, and any absence or inaccuracy can cause delays, higher costs, or even return of goods. Below are the documents and their importance:
1. Commercial Invoice
The main financial/trade document including unit price, quantity, total value, and payment terms. It’s the basis for duties/taxes and must be precise and transparent to avoid disputes.
2. Packing List
Details packaging method, number and weight of packages, and dimensions. Helps customs inspect and verify proper declaration.
3. Certificate of Origin
Specifies the manufacturing country, issued by the chamber of commerce or competent authority at origin. Needed for tariff determination and any preferential rates under trade agreements.
4. Required Permits
Depending on type/use, special permits may be needed from bodies like the Ministry of Energy, ISIRI, or other regulators, confirming compliance with national regulations.
5. Compliance Certificates
Show that imported panels were produced and tested per recognized standards such as IEC 61439 and national standards. Issued by the manufacturer and validated by competent entities; absence may lead to rejection.
6. Inspection Certificate
In some cases, a certificate from an independent inspection company is required, confirming the goods’ correctness, quality, and conformity—facilitating clearance.
7. Bill of Lading
Issued by the carrier; includes shipment details, route, and transport terms. A primary document for taking delivery from customs and moving to the final destination.
8. Insurance Certificate
Confirms the goods are insured during transport and that losses are indemnified, ensuring transport risks are fully managed.
9. Customs Declaration
Contains full details of imported goods, their value, tariff code, and other specifics. Must be accurately completed and submitted with other documents.
10. Operating License
If panels are imported for a specific project, presenting an operating license from the relevant organization may be required, confirming authorized use in the stated project.
11. Health or Environmental Certificate
If panels contain materials requiring health/environmental approvals, such certificates must be provided to ensure compliance with national regulations.
12. Customs Duty Payment Receipt
Shows all duties/taxes related to the import have been fully paid; must be presented before clearance.
7) Suggested HS Codes by Panel Type
| Panel Type | Short Description | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Low Voltage (LV) Panels | Control/distribution panel ≤ 1,000V | 8537.10 |
| Medium/High Voltage (MV/HV) Panels | Control/distribution panel > 1,000V | 8537.20 |
Final line depends on operating voltage, internal components (switchgear, PLC, relays), build standard, and project application.
Need exact HS Code determination, Ministry of Energy/Standards permits, and document prep? Our team manages the entire case end-to-end.
Submit Proforma RequestFrequently Asked Questions
What is the HS Code for electrical panels?
Panels ≤1,000 V are usually under 8537.10 and panels >1,000 V under 8537.20; final determination depends on internal components and operating voltage.
Which standards are required for clearance?
Compliance with IEC 61439 and obtaining approvals from the National Standards Organization of Iran. For specific projects, Ministry of Energy approval is also necessary.
What documents are required for clearance?
Invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, bill of lading, IEC/national compliance certificate, required permits (Ministry of Energy/Standards), insurance certificate, and customs declaration.
Media Suggestion
- Image file name:
electrical-panel-customs-clearance-iran.jpg - Alt Text: Customs clearance of electrical panels in Iran | HS 853710/853720 | IEC 61439
- Caption: “Electrical panel clearance checklist: HS, IEC standard, and project permits”
- Infographic: “Fast-track clearance path — from order registration to project handover”
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Summary and Call to Action
Clearing electrical panels is sensitive and specialized due to standard requirements (IEC 61439), project permits, and valuation complexity. Saba Tarkhis, with practical experience and regulatory know-how, advances your case quickly and accurately.
Request Expert Consultation Get a Clearance ProformaSpecial Customs Clearance Services by Saba Brokerage
With years of experience in customs clearance, our team is recognized as one of Iran’s most reputable customs brokers. At Saba Brokerage, we provide comprehensive services for clearing electrical panels and other industrial equipment, including:
Specialized pre-clearance consulting: Our experts guide you on the right path by thoroughly reviewing documents and providing technical and legal advice.
Document preparation and arrangement: We help you prepare and organize all required documents completely and accurately to prevent issues in later stages.
Customs process follow-up: We closely follow all stages—order registration, obtaining permits, inspection/evaluation, and payment of duties—to ensure the fastest, problem-free clearance.
Transport and packaging services: Using an extensive network of international carriers, we provide specialized transport and packaging so your goods reach their final destination safely.
Post-clearance support: Even after clearance, we assist with warehousing, domestic transport, and supporting installation/commissioning of panels.
