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Customs Clearance of Various Essential Oils in Iran (HS Code + Documents & Permits)
Customs clearance of various essential oils: Essential Oils are among the most important products in the health, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and even food industries. Due to their therapeutic properties, pleasant aromas and wide functionality in manufacturing different products, these oils hold high value. Clearing these products through Iranian customs—because of health sensitivities and the complexity of import permits and customs tariffs—requires specialized knowledge and sufficient experience.
For estimating the time and cost of essential oils clearance, contact the experts at Saba Tarkhis.
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1) Types of Essential Oils and Tariff Code (HS Code)
Types of essential oils and tariff code
1. Lavender Oil (Lavender Oil) Tariff code: 33012900 Use: Lavender oil is utilized for its calming properties in cosmetic and hygiene products and also in aromatherapy.
2. Lemon Oil (Lemon Oil) Tariff code: 33011300 Use: Owing to its disinfectant effect and energizing aroma, it is used in cleaners and skin-care products.
3. Tea Tree Oil (Tea Tree Oil) Tariff code: 33012930 Use: Tea tree oil is employed for its antiseptic properties in topical therapeutic and antibacterial products.
4. Peppermint Oil (Peppermint Oil) Tariff code: 33012500 Use: Thanks to its cooling and soothing effects, it is used in pharmaceuticals and hygiene products to relieve muscle pain and headaches.
5. Rosemary Oil (Rosemary Oil) Tariff code: 33019090 Use: Commonly used in hair-care products and shampoos as a strengthening and anti-hair-loss agent.
6. Orange Oil (Orange Oil) Tariff code: 33011910 Use: With a sweet, natural aroma, it is used in food, cosmetic and hygiene industries.
7. Jasmine Oil (Jasmine Oil) Tariff code: 33012941 Use: Due to its mild, pleasant scent, it is used in luxury perfumes and cosmetic products.
8. Rose Oil (Rose Oil) Tariff code: 33012911 Use: Thanks to its outstanding aroma, it is used in perfumes and cosmetic/hygiene products.
9. Eucalyptus Oil (Eucalyptus Oil) Tariff code: 33012912 Use: Because of its anti-inflammatory effects and respiratory benefits, it is used in pharmaceuticals and hygiene products.
10. Olive Oil (Olive Oil) Tariff code: 33012950 Use: As a natural emollient, it is used in skin and hair-care products and also in the food industry.
11. Thyme Oil (Thyme Oil) Tariff code: 33012920 Use: Employed for its antibacterial properties in pharmaceutical and therapeutic products.
12. Chamomile Oil (Chamomile Oil) Tariff code: 33012919 Use: Owing to its soothing and calming effects, it is used in skin-care and cosmetic products.
13. Cinnamon Oil (Cinnamon Oil) Tariff code: 33012922 Use: With warming properties and a strong aroma, it is used in therapeutic and cosmetic products.
14. Frankincense Oil (Frankincense Oil) Tariff code: 33012924 Use: Applied in aromatherapy and anti-stress products.
15. Clove Oil (Clove Oil) Tariff code: 33012925 Use: Utilized for its analgesic effect in hygiene products and toothache remedies.
16. Almond Oil (Almond Oil) Tariff code: 33012910 Use: Used as a natural softener in manufacturing skin and hair-care products.
17. Citronella Oil (Citronella Oil) Tariff code: 33012927 Use: Employed as an insect repellent and also in aromatherapy.
18. Rose Water (Rose Water) Tariff code: 33012914 Use: Used in skin-care and hygiene products for its calming effect.
19. Ginger Oil (Ginger Oil) Tariff code: 33012926 Use: Improved blood circulation and reduced inflammation are key benefits, hence its use in pharmaceutical and hygiene products.
20. Cedarwood Oil (Cedarwood Oil) Tariff code: 33012923 Use: Thanks to antifungal and strengthening properties, it is used in hair-care and aromatherapy products.
21. Ylang Ylang Oil (Ylang Ylang Oil) Tariff code: 33012915 Use: Its sweet and calming aroma is widely used in perfumes and cosmetic products.
22. Grapefruit Oil (Grapefruit Oil) Tariff code: 33012913 Use: In skin-care and hygiene products as an energy booster and anti-fatigue agent.
| Product | HS Code | Key Use |
|---|---|---|
| Lavender | 33012900 | Calming/Cosmetic |
| Lemon | 33011300 | Disinfectant/Skin |
| Tea Tree | 33012930 | Antibacterial/Topical |
| Peppermint | 33012500 | Relief/Cooling |
| Rosemary | 33019090 | Hair/Anti-hair loss |
| Orange | 33011910 | Food/Cosmetic |
| Jasmine | 33012941 | Luxury perfume |
| Rose | 33012911 | Perfume/Cosmetic |
| Eucalyptus | 33012912 | Respiratory/Anti-inflammatory |
| Olive | 33012950 | Emollient/Skin & Hair |
| Thyme | 33012920 | Antibacterial |
| Chamomile | 33012919 | Soothing/Calming |
| Cinnamon | 33012922 | Warming/Therapeutic |
| Frankincense | 33012924 | Calming/Anti-stress |
| Clove | 33012925 | Analgesic/Oral care |
| Almond | 33012910 | Emollient/Skin & Hair |
| Citronella | 33012927 | Insect repellent |
| Rose Water | 33012914 | Calming/Skin |
| Ginger | 33012926 | Circulation/Anti-inflammatory |
| Cedarwood | 33012923 | Hair/Antifungal |
| Ylang Ylang | 33012915 | Perfume/Calming |
| Grapefruit | 33012913 | Energy/Skin |
Exact classification depends on presentation form, purity, extraction method, end use, packaging and technical documents.
2) Steps for Clearing Essential Oils from Customs
Clearing essential oils through Iranian customs—given their broad use in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and hygiene industries—includes multiple legal and technical steps. Each step requires high accuracy and compliance with the country’s customs and health regulations.
1. Order registration in the National Trade System
The first step in the clearance process is to register the order in the National Trade System. At this stage, the importer must accurately enter all details about the goods, including the type of essential oil, volume, value, tariff code (HS Code) and country of origin. Attention to technical details and data accuracy is crucial, since any mistake can delay the clearance process. Also, some essential oils—due to specific use in pharmaceutical or cosmetic industries—may require additional permits that should be considered at this stage.
2. Obtaining health and standard permits
After order registration, relevant health and standard permits must be obtained from competent authorities such as the Food and Drug Administration and the National Standards Organization of Iran. These permits vary by oil type and application. For example, oils used in pharmaceutical products require more thorough reviews and stricter permits. At this step, the importer should provide chemical analysis reports and quality certificates from the country of origin to confirm compliance with national and international standards. These certificates must include confirmations of product quality, safety and hygiene.
3. Inspection and evaluation of goods
At this stage, customs experts carry out technical inspection and evaluation of the goods. This includes physical inspection and matching them with submitted documents. Customs officers may also sample products and send them to accredited laboratories for chemical analysis to ensure quality compliance with set standards. Accurate evaluation is vital for sensitive goods like essential oils used in health and pharmaceutical industries.
4. Paying customs duties
After final approval by customs and completion of all technical and legal reviews, the importer must pay customs duties and import taxes based on the set tariffs (HS Code). Tariffs for essential oils may differ depending on the type and intended use of the oil. Timely and accurate payment of duties is key to avoiding clearance delays.
5. Final release of goods
After payments and verification of all documents, the goods are released from customs. At this point, they are ready for the domestic market or export to another country. If all steps are properly completed, the clearance process will be performed in the shortest possible time and without issues.
1. Order registration in the National Trade System
The first step in the clearance process is to register the order in the National Trade System. At this stage, the importer must accurately enter all details about the goods, including the type of essential oil, volume, value, tariff code (HS Code) and country of origin. Attention to technical details and data accuracy is crucial, since any mistake can delay the clearance process. Also, some essential oils—due to specific use in pharmaceutical or cosmetic industries—may require additional permits that should be considered at this stage.
2. Obtaining health and standard permits
After order registration, relevant health and standard permits must be obtained from competent authorities such as the Food and Drug Administration and the National Standards Organization of Iran. These permits vary by oil type and application. For example, oils used in pharmaceutical products require more thorough reviews and stricter permits. At this step, the importer should provide chemical analysis reports and quality certificates from the country of origin to confirm compliance with national and international standards. These certificates must include confirmations of product quality, safety and hygiene.
3. Inspection and evaluation of goods
At this stage, customs experts carry out technical inspection and evaluation of the goods. This includes physical inspection and matching them with submitted documents. Customs officers may also sample products and send them to accredited laboratories for chemical analysis to ensure quality compliance with set standards. Accurate evaluation is vital for sensitive goods like essential oils used in health and pharmaceutical industries.
4. Paying customs duties
After final approval by customs and completion of all technical and legal reviews, the importer must pay customs duties and import taxes based on the set tariffs (HS Code). Tariffs for essential oils may differ depending on the type and intended use of the oil. Timely and accurate payment of duties is key to avoiding clearance delays.
5. Final release of goods
After payments and verification of all documents, the goods are released from customs. At this point, they are ready for the domestic market or export to another country. If all steps are properly completed, the clearance process will be performed in the shortest possible time and without issues.
3) Special Conditions for Import and Export of Essential Oils
Special conditions for import and export of essential oils — Import of essential oils to Iran
Most imports of essential oils to Iran come from France, India, the USA, China and several European countries. These countries are known as leading producers of essential oils worldwide, and their products—due to high quality and unique properties—face strong demand in the Iranian market. Owing to advanced infrastructure in the essential oil industry, these countries can supply products with top quality and international standards.
Export of essential oils from Iran
Iran is a key producer of some natural essential oils—particularly rose (Damask), mint and thyme—which are exported to Asian, European and Middle Eastern countries. Thanks to their high quality and notable natural properties, these oils enjoy significant export markets. In particular, Iranian rose oil is recognized as one of the best natural essential oils globally and is highly demanded in perfumery and cosmetics.
Most imports of essential oils to Iran come from France, India, the USA, China and several European countries. These countries are known as leading producers of essential oils worldwide, and their products—due to high quality and unique properties—face strong demand in the Iranian market. Owing to advanced infrastructure in the essential oil industry, these countries can supply products with top quality and international standards.
Export of essential oils from Iran
Iran is a key producer of some natural essential oils—particularly rose (Damask), mint and thyme—which are exported to Asian, European and Middle Eastern countries. Thanks to their high quality and notable natural properties, these oils enjoy significant export markets. In particular, Iranian rose oil is recognized as one of the best natural essential oils globally and is highly demanded in perfumery and cosmetics.
4) Import/Export Volume and Market Trend
The volume of essential oil imports and exports to/from Iran — With rising demand in cosmetic, hygiene and pharmaceutical industries, imports of essential oils to Iran have increased in recent years. These products are core raw materials for manufacturing skin-care products, perfumes and hygiene items. On the other hand, exports of natural essential oils produced in Iran have also risen annually and expanded their international markets.
5) Required Documents for Clearance
Clearing essential oils from customs requires preparing and submitting various documents, each playing a vital role in facilitating clearance and confirming the goods’ legal and sanitary compliance.
1. Commercial Invoice
This document shows purchase and sale details between the seller and buyer. It must include information such as oil type, quantity, unit and total price, payment terms, and seller/buyer details. It is one of the main documents used to determine customs value and calculate duties.
2. Bill of Lading
The bill of lading indicates shipment details from origin to destination. It includes route details, consignor, consignee, type of goods and shipping terms. Depending on the mode (sea, air or road), the bill type may differ, but in all cases it is essential for tracking the shipment and clearing goods from customs.
3. Certificate of Origin
Issued by the chamber of commerce in the country of origin, it specifies the producing country. It is mandatory for applying tariffs and accurately assessing import duties. It helps customs determine the import country and apply the corresponding tariffs.
4. Certificate of Analysis
Usually provided by accredited laboratories or the manufacturer, it specifies chemical composition, purity and quality of essential oils. Customs and health organizations use it to verify product safety and standards compliance. It is especially important for oils used in hygiene and pharmaceutical industries.
5. Health Permit from the FDA (Iran)
Essential oils used as raw materials in hygiene, cosmetic or pharmaceutical products require a permit from the Food and Drug Administration. This confirms the imported goods are hygienically safe and suitable for entry and use across industries.
6. Standard Certificate
For some essential oils, a certificate from the National Standards Organization of Iran is required. It indicates compliance with national and international standards and adequate quality. This is crucial for goods used in pharmaceutical and food industries.
7. Insurance Policy
The insurance policy guarantees coverage during transportation, and in case of damage the compensation will be paid. This is particularly important when importing high-value goods like essential oils.
8. Order Registration
Importers must register their imported goods in the National Trade System. Information such as type, quantity, value and origin country must be recorded. Without order registration, customs clearance is not possible.
9. Proforma Invoice
This is essentially the seller’s initial offer to the buyer, including deal terms, price, quantity, delivery time and other agreed details. It is required to start order registration and other import steps.
10. Customs Declaration
A document in which the importer declares full details of the goods and their customs value. It is submitted to customs and forms the basis for calculating duties and import taxes. It must be completed accurately, since any error can cause clearance delays.
11. Quarantine Permit (if required)
For some essential oils extracted from specific plants, a quarantine permit is required. It ensures the imported goods are free from plant contamination or pests and are safe for import.
12. Pre-shipment Inspection Certificate
Issued by inspection companies, it confirms the goods were checked before shipment and comply with the agreed conditions between seller and buyer. Having this certificate helps ensure product quality and quantity at delivery.
13. Release Order
After paying customs duties and completing all clearance steps, customs issues the release order allowing the importer to collect the goods and enter the market. This is the final step of clearance and serves as the official authorization for the goods to exit customs.
1. Commercial Invoice
This document shows purchase and sale details between the seller and buyer. It must include information such as oil type, quantity, unit and total price, payment terms, and seller/buyer details. It is one of the main documents used to determine customs value and calculate duties.
2. Bill of Lading
The bill of lading indicates shipment details from origin to destination. It includes route details, consignor, consignee, type of goods and shipping terms. Depending on the mode (sea, air or road), the bill type may differ, but in all cases it is essential for tracking the shipment and clearing goods from customs.
3. Certificate of Origin
Issued by the chamber of commerce in the country of origin, it specifies the producing country. It is mandatory for applying tariffs and accurately assessing import duties. It helps customs determine the import country and apply the corresponding tariffs.
4. Certificate of Analysis
Usually provided by accredited laboratories or the manufacturer, it specifies chemical composition, purity and quality of essential oils. Customs and health organizations use it to verify product safety and standards compliance. It is especially important for oils used in hygiene and pharmaceutical industries.
5. Health Permit from the FDA (Iran)
Essential oils used as raw materials in hygiene, cosmetic or pharmaceutical products require a permit from the Food and Drug Administration. This confirms the imported goods are hygienically safe and suitable for entry and use across industries.
6. Standard Certificate
For some essential oils, a certificate from the National Standards Organization of Iran is required. It indicates compliance with national and international standards and adequate quality. This is crucial for goods used in pharmaceutical and food industries.
7. Insurance Policy
The insurance policy guarantees coverage during transportation, and in case of damage the compensation will be paid. This is particularly important when importing high-value goods like essential oils.
8. Order Registration
Importers must register their imported goods in the National Trade System. Information such as type, quantity, value and origin country must be recorded. Without order registration, customs clearance is not possible.
9. Proforma Invoice
This is essentially the seller’s initial offer to the buyer, including deal terms, price, quantity, delivery time and other agreed details. It is required to start order registration and other import steps.
10. Customs Declaration
A document in which the importer declares full details of the goods and their customs value. It is submitted to customs and forms the basis for calculating duties and import taxes. It must be completed accurately, since any error can cause clearance delays.
11. Quarantine Permit (if required)
For some essential oils extracted from specific plants, a quarantine permit is required. It ensures the imported goods are free from plant contamination or pests and are safe for import.
12. Pre-shipment Inspection Certificate
Issued by inspection companies, it confirms the goods were checked before shipment and comply with the agreed conditions between seller and buyer. Having this certificate helps ensure product quality and quantity at delivery.
13. Release Order
After paying customs duties and completing all clearance steps, customs issues the release order allowing the importer to collect the goods and enter the market. This is the final step of clearance and serves as the official authorization for the goods to exit customs.
Need precise HS Code classification, health/standard permits and document preparation? Our team manages the case end-to-end.
Request a ProformaFrequently Asked Questions
Which HS Codes are common for essential oils?
Depending on the oil type, headings under 3301 (such as 330129xx, 33011300, 33012500…) are used; exact classification depends on purity, extraction method and application.
Which permits are usually required?
According to the application: Health permit from the Food & Drug Administration, National Standard Certificate, Certificate of Analysis and, where applicable, Quarantine Permit. Requirements are stricter for pharmaceutical use.
Are sampling and laboratory testing conducted?
Yes; to verify quality/purity against standards, samples are sent to accredited laboratories—especially for health/pharmaceutical cases.
What are the benefits of working with a customs broker?
An experienced broker facilitates tariff classification, swift permit acquisition, document completion and handling procedures, reducing the risk of delays/disputes.
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Summary & Call to Action
Due to health sensitivities, diverse HS Codes and standard/laboratory requirements, clearing essential oils demands practical experience. Saba Tarkhis leverages technical expertise and an operational network to handle your procedures swiftly and in full compliance.
Request Expert Consultation Get a Clearance ProformaSpecial Customs Services by Saba Brokerage
Given the sensitivities and specific regulations in importing and clearing essential oils, having an experienced and knowledgeable team by your side can greatly facilitate and expedite the process. Professional brokers provide specialized and comprehensive services to carry out clearance with high accuracy and speed.
Expert consulting on customs tariffs and order registration: Specialists with up-to-date knowledge of customs tariffs and new regulations provide the required consulting for order registration and product classification. This helps you navigate all import and clearance stages with full awareness.
Fast acquisition of health and standard permits: One of the key challenges in importing essential oils is obtaining health permits from relevant organizations. With their experience, our specialist team can obtain these permits quickly and effectively and prevent potential issues.
Swift, hassle-free clearance: Complete familiarity with customs procedures enables goods to be cleared without delay and in full compliance. Thus, clearance is performed as simply as possible and in the shortest time.
Continuous follow-up and coordination from order registration to delivery: All stages—from order registration to final delivery—are continuously and precisely followed up. This assures you that goods arrive on time and without problems, allowing you to focus on managing your business with peace of mind.
Using professional brokers’ services can significantly simplify and speed up the clearance process for importers and exporters of essential oils and prevent administrative and legal complexities.
