Customs clearance of all types of fabric (HS Codes + steps, documents, and import/export conditions)
Customs clearance of all types of fabric Customs clearance of all types of fabric is a complex and specialized process requiring familiarity with the laws, regulations, and tariff codes related to these goods. Importing fabric into Iran covers a wide range of textile products, each with specific characteristics, classified into categories such as cotton fabrics, wool fabrics, silk fabrics, synthetic fabrics, and plastic-based fabrics. These classifications affect not only customs tariffs but also import regulations, the need for specific permits, and quality control standards.
To estimate the time and cost of fabric customs clearance, contact the experts at Saba Tarkhis.
Instant free consultationHS tariff codes for different fabrics
Fabrics in the textile industry are highly diverse, and each type—depending on its material and weave—has its own tariff code. These codes, known as HS Codes, are used for precise classification during import and export, as well as for determining customs tariffs and duties. Understanding these codes is essential for importers and exporters, since selecting the correct one can significantly impact costs and clearance time.
| Fabric type | Short description | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Plain cotton | Woven/plain cotton | 5208 |
| High-density cotton | High thread count | 5209 |
| Cotton blends | Cotton + synthetics | 5210 / 5211 |
| Pure silk | Luxurious/glossy | 5007 |
| Silk blends | Silk + other fibers | 5005 |
| Polyester | Common synthetic | 5407 |
| Nylon | Synthetic/athletic | 5408 |
| Viscose (rayon) | Semi-synthetic/soft | 5516 |
| Natural velvet | Lux/decor | 5801 |
| Waterproof | Waterproof-coated | 5903 |
Exact classification depends on fiber composition percentages, GSM (weight), bolt width, weave type, and finishing processes.
Steps to clear fabric through customs
Order registration in the NTSW system: To clear any type of fabric, the order must first be registered in the National Trade and Single Window (NTSW). This stage requires providing complete documents including the invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin.
Document review and customs declaration: After order registration, a customs declaration must be prepared and submitted. The declaration includes details of the imported goods such as fabric type, weight, quantity, and price. Careful review of these documents and their compliance with import regulations is essential.
Customs assessment and inspection: At this stage, customs experts examine the imported goods and determine the applicable tariffs and duties. In some cases, fabric sampling is conducted to evaluate quality and compliance with domestic standards.
Payment of customs duties and taxes: After assessment and determining the tariffs and duties, the importer must pay these charges. They include customs duties, value-added tax, and, in some cases, quality inspection fees.
Final release of goods: Upon paying all charges and submitting the final paperwork, the goods are released from customs and can be placed on the domestic market.
Document review and customs declaration: After order registration, a customs declaration must be prepared and submitted. The declaration includes details of the imported goods such as fabric type, weight, quantity, and price. Careful review of these documents and their compliance with import regulations is essential.
Customs assessment and inspection: At this stage, customs experts examine the imported goods and determine the applicable tariffs and duties. In some cases, fabric sampling is conducted to evaluate quality and compliance with domestic standards.
Payment of customs duties and taxes: After assessment and determining the tariffs and duties, the importer must pay these charges. They include customs duties, value-added tax, and, in some cases, quality inspection fees.
Final release of goods: Upon paying all charges and submitting the final paperwork, the goods are released from customs and can be placed on the domestic market.
Special conditions for fabric import and export
Health and standards certificates: Some fabric types—especially sanitary/medical fabrics and those linked to public health—require health and standards certificates. These confirm that the fabrics were produced and transported in accordance with required quality and hygiene standards.
Import permits from specific countries: In some cases, importing fabric from certain countries requires special permits. In particular, fabrics originating from countries with special environmental laws or under sanctions may require additional permits.
Quality control: In certain cases, fabrics may need specialized laboratory testing to verify quality and compliance with Iran’s domestic standards. These tests are usually carried out in specialized labs and officially recorded.
In recent years, the value of fabric imports into Iran has reached about 5 to 6 billion dollars, mainly to meet the needs of the domestic textile and apparel industries. Due to reliance on certain specialty fabrics, Iran still depends on imports from China and Turkey.
Conversely, the value of Iran’s fabric exports to countries such as Turkey, Iraq, the UAE, and Afghanistan is also significant, and Iran has the capacity to export synthetic fabrics and cotton textiles to these markets.
Global turnover of fabrics
The global textile and fabric industry has a very large turnover; according to statistics, the global trade in fabrics exceeds 850 billion dollars per year. With a share of over 40 percent of total global exports, China is the world’s largest fabric exporter. After China, India, Turkey, and Italy are among the main fabric exporters worldwide.
In terms of imports, European countries and North America account for the largest volumes. The United States, Germany, France, and Japan are among the biggest fabric importers, mostly sourcing high-quality fabrics from China and other Asian producers.
Leading global exporters and importers of fabrics
Main global fabric exporters include:
China: the world’s largest fabric exporter with over 40 percent of the total market.
India: one of the largest producers of cotton and synthetic fabrics.
Turkey: a major supplier of high-quality fabrics for Europe and the Middle East.
Italy: an exporter of luxury, high-quality fabrics for the fashion industry.
Leading global fabric importers include:
United States: the largest importer of high-quality fabrics for apparel and fashion industries.
Germany and France: among Europe’s largest fabric consumers.
Japan: one of Asia’s most important importers of high-quality fabrics.
Import permits from specific countries: In some cases, importing fabric from certain countries requires special permits. In particular, fabrics originating from countries with special environmental laws or under sanctions may require additional permits.
Quality control: In certain cases, fabrics may need specialized laboratory testing to verify quality and compliance with Iran’s domestic standards. These tests are usually carried out in specialized labs and officially recorded.
In recent years, the value of fabric imports into Iran has reached about 5 to 6 billion dollars, mainly to meet the needs of the domestic textile and apparel industries. Due to reliance on certain specialty fabrics, Iran still depends on imports from China and Turkey.
Conversely, the value of Iran’s fabric exports to countries such as Turkey, Iraq, the UAE, and Afghanistan is also significant, and Iran has the capacity to export synthetic fabrics and cotton textiles to these markets.
Global turnover of fabrics
The global textile and fabric industry has a very large turnover; according to statistics, the global trade in fabrics exceeds 850 billion dollars per year. With a share of over 40 percent of total global exports, China is the world’s largest fabric exporter. After China, India, Turkey, and Italy are among the main fabric exporters worldwide.
In terms of imports, European countries and North America account for the largest volumes. The United States, Germany, France, and Japan are among the biggest fabric importers, mostly sourcing high-quality fabrics from China and other Asian producers.
Leading global exporters and importers of fabrics
Main global fabric exporters include:
China: the world’s largest fabric exporter with over 40 percent of the total market.
India: one of the largest producers of cotton and synthetic fabrics.
Turkey: a major supplier of high-quality fabrics for Europe and the Middle East.
Italy: an exporter of luxury, high-quality fabrics for the fashion industry.
Leading global fabric importers include:
United States: the largest importer of high-quality fabrics for apparel and fashion industries.
Germany and France: among Europe’s largest fabric consumers.
Japan: one of Asia’s most important importers of high-quality fabrics.
Import/export volumes and global financial turnover of fabrics
Import and export volumes of fabrics to Iran Based on global statistics, Iran is one of the largest fabric importers in the Middle East. Every year, hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of fabric are imported into Iran, much of which consists of cotton, polyester, and synthetic fibers. The main countries exporting fabric to Iran include China, Turkey, India, and South Korea. In recent years, Iran’s fabric import value has reached about 5 to 6 billion dollars, primarily to supply the domestic textile and apparel industries. Owing to reliance on certain specialty fabrics, Iran continues to depend on imports from China and Turkey. Conversely, Iran’s fabric exports to countries such as Turkey, Iraq, the UAE, and Afghanistan are also notable, and Iran has the capacity to export synthetic fabrics and cotton textiles to these countries. Global financial turnover of fabrics The global textile and fabric industry has a very high turnover, and according to statistics, global fabric trade exceeds 850 billion dollars annually. With a share of more than 40 percent of total exports, China is the largest fabric exporter in the world. After China, India, Turkey, and Italy are considered the principal fabric exporters globally. In terms of imports, European countries and North America account for the highest volumes. The United States, Germany, France, and Japan are among the biggest fabric importers, mainly importing high-quality fabrics from China and other Asian producers. Global exporters and importers of fabrics Main global fabric exporters include: China: the world’s largest fabric exporter with over 40 percent of the entire market. India: one of the largest producers of cotton and synthetic fabrics. Turkey: a major supplier of high-quality fabrics for Europe and the Middle East. Italy: an exporter of luxury, high-quality fabrics for the fashion industry. Leading global fabric importers include the following countries: United States: the largest importer of high-quality fabrics for apparel and fashion industries. Germany and France: among the largest fabric consumers in Europe. Japan: one of the most important importers of high-quality fabrics in Asia.
Documents required for clearing fabric from customs
Clearing fabric from customs requires precision and adherence to specific regulations. The following documents must be provided, which we explain below:
1. Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice is the primary transaction document and includes important details such as the seller and buyer names, purchase date, goods description, quantity, and price. This document helps customs calculate the value of the goods and determine the applicable duties.
2. Packing List
The packing list provides precise information about the packaging, including the number of packages, weight and dimensions of each package, and their contents. It enables customs to reconcile with the commercial invoice and facilitates inspection.
3. Certificate of Origin
The certificate of origin confirms that the goods were produced in a specific country and is used in international trade. It is important for determining customs tariffs and benefiting from preferential trade arrangements.
4. Health and Quality Certificates
For fabrics that affect public health—such as medical textiles—health and quality certificates are essential. They ensure that the fabrics meet required hygiene and quality standards.
5. Transport Documents
These include the bill of lading for sea freight or the air waybill for air freight. Such documents provide information about the shipment, including route and delivery terms, for presentation to customs.
6. Customs Declaration
The customs declaration is completed by the importer and includes details of the goods, their value, and the HS code. It is necessary to initiate clearance and calculate the applicable tariffs.
7. Tax Documents
Tax documents cover records related to value-added tax (VAT) and other import-related taxes. They are required to ensure correct payment of taxes and customs charges.
8. Special Permits
For fabrics requiring special permits—such as those with specific properties or originating from certain countries—the relevant permits must be provided. These are important to comply with special regulations and avoid legal issues.
9. Ownership Document
The ownership document confirms that the importer or exporter is the legal owner of the goods. It is needed to verify the owner’s identity and legal rights during clearance.
1. Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice is the primary transaction document and includes important details such as the seller and buyer names, purchase date, goods description, quantity, and price. This document helps customs calculate the value of the goods and determine the applicable duties.
2. Packing List
The packing list provides precise information about the packaging, including the number of packages, weight and dimensions of each package, and their contents. It enables customs to reconcile with the commercial invoice and facilitates inspection.
3. Certificate of Origin
The certificate of origin confirms that the goods were produced in a specific country and is used in international trade. It is important for determining customs tariffs and benefiting from preferential trade arrangements.
4. Health and Quality Certificates
For fabrics that affect public health—such as medical textiles—health and quality certificates are essential. They ensure that the fabrics meet required hygiene and quality standards.
5. Transport Documents
These include the bill of lading for sea freight or the air waybill for air freight. Such documents provide information about the shipment, including route and delivery terms, for presentation to customs.
6. Customs Declaration
The customs declaration is completed by the importer and includes details of the goods, their value, and the HS code. It is necessary to initiate clearance and calculate the applicable tariffs.
7. Tax Documents
Tax documents cover records related to value-added tax (VAT) and other import-related taxes. They are required to ensure correct payment of taxes and customs charges.
8. Special Permits
For fabrics requiring special permits—such as those with specific properties or originating from certain countries—the relevant permits must be provided. These are important to comply with special regulations and avoid legal issues.
9. Ownership Document
The ownership document confirms that the importer or exporter is the legal owner of the goods. It is needed to verify the owner’s identity and legal rights during clearance.
Need precise HS code determination, permits, and document preparation? Our team manages the entire case end-to-end.
Submit a proforma requestFrequently Asked Questions
What are the common HS Codes for fabrics?
Based on your text: cotton 5208/5209/5210/5211; silk 5005/5007; polyester 5407; nylon 5408; viscose 5516; velvet 5801; waterproof 5903. Final determination depends on blend and weave.
Which documents are required to clear fabrics?
Commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, health/quality certificates, transport documents, customs declaration, tax documents, and—if needed—special permits.
What is the role of quality control in fabric clearance?
Sampling and laboratory tests may be conducted to ensure compliance with domestic standards; results can affect HS classification, import duties, and permits.
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Summary and call to action
With correct HS selection, complete paperwork, and professional follow-up, fabric clearance is fast and cost-effective. The Saba Tarkhis team is by your side.
Request expert consultation Get a clearance proformaPremium customs-clearance services by Saba Brokerage
With years of experience in clearing goods especially fabrics our brokerage offers special, comprehensive services for importers and exporters. Below are some of these services:
Expert consulting for selecting the proper HS code: Our specialized team, with full knowledge of customs laws, regulations, and tariff changes, helps you choose the best tariff code for your goods. This consulting reduces extra costs and speeds up clearance.
Continuous, precise follow-up of clearance steps: Using smart, up-to-date systems, all clearance stages are tracked in real time. This ensures you are always informed about the status of your shipments.
Providing optimized solutions to reduce costs: With extensive experience in fabric import and export, our brokerage can offer the best lawful methods to lower customs costs and expedite clearance. The main goal is cost reduction and process optimization.
Direct communication with customs offices nationwide: Another benefit of using our services is our direct, broad connections with customs offices across the country. These relationships help accelerate and improve clearance so the process is completed faster and more accurately.
By working with our brokerage, importers and exporters can be confident that all clearance stages will be handled correctly and with the least possible cost and time.
