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Customs Clearance of Glass in Iran (HS Codes + Documents & Permits)
Clearing Glass from Customs Customs clearance of glass is a critical process in the import and export of products used in construction, automotive, décor, and many other sectors. As a strategic commodity in Iran and worldwide, glass is imported and exported in many forms, such as building glass, automotive glass, heat-resistant glass, and decorative glass.
To estimate the time and cost for glass customs clearance, contact the experts at Saba Tarkhis.
Instant Free Consultation1) Types of Glass Eligible for Customs Clearance
Building Glass (Flat Glass)
Building glass is among the most widely used types in construction and architecture. It is used in windows, doors, glass façades, and skylights. Depending on use, building glass is divided into several categories: Annealed Glass: used in simpler structures and locations where high strength is not required. Laminated Glass: made from layers of glass and plastic; due to high resistance to breakage and impact, it is used in façades of tall and safety-sensitive buildings. Insulated (IGU) Glass: offers acoustic and thermal insulation and is commonly used in modern, energy-efficient buildings. HS Classification: building glass typically falls under HS code 7005, though laminated or double-glazed units may fall under other codes.
Automotive Glass
Automotive glass is a vital component of any vehicle, contributing to both safety and aesthetics. It includes windshields, side windows, and rear windows. Given safety sensitivity, these glasses must comply with international safety standards and have very high impact and shatter resistance. Windshield: must be laminated so that in case of breakage, fragments do not scatter. Side and rear glass: typically tempered glass that crumbles into small, non-sharp pieces upon breakage. HS Classification: automotive glass is generally classified under HS code 7007 and includes laminated and tempered glass.
Heat-Resistant Glass
These glasses are used in industrial and household environments exposed to high temperatures appliances such as stoves, microwaves, ovens, and in chemical and metallurgical industries. Borosilicate Glass: highly resistant to thermal shock; due to its special properties, it is used at high temperatures. Clearing these products typically requires valid quality and safety certificates from international bodies confirming the ability to withstand very high heat. HS Classification: depending on type and application, multiple codes may apply. Heat-resistant glasses are usually classified under HS 7007 or 7002.
Decorative Glass
Decorative glass, due to unique designs and patterns, is widely used in interior and exterior décor. It can be frosted, clear, colored, or patterned, and is used in glass doors, partitions, and shopfronts. Frosted Glass: ideal for privacy-sensitive spaces. Stained/Colored Glass: artistic, colorful glass for specific decorative settings. Because of sensitivity in transport and packing, special care is required and suitable conditions must be ensured during customs clearance. HS Classification: depending on processing and end-use, decorative glass may fall under HS 7003, 7004, or 7006.
| Glass Type | Key Applications | Common HS Codes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Glass (Flat) | Façade, windows, skylights | 7005 (+ per processing) |
| Automotive Glass | Windshield, side, rear | 7007 |
| Heat-Resistant Glass | Oven, stove, metallurgy | 7002 / 7007 |
| Decorative Glass | Glass doors, partitions, shopfronts | 7003, 7004, 7006 |
Exact tariff line depends on processing (laminated/tempered/IGU), thickness, dimensions, application, and technical standards.
2) Steps to Clear Glass from Customs
1. Submit Required Documents:
The first step is submitting the required documents to customs. These must be prepared and filed completely and accurately for a smooth, swift process. Required documents include:
Commercial Invoice: precise details of value, quantity of glass, and sales terms.
Bill of Lading or Air Waybill: indicates the mode of transport from origin to destination (vessel or aircraft).
Packing List: details of package counts, weights, and packing type for the glass.
Standards & Technical Certificates: for specific glasses like automotive or heat-resistant, providing standards certificates (e.g., ECE R43 for automotive glass) is mandatory.
These documents must be carefully prepared to avoid any delay or issue during clearance.
2. Customs Expert Appraisal:
After submission, customs experts conduct a detailed assessment of the goods, including technical specs, package counts, and matching with submitted documents.
Customs Valuation: a key step that depends on glass type, origin country, quality, and technical specs, directly affecting duty calculation. Imported glass must be valued per official price lists or valid valuation documents.
3. Paying Duties & Taxes:
Once appraised, customs duties and taxes are calculated, varying by glass type, origin, and value. Key items include:
Customs Duties: calculated per type (building, automotive, decorative, etc.) and relevant tariffs (e.g., building glass under HS 7005; automotive under HS 7007).
VAT: importers must pay VAT on the total customs value plus related costs. This is part of the import charges and must be paid on time.
4. Goods Release:
After appraisal and payment, goods are released and ready for delivery. Care in transport and proper packing is crucial. Key points:
Proper Packing: due to fragility, use sturdy wooden pallets, protective foam, and dedicated transport films to mitigate breakage risks.
Safe Transport: select transport mode (sea or air) carefully; sensitive glass often requires close coordination with carriers.
The first step is submitting the required documents to customs. These must be prepared and filed completely and accurately for a smooth, swift process. Required documents include:
Commercial Invoice: precise details of value, quantity of glass, and sales terms.
Bill of Lading or Air Waybill: indicates the mode of transport from origin to destination (vessel or aircraft).
Packing List: details of package counts, weights, and packing type for the glass.
Standards & Technical Certificates: for specific glasses like automotive or heat-resistant, providing standards certificates (e.g., ECE R43 for automotive glass) is mandatory.
These documents must be carefully prepared to avoid any delay or issue during clearance.
2. Customs Expert Appraisal:
After submission, customs experts conduct a detailed assessment of the goods, including technical specs, package counts, and matching with submitted documents.
Customs Valuation: a key step that depends on glass type, origin country, quality, and technical specs, directly affecting duty calculation. Imported glass must be valued per official price lists or valid valuation documents.
3. Paying Duties & Taxes:
Once appraised, customs duties and taxes are calculated, varying by glass type, origin, and value. Key items include:
Customs Duties: calculated per type (building, automotive, decorative, etc.) and relevant tariffs (e.g., building glass under HS 7005; automotive under HS 7007).
VAT: importers must pay VAT on the total customs value plus related costs. This is part of the import charges and must be paid on time.
4. Goods Release:
After appraisal and payment, goods are released and ready for delivery. Care in transport and proper packing is crucial. Key points:
Proper Packing: due to fragility, use sturdy wooden pallets, protective foam, and dedicated transport films to mitigate breakage risks.
Safe Transport: select transport mode (sea or air) carefully; sensitive glass often requires close coordination with carriers.
3) Key Tips for Glass Customs Clearance
1. International Standards:
Imported glass especially for automotive, construction, or industrial use must be produced and certified to international standards. Examples include:
ECE R43 for automotive glass: demonstrates compliance with automotive safety standards.
ISO 9001 and CE: recognized certifications for quality and conformity of industrial and building glass.
2. Safe Packing & Transport:
Given fragility, choosing proper packing and transport is essential. Use sturdy wooden pallets, protective foam, and shock-absorbing materials to reduce transit risks. Depending on the glass type and destination, select appropriate modes such as sea or air freight.
Imported glass especially for automotive, construction, or industrial use must be produced and certified to international standards. Examples include:
ECE R43 for automotive glass: demonstrates compliance with automotive safety standards.
ISO 9001 and CE: recognized certifications for quality and conformity of industrial and building glass.
2. Safe Packing & Transport:
Given fragility, choosing proper packing and transport is essential. Use sturdy wooden pallets, protective foam, and shock-absorbing materials to reduce transit risks. Depending on the glass type and destination, select appropriate modes such as sea or air freight.
4) Import & Export Market for Glass
1. Global Glass Suppliers to Iran:
Iran is one of the major glass import markets in the Middle East. Most imports come from China, Turkey, Germany, Italy, and France, each holding share based on quality, manufacturing technology, and price.
China & Turkey: among the largest suppliers of building and industrial glass to Iran.
Germany & Italy: primarily supply high-quality industrial and automotive glass.
2. Glass Exports from Iran:
Thanks to rich mineral resources and domestic plants, Iran can produce various types of glass. Exports are mainly to neighboring countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and the Gulf states.
Building and industrial glass are among Iran’s key export products in this category.
Ultimately, success in customs clearance depends on the importer’s accuracy and knowledge in documentation, compliance with international standards, and familiarity with customs rules and tariffs. Working with specialized customs brokers helps complete the process faster and more accurately.
Iran is one of the major glass import markets in the Middle East. Most imports come from China, Turkey, Germany, Italy, and France, each holding share based on quality, manufacturing technology, and price.
China & Turkey: among the largest suppliers of building and industrial glass to Iran.
Germany & Italy: primarily supply high-quality industrial and automotive glass.
2. Glass Exports from Iran:
Thanks to rich mineral resources and domestic plants, Iran can produce various types of glass. Exports are mainly to neighboring countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and the Gulf states.
Building and industrial glass are among Iran’s key export products in this category.
Ultimately, success in customs clearance depends on the importer’s accuracy and knowledge in documentation, compliance with international standards, and familiarity with customs rules and tariffs. Working with specialized customs brokers helps complete the process faster and more accurately.
5) Required Documents for Glass Customs Clearance
Clearing glass through customs is a key step in its import/export and requires submitting multiple documents. These must be prepared carefully to avoid issues. Every type building, automotive, or industrial has its own documentary needs.
1. Commercial Invoice
A primary document for customs declaring the goods, prices, and sales terms. It should include:
Full seller and buyer details
Quantity and types of glass
Unit price and totals
Payment and delivery terms (e.g., CIF, FOB, etc.)
2. Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
Evidence that goods have been shipped from origin to destination, containing:
Mode of carriage (vessel, aircraft, etc.)
Origin and destination
Package counts and weights
Carriage terms
3. Packing List
Details package counts, types, weights, and dimensions helps customs verify quantity and assess goods properly.
4. Certificate of Origin
Issued by the chamber of commerce in the origin country, indicating origin and potentially affecting applicable duty rates and preferences.
5. Standards & Quality Certificates
Many glass types especially automotive and industrial require international standard/quality certificates, such as:
ISO 9001: quality management conformity
ECE R43: automotive glass
CE: European conformity
6. Proforma Invoice
An initial document issued prior to the transaction, used for order registration and FX allocation.
7. Order Registration Permit
Mandatory for importing any goods (issued by the Ministry of Industry, Mine & Trade) before customs clearance, confirming the import is official and compliant.
8. Health & Environmental Permits (if required)
Some glass used in food/pharma contexts may need health or environmental permits from bodies such as the National Standards Organization or Environmental Organization.
9. Trade Card (Business License)
Authorization allowing entities/individuals to import/export goods; required for customs clearance.
10. Customs Declaration
Completed by the importer, detailing goods, value, carriage terms, and financial information.
11. Cargo Insurance Policy
Proof the shipment is insured against transport risks; crucial for compensating potential losses and must be arranged before dispatch.
12. Pre-Clearance Draft
Allows some clearance steps to be initiated before cargo arrival, helping to speed up the process.
13. Inspection Certificate
If required, a technical inspection report from an accredited inspection company proving conformity with declared specs.
14. Receipts for Duties & Taxes
Importer must pay all import charges and present receipts—includes VAT and customs duties.
15. Special Permits (if required)
Depending on glass type/application, special permits may be necessary—e.g., automotive glass standards approvals from the Standards Organization or relevant industry bodies.
1. Commercial Invoice
A primary document for customs declaring the goods, prices, and sales terms. It should include:
Full seller and buyer details
Quantity and types of glass
Unit price and totals
Payment and delivery terms (e.g., CIF, FOB, etc.)
2. Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
Evidence that goods have been shipped from origin to destination, containing:
Mode of carriage (vessel, aircraft, etc.)
Origin and destination
Package counts and weights
Carriage terms
3. Packing List
Details package counts, types, weights, and dimensions helps customs verify quantity and assess goods properly.
4. Certificate of Origin
Issued by the chamber of commerce in the origin country, indicating origin and potentially affecting applicable duty rates and preferences.
5. Standards & Quality Certificates
Many glass types especially automotive and industrial require international standard/quality certificates, such as:
ISO 9001: quality management conformity
ECE R43: automotive glass
CE: European conformity
6. Proforma Invoice
An initial document issued prior to the transaction, used for order registration and FX allocation.
7. Order Registration Permit
Mandatory for importing any goods (issued by the Ministry of Industry, Mine & Trade) before customs clearance, confirming the import is official and compliant.
8. Health & Environmental Permits (if required)
Some glass used in food/pharma contexts may need health or environmental permits from bodies such as the National Standards Organization or Environmental Organization.
9. Trade Card (Business License)
Authorization allowing entities/individuals to import/export goods; required for customs clearance.
10. Customs Declaration
Completed by the importer, detailing goods, value, carriage terms, and financial information.
11. Cargo Insurance Policy
Proof the shipment is insured against transport risks; crucial for compensating potential losses and must be arranged before dispatch.
12. Pre-Clearance Draft
Allows some clearance steps to be initiated before cargo arrival, helping to speed up the process.
13. Inspection Certificate
If required, a technical inspection report from an accredited inspection company proving conformity with declared specs.
14. Receipts for Duties & Taxes
Importer must pay all import charges and present receipts—includes VAT and customs duties.
15. Special Permits (if required)
Depending on glass type/application, special permits may be necessary—e.g., automotive glass standards approvals from the Standards Organization or relevant industry bodies.
Need precise HS classification, permits, and document prep? Our team manages your case end-to-end.
Request a Proforma QuoteFAQs
What are the common HS Codes for glass?
Depends on type/processing: 7005 (building/flat), 7007 (automotive or heat-resistant), and for decorative items 7003, 7004, 7006; specific heat-resistant glass may also fall under 7002.
What documents are required to clear glass?
Per your list: invoice, B/L or AWB, packing list, certificate of origin, standards/quality certs (ISO/CE/ECE R43), proforma, order-registration permit, health/environmental permits (as applicable), trade card, customs declaration, cargo insurance, pre-clearance draft, inspection certificate, and duty/tax receipts.
How to avoid breakage and delays?
Strong packing (wooden pallets, foam, protectors), proper transport selection, complete documentation, adherence to international standards, and partnering with a professional broker.
Media Suggestions
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- Infographic: “Glass clearance pathway: Documents → Appraisal → Duties Payment → Delivery.”
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Summary & Call to Action
Contact our experts for more information.
Request Expert Consultation Get a Proforma for ClearancePremium Customs Services by Saba Brokerage
With over a decade of experience in customs and clearance services, this company is well-equipped to provide specialized solutions for glass clearance. Services include:
Specialized Customs Consulting: Accurate, professional advice on tariffs, standards, and required documents helping importers/exporters complete clearance with minimal issues and in the shortest time.
Preparing & Completing Documents: Timely, meticulous preparation of customs paperwork to accelerate clearance.
Process Monitoring & Follow-up: Continuous tracking from order registration to delivery ensures no delays.
Accurate Valuation: Professional valuation to prevent extra or unnecessary charges.
Facilitated Transport & Insurance: Cooperation with reputable carriers and insurance providers ensures safe logistics for imported/exported glass.
With these services, glass importers and exporters can be confident their goods will clear customs quickly, safely, and cost-effectively.
