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Customs Clearance of Monocarboxylic Acids | HS Code, Documents, Permits & Clearance Steps

Customs Clearance of Monocarboxylic Acids in Iran (HS Codes + Documents & Permits)

Monocarboxylic acids are a widely used class of chemicals characterized by a single carboxyl group (-COOH). Owing to their diverse physical and chemical properties, they are used extensively across chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food, agriculture, and more. Common examples include formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid. These acids serve in producing chemical intermediates, preservatives, solvents, and even biofuels.

To estimate the cost and timing for clearing monocarboxylic acids, contact Saba Tarkhis experts.

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1) Overview, Types & Applications of Monocarboxylic Acids

With one carboxyl group and a simple yet reactive structure, monocarboxylic acids play a major role in base chemical supply chains, food additives, pharmaceuticals, agriculture (notably as preservatives/acidulants), and even biofuel production.
  • Common examples: Formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid.
  • Applications: Chemical intermediates, food preservatives, solvents, detergents, feed additives, biofuels.

2) Customs Tariff & HS Codes for Monocarboxylic Acids

Choosing the correct tariff line underpins duty/tax calculation, licensing, and avoiding disputes. One of the most important steps in importing/exporting chemicals like monocarboxylic acids is assigning the correct HS (tariff) code. HS codes are used globally for product identification and duty assessment.
Item Short description HS Code
Formic acid Industrial/lab-grade formic acid 2915.11.00
Acetic acid Glacial acetic acid, industrial/food 2915.21.00
Propionic acid For feed/industrial uses 2915.22.00
Butyric acid Butyric acid and simple derivatives 2915.24.00

Final classification may vary with concentration, impurities, acidity, grade (industrial/food/pharma), and packaging.

Assigning the right HS code is crucial to calculate duties/taxes correctly and avoid customs issues. Key HS codes for monocarboxylic acids include:
Acetic acid: HS 2915.21.00
Propionic acid: HS 2915.22.00
Formic acid: HS 2915.11.00
Butyric acid: HS 2915.24.00
These codes matter not only for duty assessment but also for international registrations and obtaining licenses.

3) Required Documents for Clearance

As hazardous chemicals, monocarboxylic acids require specific documentation. Any gap can lead to delays or penalties. Key documents include:
  • Proforma Invoice: Initial quote with product, price, terms, delivery.

    Commercial Invoice: Final invoice detailing prices and full sales info.

    Packing List: Counts, types, and packing details.

    Certificate of Analysis (COA): Confirms purity and composition; key for quality/compliance.

    MSDS/SDS: Safety data covering hazards, storage, and transport—critical for these acids.

    Bill of Lading (B/L): Transport document specifying route and carriage details.

4) Required Permits & Standards

Given their chemical nature, these acids are treated as hazardous materials; special import/export permits are required from:
  • Department of Environment (environmental impact assessment)
  • Food & Drug Organization (for food/pharma uses)
  • Institute of Standards & Industrial Research of Iran (packaging, transport, and quality standards)

5) Special Conditions for Import & Export

Monocarboxylic acids are vital to many industries, hence their global trade footprint. Iran sources part of its demand via imports—mainly from China, India, Germany, and South Korea—while also producing some domestically. Exports to neighboring markets (e.g., Iraq, Afghanistan) have grown, presenting economic opportunities given regional demand.

6) Domestic Trade Volume & Global Turnover

Iran imports thousands of tonnes of these acids annually, with acetic acid a major share for industrial, chemical, and food applications. Overall, imports are estimated at over 50,000 tonnes per year, while exports to nearby countries are rising—particularly in acetic and propionic acids.
Globally, monocarboxylic acids represent a key chemical segment with hundreds of thousands of tonnes traded annually and an estimated market value exceeding $2 billion. China and India dominate production/exports, leveraging cost advantages.
  • Top exporters: China, India, Germany, United States.
  • Top importers: European Union, Japan, United States, South Korea.

7) Step-by-Step Clearance Process

  1. Determine the precise HS code and reference value.
  2. Check permit requirements (environment, food & drug, standards).
  3. Register the order in the Trade Single Window and upload documents.
  4. Arrange transport, insurance, and prepare docs (COA, MSDS, PL, B/L).
  5. File the declaration; technical controls; sampling if required.
  6. Pay duties/taxes, obtain release, and dispatch cargo.

8) Documents – Detailed Description

To clear monocarboxylic acids, prepare a complete documentation set to speed release and avoid legal issues. Given their hazardous nature, special rules apply.
Proforma Invoice: Initial document issued by the seller showing item, price, and terms—used for planning.

Commercial Invoice: Final document with total price, product specs, and payment terms; used directly for duties/tax calculation.

Packing List: Counts/types of packages—must meet international transport standards.

Certificate of Analysis (COA): Confirms manufacturing to specified standards and validated chemistry.

MSDS/SDS: Safety, storage, and transport guidelines—mandatory due to hazards.

Bill of Lading (B/L): Issued by the carrier; shows origin/destination and acts as a document of title.

Certificate of Origin (CO): Identifies the manufacturing country—relevant for tariff calculation and verification.

Regulatory permits: Environment, Food & Drug, and National Standards as applicable.

International transport certifications: Compliance with IMDG (sea) and ADR (road) for dangerous goods.

Customs Declaration: Core document with product details and value; filed by the importer or authorized representative.

Insurance Certificate: Proof of coverage for high-risk shipments like hazardous acids.

9) Transport, Declaration & Insurance Requirements

Regulatory permits: Department of Environment approval (potential environmental risks); Food & Drug permits for food/pharma uses; National Standards compliance.
International transport rules: Dangerous goods compliance under IMDG (maritime) and ADR (road). Proper labeling and insurance are mandatory.
Customs Declaration Form: Core release document describing goods and value, filed by the importer/agent.
Insurance Certificate: Ensures coverage for potential loss/damage during carriage of hazardous chemicals.

Need precise HS codes, permit checks, and scheduling? Our team manages end-to-end.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which HS codes apply to monocarboxylic acids?

Commonly used: 2915.11.00 (formic), 2915.21.00 (acetic), 2915.22.00 (propionic), and 2915.24.00 (butyric). Final line depends on purity, grade, and packaging.

Which documents are required for clearance?

Proforma, commercial invoice, packing list, COA, MSDS/SDS, B/L, certificate of origin, and relevant permits (environment, food & drug, standards).

Are there special international transport rules?

Yes. Dangerous goods rules such as IMDG (sea) and ADR (road) apply, plus correct labeling and insurance.

Who are the major global exporters/importers?

Major exporters: China, India, Germany, USA. Major importers: EU, Japan, USA, South Korea.

Media Suggestions

  • Image filename: monocarboxylic-acids-customs-clearance-iran.jpg
  • Alt Text: Monocarboxylic acids customs clearance in Iran | HS 2915
  • Caption: “Monocarboxylic acid clearance steps—from HS classification to permits.”
  • Infographic: “Checklist for COA/SDS, permits, and dangerous goods rules (IMDG/ADR).”

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Summary & Call to Action

Clearing monocarboxylic acids—classified as sensitive/hazardous chemicals—requires specialized knowledge of customs and international rules. Leveraging deep experience, Saba Tarkhis manages all clearance stages plus compliant packaging and transport to ensure on-time release with full standards observed.

Request expert consultation Get a clearance quote

Specialized Customs Services by Saba Brokerage

Saba Brokerage is a trusted, specialized customs firm in Iran offering end-to-end services for monocarboxylic acid clearances. Highlights:

Expert consulting: Document prep, licensing, and international standards guidance to prevent issues and accelerate release.
Permit acquisition: We obtain required approvals from regulators such as the Department of Environment and Food & Drug Organization.
Fast, accurate clearance: Our expert team supervises the entire process—entry to final release—ensuring on-schedule delivery.
Safe packaging & transport: In partnership with qualified carriers and under dangerous goods rules, we ensure compliant packing/handling.
Tracking & transparency: We monitor every step and provide regular status updates.

With our experience, your shipment is cleared on time and in full compliance.

Contact our experts for more information.

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