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Customs Clearance of Sulfur Compounds in Iran (HS Code + Documents & Permits)
Customs clearance of sulfur compounds in Iran is a specialized and sensitive process. Sulfur compounds are vital chemicals used across many industries. Owing to their specific chemical properties, these substances play a key role in manufacturing and industrial processes. Each sulfur compound, based on its chemical composition and particular characteristics, has different applications and is classified under its own customs tariff code.
For estimating the time and cost of clearing sulfur compounds, contact the experts at Saba Tarkhis.
Instant Free Consultation1) Types of Sulfur Compounds & Industrial Uses
1. Sodium Sulfide
Chemical formula: Na2S
- Pulp & paper: a key reagent in the Kraft process to produce pulp from wood. It helps dissolve lignin—the main polymer in wood cell walls—and separates fibers.
- Textiles: used as a reducing agent in dyeing to reduce textile dyes, improving fixation and fabric quality.
- Leather: used in unhairing during hide preparation for leather making.
- Metallurgy: acts as a reducing agent in metal extraction from ores and in metal refining.
Customs tariff code: HS 283010
2. Barium Sulfate
Chemical formula: BaSO4
- Paints & coatings: thanks to high density and optical properties, used as a filler/opacifier to enhance durability and environmental resistance.
- Medical: used as a radiographic contrast agent for GI imaging; it is water-insoluble and provides suitable X-ray contrast.
- Plastics: filler to improve mechanical properties and increase thermal/chemical resistance.
Customs tariff code: HS 283327
3. Carbon Disulfide
Chemical formula: CS2
- Rubber industry: used as a solvent in synthetic rubber and adhesives manufacturing; enhances adhesion and chemical stability.
- Agrochemicals: precursor in producing fungicides and insecticides.
- Textiles: key in producing man-made fibers such as rayon.
Customs tariff code: HS 283020
4. Sulfur Dioxide
Chemical formula: SO2
- Food industry: used as a preservative, especially for dried fruits, by inhibiting microbial activity and extending shelf life.
- Chemical industry: feedstock for producing sulfuric acid, one of the most widely used industrial acids.
- Paper & textiles: used as a bleaching agent.
Customs tariff code: HS 281119
5. Iron Sulfide
Chemical formula: FeS2
- Sulfuric acid production: combusted to produce sulfuric acid, a base chemical for many industrial processes.
- Steel industry: additive in manufacturing specialty steels.
Customs tariff code: HS 283329
6. Hydrogen Sulfide
Chemical formula: H2S
- Oil & gas: reagent in sweetening natural gas and crude oil to remove sulfur compounds.
- Chemicals: used to produce elemental sulfur and other sulfur compounds.
Customs tariff code: HS 280440
7. Calcium Sulfate
Chemical formula: CaSO4
- Construction: raw material for gypsum and cement; acts as a setting regulator in cement.
- Agriculture: soil amendment and source of calcium and sulfate in fertilizers.
- Pharma: used as a filler and anti-caking agent in tablets.
Customs tariff code: HS 283320
8. Ammonium Sulfate
Chemical formula: (NH4)2SO4
- Agriculture: a major nitrogen fertilizer widely used to improve soil fertility and crop yield.
- Chemicals: precursor for other ammonium compounds.
Customs tariff code: HS 310221
9. Copper Sulfate
Chemical formula: CuSO4
- Agriculture: fungicide and insecticide for plant disease control.
- Electrical industries: used for corrosion resistance and electrical applications.
- Paints: used as a pigment/coloring agent.
Customs tariff code: HS 283325
10. Zinc Sulfate
Chemical formula: ZnSO4
- Agriculture: zinc fertilizer to supply this essential element to plants.
- Pharma: used in zinc supplements to address deficiency.
- Textiles: used in producing artificial silk (rayon).
Customs tariff code: HS 283326
2) Import of Sulfur Compounds in Iran
Owing to broad industrial needs across oil & gas, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and chemical industries, Iran relies on importing various sulfur compounds. The most commonly imported include:
Sodium Sulfide
Countries of origin: China, India, Germany
Reasons for import: use in pulp & paper, leather, and textiles.
Import volume: relatively high due to widespread applications, especially in paper and leather.
Barium Sulfate
Countries of origin: China, Germany, Belgium
Reasons for import: applications in pharma, paints, and plastics.
Import volume: significant given specialized medical and industrial uses.
. Carbon Disulfide
Countries of origin: China, India
Reasons for import: solvent for rubber and adhesive production.
Import volume: driven mainly by needs of rubber and chemical industries.
Sulfur Dioxide
Countries of origin: Türkiye, China
Reasons for import: use in food industry and sulfuric acid production.
Import volume: important due to wide demand in food and chemical sectors.
Sodium Sulfide
Countries of origin: China, India, Germany
Reasons for import: use in pulp & paper, leather, and textiles.
Import volume: relatively high due to widespread applications, especially in paper and leather.
Barium Sulfate
Countries of origin: China, Germany, Belgium
Reasons for import: applications in pharma, paints, and plastics.
Import volume: significant given specialized medical and industrial uses.
. Carbon Disulfide
Countries of origin: China, India
Reasons for import: solvent for rubber and adhesive production.
Import volume: driven mainly by needs of rubber and chemical industries.
Sulfur Dioxide
Countries of origin: Türkiye, China
Reasons for import: use in food industry and sulfuric acid production.
Import volume: important due to wide demand in food and chemical sectors.
3) Export of Sulfur Compounds from Iran
As a country with abundant sulfur resources, Iran plays an important role in exporting certain sulfur derivatives. Key sulfur-related exports include:
1. Elemental Sulfur
Export markets: China, India, Southeast Asian countries
Reasons: obtained as a by-product from oil & gas refining; used to produce sulfuric acid and fertilizers.
Export volume: Iran, as one of the largest producers of elemental sulfur, exports a considerable volume.
2. Iron Sulfide
Export markets: neighboring countries and Central Asia
Reasons: used in sulfuric acid production and steel industry.
Export volume: exported due to demand in chemical industries of neighboring countries.
3. Ammonium Sulfate
Export markets: Middle Eastern and African countries
Reasons: used as a chemical fertilizer.
Export volume: significant owing to high agricultural demand in developing countries.
1. Elemental Sulfur
Export markets: China, India, Southeast Asian countries
Reasons: obtained as a by-product from oil & gas refining; used to produce sulfuric acid and fertilizers.
Export volume: Iran, as one of the largest producers of elemental sulfur, exports a considerable volume.
2. Iron Sulfide
Export markets: neighboring countries and Central Asia
Reasons: used in sulfuric acid production and steel industry.
Export volume: exported due to demand in chemical industries of neighboring countries.
3. Ammonium Sulfate
Export markets: Middle Eastern and African countries
Reasons: used as a chemical fertilizer.
Export volume: significant owing to high agricultural demand in developing countries.
4) Key Points for Clearing Sulfur Compounds through Iranian Customs
1. Verify the HS Code
Each sulfur compound has a specific HS code determining duties, permits, and clearance conditions. For example:
Sodium sulfide: HS 283010
Barium sulfate: HS 283327
Carbon disulfide: HS 283020
Choosing the correct HS code is critical; errors at this stage may cause legal issues and higher costs.
Each sulfur compound has a specific HS code determining duties, permits, and clearance conditions. For example:
Sodium sulfide: HS 283010
Barium sulfate: HS 283327
Carbon disulfide: HS 283020
Choosing the correct HS code is critical; errors at this stage may cause legal issues and higher costs.
2. Prepare & Review Required Documents
Commercial invoice (Invoice), packing list (Packing List), bill of lading (Bill of Lading), certificate of origin (Certificate of Origin), and standard certificate are essential for clearance.
For certain sulfur compounds, health certificates or specific permits from authorities such as the Ministry of Industry, Mine & Trade or the Department of Environment may be required.
Commercial invoice (Invoice), packing list (Packing List), bill of lading (Bill of Lading), certificate of origin (Certificate of Origin), and standard certificate are essential for clearance.
For certain sulfur compounds, health certificates or specific permits from authorities such as the Ministry of Industry, Mine & Trade or the Department of Environment may be required.
3. Compliance with National & International Standards
Given their industrial and even medical uses, sulfur compounds must comply with standards such as ISO, USP (for pharma), or relevant Iranian national standards.
If imports do not meet applicable standards, clearance may be denied and goods may be returned to origin.
Given their industrial and even medical uses, sulfur compounds must comply with standards such as ISO, USP (for pharma), or relevant Iranian national standards.
If imports do not meet applicable standards, clearance may be denied and goods may be returned to origin.
4. Risk Assessment & Safety in Transport/Storage
Due to their chemical properties, sulfur compounds can be hazardous and require special transport and storage.
For example, sodium sulfide is corrosive and requires moisture-resistant packaging and protection from direct contact.
Barium sulfate, used medically, must be stored to prevent any contamination.
Strict adherence to safety and transport guidelines is necessary to avoid incidents and legal issues.
Due to their chemical properties, sulfur compounds can be hazardous and require special transport and storage.
For example, sodium sulfide is corrosive and requires moisture-resistant packaging and protection from direct contact.
Barium sulfate, used medically, must be stored to prevent any contamination.
Strict adherence to safety and transport guidelines is necessary to avoid incidents and legal issues.
5. Obtain Necessary Permits
Depending on the compound, specific permits may be needed from government bodies such as the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Industry, Mine & Trade, or the Department of Environment.
For barium sulfate in medical/pharmaceutical uses, health permits may be required.
Carbon disulfide, used in chemical/agricultural sectors, may require hazardous materials permits.
Depending on the compound, specific permits may be needed from government bodies such as the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Industry, Mine & Trade, or the Department of Environment.
For barium sulfate in medical/pharmaceutical uses, health permits may be required.
Carbon disulfide, used in chemical/agricultural sectors, may require hazardous materials permits.
6. Accurate Calculation of Customs Costs
Costs include customs duties, value-added tax (VAT), and other related fees, calculated based on customs value and HS code.
Knowing up-to-date tariffs and estimating costs beforehand helps avoid unexpected expenses.
Costs include customs duties, value-added tax (VAT), and other related fees, calculated based on customs value and HS code.
Knowing up-to-date tariffs and estimating costs beforehand helps avoid unexpected expenses.
7. Consider Sanctions & Restrictions
Some sulfur compounds may be affected by international sanctions or domestic restrictions. Verify the absence of import/export restrictions before any transaction.
If sanctions apply, special procedures may be needed to obtain permits from relevant international bodies.
Some sulfur compounds may be affected by international sanctions or domestic restrictions. Verify the absence of import/export restrictions before any transaction.
If sanctions apply, special procedures may be needed to obtain permits from relevant international bodies.
8. Work with an Experienced Customs Broker
Partnering with an experienced broker familiar with sulfur-related regulations can expedite clearance and reduce risks.
Saba’s professional brokers can help with documentation, permitting, and customs formalities to prevent legal problems.
Partnering with an experienced broker familiar with sulfur-related regulations can expedite clearance and reduce risks.
Saba’s professional brokers can help with documentation, permitting, and customs formalities to prevent legal problems.
9. Pre-clearance Inspections
Quality and conformity checks by customs experts before clearance are crucial. These include verifying the goods against submitted documents and required standards.
Any non-conformity may delay clearance or even prevent entry.
Quality and conformity checks by customs experts before clearance are crucial. These include verifying the goods against submitted documents and required standards.
Any non-conformity may delay clearance or even prevent entry.
10. Scheduling & Fast Clearance
Due to market volatility and rapid changes in demand/supply for chemicals, minimizing clearance time is critical.
Accurate planning and realistic timelines for customs formalities and transportation help avoid unnecessary delays.
Due to market volatility and rapid changes in demand/supply for chemicals, minimizing clearance time is critical.
Accurate planning and realistic timelines for customs formalities and transportation help avoid unnecessary delays.
5) How to Clear Sulfur Compounds
1. Prepare Documents & Records
Before arrival at customs, prepare and review all required documents, including:
Commercial invoice: price, weight, volume, and customs value details.
Packing list: detailed contents of each package.
Bill of lading: transport document issued by the carrier showing shipment details and terms.
Certificate of origin: confirms the country of production.
Standards/quality certificates: may be required to prove compliance with national or international standards depending on the compound.
Commercial invoice: price, weight, volume, and customs value details.
Packing list: detailed contents of each package.
Bill of lading: transport document issued by the carrier showing shipment details and terms.
Certificate of origin: confirms the country of production.
Standards/quality certificates: may be required to prove compliance with national or international standards depending on the compound.
2. Order Registration & Permits
Order registration: the importer must register via Iran’s National Trade Single Window (NTSW). Provide full details such as HS code, product type, value, and importer/exporter information.
Obtain permits: for some sulfur compounds (e.g., for pharmaceutical uses or hazardous materials), permits from the Ministry of Industry, Mine & Trade, Department of Environment, or Ministry of Health may be required.
Obtain permits: for some sulfur compounds (e.g., for pharmaceutical uses or hazardous materials), permits from the Ministry of Industry, Mine & Trade, Department of Environment, or Ministry of Health may be required.
3. Customs Formalities
After the goods arrive at customs, follow these steps:
Customs declaration: prepared and submitted by the importer or broker; includes full details of goods, value, origin, final destination, etc.
Document control: customs checks submissions for legal/regulatory compliance.
Goods assessment: physical inspection may be conducted to verify contents, packaging, and labeling.
Payment of duties/taxes: once customs value is confirmed, pay import duties, VAT, and other fees calculated based on HS code and value.
Customs declaration: prepared and submitted by the importer or broker; includes full details of goods, value, origin, final destination, etc.
Document control: customs checks submissions for legal/regulatory compliance.
Goods assessment: physical inspection may be conducted to verify contents, packaging, and labeling.
Payment of duties/taxes: once customs value is confirmed, pay import duties, VAT, and other fees calculated based on HS code and value.
4. Specialized Packaging & Storage
Safe packaging: sulfur compounds are often hazardous and require special packaging to prevent leakage, corrosion, or unwanted reactions. Packaging must comply with international dangerous goods standards.
Storage conditions: after clearance, ensure appropriate storage e.g., specific temperatures, protection from moisture or incompatible substances.
Storage conditions: after clearance, ensure appropriate storage e.g., specific temperatures, protection from moisture or incompatible substances.
5. Transportation & Distribution
Choose the right mode: transport of hazardous chemicals requires special care. Depending on the compound and quantity, choose sea, road, or air.
Safety regulations: strictly follow dangerous goods transport regulations dedicated vehicles, safety equipment, and hazard signage.
Distribution & delivery: upon arrival at destination, deliver to the customer following all safety instructions.
Safety regulations: strictly follow dangerous goods transport regulations dedicated vehicles, safety equipment, and hazard signage.
Distribution & delivery: upon arrival at destination, deliver to the customer following all safety instructions.
6. Post-clearance Control
Post-clearance audits: customs may conduct follow-up inspections of warehouses/storage to ensure proper use and compliance.
Recordkeeping: retain all clearance documents for at least five years for potential regulatory audits.
Recordkeeping: retain all clearance documents for at least five years for potential regulatory audits.
| Goods | Short description | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium sulfide | Reducing agent, Kraft pulp | 283010 |
| Barium sulfate | Filler for paints/medical | 283327 |
| Carbon disulfide | Rubber solvent/rayon | 283020 |
| Sulfur dioxide | Food preservative/bleaching | 281119 |
| Iron sulfide | H₂SO₄ precursor | 283329 |
| Hydrogen sulfide | Gas sweetening | 280440 |
| Calcium sulfate | Gypsum/cement set regulator | 283320 |
| Ammonium sulfate | Nitrogen fertilizer | 310221 |
| Copper sulfate | Fungicide/pigment | 283325 |
| Zinc sulfate | Zinc fertilizer/pharma | 283326 |
Exact classification can vary by purity, physical form, formulation, and end use.
Need exact HS Code and permit guidance? Our team manages your case end-to-end.
Submit Proforma Invoice RequestFrequently Asked Questions
How do we select HS Codes for sulfur compounds?
Selection is based on chemical formula, purity, physical form, and application. For example: sodium sulfide 283010, barium sulfate 283327, sulfur dioxide 281119.
What documents are required to clear sulfur compounds?
Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, standard certificate, and where needed, health/environmental permits.
What are the hazardous materials considerations when transporting sulfur compounds?
Use UN-compliant packaging, hazard labeling, MSDS, authorized fleets, and HSE training to prevent leaks/chemical reactions.
How does order registration in NTSW help?
It consolidates information, facilitates permits, tracks status, and reduces clearance delays.
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- Infographic: “Checklist of documents and permits for clearing hazardous chemicals.”
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Summary & Call to Action
Due to their hazardous nature and strict standards, clearing sulfur-based chemicals requires careful documentation and permitting. Saba Tarkhis leverages practical experience to move your process quickly and in full compliance.
Request Expert Consultation Get a Clearance ProformaSpecialized Customs Services by Saba Brokerage
As a reputable customs brokerage, Saba offers specialized services for clearing sulfur-based chemicals. With a focus on expert consulting, order registration, obtaining necessary permits, and comprehensive document management, we ensure your imports are completed quickly and without complications.
Specialized services for chemical clearance:
- Strategic consulting on HS selection, document preparation, and recognizing specific conditions for hazardous imports.
- Handling order registration and obtaining customs/health permits in line with regulations.
- Faster clearance and reduced demurrage/warehousing costs via strong networks.
- Meticulous document management to prevent file deficiencies and declaration rejection.
- Coordinating UN-compliant packaging/labeling for hazardous materials.
