Clearance of Butene and “Buta” from Customs (HS Codes + Documents + Fast Method)

Clearing butene and buta from customs is a precise and specialized process due to isomerism, flammability, and diverse applications. Butenes include four key isomers
: 1-butene, 2-butene (cis), 2-butene (trans), and isobutene/isobutylene. The term “buta” in technical texts sometimes refers to isobutene, sometimes to butadiene, and in some cases even to butane (LPG); therefore, precise identification of the substance is critical for selecting the correct HS Code and obtaining the right permits. In this guide, all the points you need for fast, safe, and cost-effective clearance from types and uses to documents, tariff codes, transport conditions, and regulations are presented in a structured way.

1) Detailed Description of Butene and “Buta”

Butenes (C₄H₈) are a group of aliphatic (unsaturated) hydrocarbons with one double bond. Differences in the position of the double bond or branching of the chain create the isomers 1-butene, 2-butene (cis/trans), and isobutene. Each isomer has its own physical/chemical properties and industrial applications; from comonomer in polymers to fuel improver or a chemical intermediate. The term “buta” in documents, depending on the context, may refer to isobutene/isobutylene, or butadiene (a key monomer for SBR/ABS rubbers), and even butane (an LPG component). Therefore, in trade and customs clearance, precise identification of the goods based on the Certificate of Analysis (COA) and the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is essential for correct tariff classification, duties, permits, and transport requirements.

• Key data for declaration: isomer/compound, grade, purity, state (liquid/gas), UN Number if applicable, packaging (tanker/ISO tank/cylinder).
• Safety: high flammability, need for proper ventilation, static electricity management, and hazard labeling as per standards.
• Document harmonization: alignment among invoice, packing list, bill of lading, CO, SDS/COA with the customs declaration and import registration.

2) Types and Specialized Applications

1- Advanced Polymer Production

1-butene is used as a comonomer in producing LLDPE and in modifying PP, improving the strength/flexibility balance in pipes, automotive parts, and packaging. Isobutene also plays a role in producing polymer additives and specialty polymer materials.

2- Fuel and Combustion Improvers

A portion of C4 cuts is used in gasoline reformulation and octane enhancement. Depending on what “buta” exactly refers to, it can act as a fuel additive component or as feed for alkylate production.

3- Chemical Intermediates

Butene/isobutene are feedstocks for producing alcohols, ethers, polymer additives, and stabilizers. If “buta” means butadiene, its monomer role in producing SBR rubbers and ABS plastics becomes prominent.

3) Key Points and Steps in Clearance

1. Register the order in the Integrated Trade System with isomer/compound, grade, purity, physical state, packaging type, and country of origin.
2. Prepare safety and quality documents: up-to-date SDS/MSDS, valid COA, and test/analysis results.
3. Arrange transport under dangerous goods regulations (IMDG for sea, ADR for international road routes).
4. Accurate customs declaration with correct HS Code selection and inclusion of the UN Number if classified as hazardous.
5. Appraisal, potential sampling, and calculation of import duties/taxes/VAT based on CIF.
6. Clearance and transport to destination using standard tanks/tankers, with ventilation and temperature management and adherence to safety principles.

4) Common Customs Tariffs / HS Codes

Final code selection depends on the formulation/analysis (COA), physical state, grade, and shipping documents.

5) Special Conditions for Import and Export

• Compliance with pressurized packaging standards, incompatibility charts, and hazard labels.
• Obtain necessary permits from relevant authorities (MIM/Standards/Environment) depending on the compound and hazard class.
• For “butadiene”, stricter controls apply to transport, storage, and ventilation.
• For “butane/LPG”, fuel and energy regulations and port/terminal restrictions also apply.

6) Iran Market

7) Trade Volume and Import Duties

Global trade in C4 derivatives (butenes, isobutene, butadiene, and LPG cuts) is large due to their vital roles in polymers and fuels. Asian destinations such as China, India, Korea, and Japan are major consumers, while large producers in the Middle East, Russia, and the United States are key suppliers. In Iran’s imports, import duties, charges, and VAT are calculated based on CIF and the selected tariff heading.

8) Global Market

In the global chain, cracking/refining and olefin capacities determine value pathways. Price fluctuations of naphtha/LPG and polymer unit expansion plans affect C4 prices and trade flows. Generally, countries with strong refining and petrochemical infrastructure have a larger share in production and exports.

9) Documents Required for Clearance

• Import registration and, if needed, foreign currency allocation.
• Commercial invoice, bill of lading, packing list, certificate of origin.
• Up-to-date SDS/MSDS and a valid COA (analysis and purity).
• Standards/environmental certificate if applicable, and hazard labels per standards.
• Cargo insurance and proof of payment of VAT and duties.

10) Fast Clearance Method in Iran + Saba Brokerage’s Special Services

1. Accurately identify the goods (isomer/compound, grade, state) and determine the appropriate HS Code based on COA/SDS.
2. Register the order and obtain necessary permits (quality/environment/standards where required).
3. Complete shipping documents: bill of lading, invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and accurately state weight/volume/UN Number if hazardous.
4. Coordinate with warehouse/terminal for special tanks, sampling, and quality/safety inspection.
5. Calculate duties and charges based on the final code and perform clearance formalities.
6. Plan safe transport to destination (tanker/ISO tank/rail) with controlled ventilation and temperature.

Key Tips and Practical Recommendations

• For “butadiene”, apply extra precautions in transport and storage; risk and sensitivity are higher.
• Choose HS based on COA/SDS and industrial use; misdeclaration leads to delays and penalties.
• Localize hazard labels in Persian and present them according to national standards.
• Before arrival, schedule quality/safety inspections with the terminal to reduce customs dwell time.

Multimedia Suggestion

• Image filename: buten-buta-customs-clearance-hs2901.jpg
• Alt Text: Clearance of butene and buta from Iran customs HS 2901 with documents and permits
• Caption: «Butene/Buta clearance pathway: from order registration to safe transport»
• Infographic: «HS decision tree between 2901.23, 2901.24, and 2711.13 based on COA/SDS»

Suggested Links

• Saba Tarkhis Customs Clearance Services
• HS Code Selection Guide
• Wikipedia, WTO, UN

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