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Customs Clearance of Building Materials in Iran (HS Code + Documents & Permits)
Customs clearance of building materials Customs clearance of various building materials from customs is one of the important and complex stages in the process of importing and exporting these goods to Iran. Building materials include a wide range of goods such as cement, iron and steel products, tiles and ceramics, gypsum, insulation materials, and various metal and non-metal profiles. Due to their extensive use in construction projects, these products are highly significant.
To estimate the time and cost of clearing building materials, contact the Saba Tarkhis experts.
Instant Free Consultation1) Customs Tariff (HS Code) for Building Materials
Tariff code for building materials Customs clearance of building materials is one of the vital stages in importing these goods to Iran. The high variety of building materials including different substances such as cement, iron and steel products, tiles and ceramics, gypsum, insulation materials, metal profiles, etc. doubles the importance of this process. Each of these goods requires precision in the clearance process and knowledge of customs tariff codes so that importation is carried out in the best way. Here is a list of some of the most important building materials along with their related customs tariff (HS Code).
| Goods | HS Code |
|---|---|
| Cement | 25232900 |
| Tiles and Ceramics | 69072110 |
| Brick | 69041000 |
| Iron/Steel Products & Metal Profiles | 72107000 |
| Rebar (Armature) | 72142000 |
| Gypsum | 25202010 |
| Building Stones | 68022100 |
| Building Glass | 70052900 |
| Insulation Materials | 68061000 |
| Wood | 44071000 |
| Galvanized Sheets | 72104910 |
| PVC Doors & Windows | 39252000 |
| Bituminous Membrane (Isogam) | 68071000 |
| Metal Railings & Guards | 73089090 |
| Electric Wire & Cable | 85446010 |
| PVC/PE Pipes | 39172300 |
| Building Paints | 32091000 |
| White Cement | 25232100 |
| Mosaic | 68029190 |
| Concrete Additives | 38244000 |
| Fiberglass Wire/Rebar | 70199090 |
| Granite | 68022310 |
| Ready-Mix Concrete | 38245010 |
| Gypsum Boards (Drywall) | 68091100 |
Exact classification depends on material, grade, application, and packaging.
2) Steps and Key Notes in Clearing Building Materials
Obtaining the necessary legal permits: Many building materials especially goods used in structures and installations require specific permits. These permits are required due to the vital impact of these goods on construction safety and quality. For example, importing rebar and iron/steel products must be accompanied by quality certificates and safety standards to ensure compliance with construction safety requirements.
Quality control and technical testing: Building materials must comply with national and international standards. Customs usually requires that samples of imported materials be sent to accredited laboratories so that their quality, durability, and safety can be examined and approved. This step is very important because ensuring the safety and quality of imported materials directly affects the safety of structures and installations.
Accurate calculation of customs costs and taxes: Customs tariffs and value-added tax (VAT) are calculated based on the type of building materials, shipment volume, and country of origin. For example, some building goods may be subject to preferential tariffs or tax exemptions depending on Iran’s trade agreements with other countries. Accurate selection of the tariff code (HS Code) for each item, providing valid documents, and ensuring shipment information accuracy can prevent problems and extra costs.
Timely and accurate completion of customs formalities: Any delay in submitting documents or completing customs formalities can increase costs and delay clearance. Therefore, precise coordination with customs and using professional brokerage services can help reduce clearance time and costs.
Using professional clearance services: Cooperating with professional customs brokers with sufficient experience in clearing building materials can help simplify and accelerate the process for you. These brokers can manage all stages from obtaining required permits to delivery—ensuring your goods exit customs quickly and without issues.
Quality control and technical testing: Building materials must comply with national and international standards. Customs usually requires that samples of imported materials be sent to accredited laboratories so that their quality, durability, and safety can be examined and approved. This step is very important because ensuring the safety and quality of imported materials directly affects the safety of structures and installations.
Accurate calculation of customs costs and taxes: Customs tariffs and value-added tax (VAT) are calculated based on the type of building materials, shipment volume, and country of origin. For example, some building goods may be subject to preferential tariffs or tax exemptions depending on Iran’s trade agreements with other countries. Accurate selection of the tariff code (HS Code) for each item, providing valid documents, and ensuring shipment information accuracy can prevent problems and extra costs.
Timely and accurate completion of customs formalities: Any delay in submitting documents or completing customs formalities can increase costs and delay clearance. Therefore, precise coordination with customs and using professional brokerage services can help reduce clearance time and costs.
Using professional clearance services: Cooperating with professional customs brokers with sufficient experience in clearing building materials can help simplify and accelerate the process for you. These brokers can manage all stages from obtaining required permits to delivery—ensuring your goods exit customs quickly and without issues.
3) Specific Conditions for Import and Export of Building Materials
Imports of building materials to Iran are mainly from countries with large, competitive production such as China, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, and Italy. These countries are key players in the global building-materials market, and due to their high quality and competitive prices, their products are widely demanded in Iran. Conversely, Iran given its production of quality building materials, especially tiles and ceramics, cement, and some steel products is one of the main exporters to neighboring and regional countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and other Persian Gulf states.
4) Import/Export Volumes and Global Market Turnover
Import and export volumes of building materials to Iran
According to recent statistics, the value of building-materials imports to Iran reaches several billions of US dollars annually. These imports mainly include iron and steel products, metal profiles, tiles and ceramics, insulation materials, and cement. In recent years, due to large-scale housing projects and major infrastructure, the demand for building materials in Iran has increased significantly.
Conversely, Iran’s exports of building materials also constitute a significant share of the country’s foreign trade. In this sector, cement, tiles and ceramics, insulation materials, and building stones are recognized as Iran’s main export goods to neighboring countries. Estimates show that Iran annually exports more than several million tons of building materials to these countries, and this trend continues due to the high quality and competitive pricing of Iranian products.
Global market turnover The global building-materials market, due to the growing need for new infrastructure and rapid population growth, is one of the largest and most dynamic markets in the world. The value of this market reaches tens of billions of dollars per year, and it is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Countries such as China, India, the United States, Germany, and Japan are among the largest producers of building materials globally. China alone accounts for more than half of the world’s building-materials output and is recognized as the largest exporter of these products.
According to recent statistics, the value of building-materials imports to Iran reaches several billions of US dollars annually. These imports mainly include iron and steel products, metal profiles, tiles and ceramics, insulation materials, and cement. In recent years, due to large-scale housing projects and major infrastructure, the demand for building materials in Iran has increased significantly.
Conversely, Iran’s exports of building materials also constitute a significant share of the country’s foreign trade. In this sector, cement, tiles and ceramics, insulation materials, and building stones are recognized as Iran’s main export goods to neighboring countries. Estimates show that Iran annually exports more than several million tons of building materials to these countries, and this trend continues due to the high quality and competitive pricing of Iranian products.
Global market turnover The global building-materials market, due to the growing need for new infrastructure and rapid population growth, is one of the largest and most dynamic markets in the world. The value of this market reaches tens of billions of dollars per year, and it is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Countries such as China, India, the United States, Germany, and Japan are among the largest producers of building materials globally. China alone accounts for more than half of the world’s building-materials output and is recognized as the largest exporter of these products.
5) Major Global Exporters and Importers
Major exporters of building materials worldwide
China, as the world’s largest producer and exporter of building materials, holds a very large share of the global market. Due to mass production and reduced production costs, this country exports building materials worldwide at very competitive prices. After China, Turkey, Spain, Italy, Germany, and India are also recognized as important exporters of building materials. Each of these countries specializes in producing certain materials such as tiles and ceramics, iron and steel products, cement, and insulation materials.
Major importers of building materials worldwide
The largest importers of building materials are countries with rapid population growth and a need to develop new infrastructure, leading to high consumption. The United States, India, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia are among the largest importers of building materials in the world. These countries meet their needs for massive construction projects by importing various materials such as iron and steel products, cement, tiles and ceramics, and metal profiles.
China, as the world’s largest producer and exporter of building materials, holds a very large share of the global market. Due to mass production and reduced production costs, this country exports building materials worldwide at very competitive prices. After China, Turkey, Spain, Italy, Germany, and India are also recognized as important exporters of building materials. Each of these countries specializes in producing certain materials such as tiles and ceramics, iron and steel products, cement, and insulation materials.
Major importers of building materials worldwide
The largest importers of building materials are countries with rapid population growth and a need to develop new infrastructure, leading to high consumption. The United States, India, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia are among the largest importers of building materials in the world. These countries meet their needs for massive construction projects by importing various materials such as iron and steel products, cement, tiles and ceramics, and metal profiles.
6) Documents and Papers Required for Clearing Building Materials
For clearing various building materials from customs, having accurate and up-to-date documents is essential. These documents help the clearance process proceed faster and without issues.
1. Commercial Invoice (Invoice)
The commercial invoice is a document containing the details of the transaction between buyer and seller. It shows the price, quantity, and type of purchased goods. The invoice must exactly match the shipment entering the country, since customs calculates tariffs and other costs based on it.
2. Bill of Lading
The bill of lading is one of the most important transport documents issued by the carrier and includes information on the transport route, type of vehicle, and shipment details. This document enables customs to track the shipment and ensures that the goods have correctly reached the destination from the origin.
3. Packing List
The packing list includes detailed information about package contents, weight, quantity, and dimensions of each package. It helps customs examine the goods and match them with submitted documents. Any discrepancy may cause clearance delays.
4. Certificate of Origin
The certificate of origin is a necessary document indicating the producing country of the goods. It is issued by the chamber of commerce in the country of origin and helps determine customs tariffs and import taxes. In certain international trade agreements, this certificate may grant tariff discounts to the importer.
5. Certificate of Conformity (Standards)
This certificate guarantees that imported goods comply with national and international standards. Especially for building materials, this document is very important because it confirms that the goods meet safety and quality regulations and requirements.
6. Specific Permits from Relevant Authorities
Some building materials require specific permits. For example, importing iron/steel or chemical materials may require approvals from the Iranian National Standards Organization or the Ministry of Health. These permits are highly important for safety and environmental reasons.
7. Customs Declaration
The customs declaration must be accurately completed by the importer or their legal representative. It records complete information about the shipment, including goods value, weight, customs tariff, and other details. Any mistake in this document can lead to delays or legal issues.
8. Inspection Certificate
In some cases, customs requires technical inspection of goods. Inspection companies confirm that the goods’ quantity and quality match the submitted documents. The inspection certificate is needed for final quality approval and to speed up clearance.
9. Insurance Policy
The transport insurance policy shows that the goods were insured during transit. In case of damages or unexpected incidents during international transportation, it covers the losses and is necessary for customs clearance.
10. Proof of Payment of Taxes and Customs Duties
After customs assessment of the goods, the related customs tariffs and taxes must be paid. The payment confirmation shows that the importer has paid all required amounts and the goods are ready for clearance.
11. Business Card (Trade License)
Possessing a business card/trade license is mandatory for legal importation. It allows importers to bring goods into the country officially and legally. This card must be obtained from the Iran Chamber of Commerce.
12. Other Special Permits
Some building materials—especially those sensitive from safety and environmental aspects require special permits. These may include health or environmental permits from relevant organizations. Failure to obtain them may lead to clearance delays or even return of the goods.
1. Commercial Invoice (Invoice)
The commercial invoice is a document containing the details of the transaction between buyer and seller. It shows the price, quantity, and type of purchased goods. The invoice must exactly match the shipment entering the country, since customs calculates tariffs and other costs based on it.
2. Bill of Lading
The bill of lading is one of the most important transport documents issued by the carrier and includes information on the transport route, type of vehicle, and shipment details. This document enables customs to track the shipment and ensures that the goods have correctly reached the destination from the origin.
3. Packing List
The packing list includes detailed information about package contents, weight, quantity, and dimensions of each package. It helps customs examine the goods and match them with submitted documents. Any discrepancy may cause clearance delays.
4. Certificate of Origin
The certificate of origin is a necessary document indicating the producing country of the goods. It is issued by the chamber of commerce in the country of origin and helps determine customs tariffs and import taxes. In certain international trade agreements, this certificate may grant tariff discounts to the importer.
5. Certificate of Conformity (Standards)
This certificate guarantees that imported goods comply with national and international standards. Especially for building materials, this document is very important because it confirms that the goods meet safety and quality regulations and requirements.
6. Specific Permits from Relevant Authorities
Some building materials require specific permits. For example, importing iron/steel or chemical materials may require approvals from the Iranian National Standards Organization or the Ministry of Health. These permits are highly important for safety and environmental reasons.
7. Customs Declaration
The customs declaration must be accurately completed by the importer or their legal representative. It records complete information about the shipment, including goods value, weight, customs tariff, and other details. Any mistake in this document can lead to delays or legal issues.
8. Inspection Certificate
In some cases, customs requires technical inspection of goods. Inspection companies confirm that the goods’ quantity and quality match the submitted documents. The inspection certificate is needed for final quality approval and to speed up clearance.
9. Insurance Policy
The transport insurance policy shows that the goods were insured during transit. In case of damages or unexpected incidents during international transportation, it covers the losses and is necessary for customs clearance.
10. Proof of Payment of Taxes and Customs Duties
After customs assessment of the goods, the related customs tariffs and taxes must be paid. The payment confirmation shows that the importer has paid all required amounts and the goods are ready for clearance.
11. Business Card (Trade License)
Possessing a business card/trade license is mandatory for legal importation. It allows importers to bring goods into the country officially and legally. This card must be obtained from the Iran Chamber of Commerce.
12. Other Special Permits
Some building materials—especially those sensitive from safety and environmental aspects require special permits. These may include health or environmental permits from relevant organizations. Failure to obtain them may lead to clearance delays or even return of the goods.
Need precise HS classification, permits, and document preparation? Our team manages your case end-to-end.
Submit a Proforma RequestFrequently Asked Questions
How do we select the correct HS Code for each material?
Based on material, composition, application, and form of supply (e.g., roll, sheet, bag). Your HS list is provided above, and final classification at customs is performed with the goods’ documentation.
Which documents are essential for clearing building materials?
Invoice, bill of lading, packing list, certificate of origin, certificate of conformity/standards, specific permits, customs declaration, inspection certificate, insurance policy, and proof of duties payment.
How can we avoid clearance delays?
By completing documents accurately, selecting the correct HS Code, maintaining continuous coordination with customs, and using a professional broker to follow up the stages.
What are Iran’s main import sources and export destinations?
Imports mainly from China, Turkey, the UAE, Spain, and Italy; exports to Iraq, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and Persian Gulf countries.
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Conclusion & Call to Action
By using these specialized services, clients can benefit from fast and hassle-free clearance of building materials.
Request Expert Consultation Get a Clearance ProformaSpecialized Customs Services by Saba Brokerage
One of the main concerns of importers and exporters of building materials is speed and accuracy in the customs clearance process. Leveraging years of experience and expertise in clearing various goods, this brokerage provides special services in this field, summarized as follows:
Obtaining required permits: With full command of import and export rules and regulations, all necessary permits from various bodies such as the National Standards Organization, the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, and other relevant organizations are obtained quickly. This makes the clearance process much simpler and faster for clients.
Preparing and organizing documents: A key factor in accelerating clearance is preparing the required paperwork accurately and correctly. The specialist team prepares essential documents such as the commercial invoice, bill of lading, packing list, and necessary certificates with full precision and professionalism to prevent any deficiencies and delays.
Advisory services: Specialized consulting on selecting appropriate tariffs, preventing potential issues, and reducing clearance costs is another service. These consultations are provided based on clients’ specific needs and aim to optimize the clearance process.
Complete follow-up of clearance stages: From start to finish, all stages are continuously followed up: coordination with customs, checking goods status in warehouses, and performing customs formalities with precision. This follow-up reduces time and extra costs.
Express clearance: Using customs e-systems and an experienced team, this firm can complete clearance in the shortest possible time. This helps importers avoid delays and gain faster access to their goods.
Ultimately, choosing this brokerage for clearance of imported and exported goods guarantees a fast, accurate, and hassle-free process for clients.
