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Customs Clearance of Electronic Circuit Manufacturing Machines from Iranian Customs (HS Code + Documents & Permits)
The customs clearance of electronic circuit manufacturing machines is one of the sensitive and important processes in importing advanced electronic equipment into Iran. Due to their wide application in producing various printed circuit boards (PCBs) and other electronic components, these machines play a fundamental role in multiple industries, including electronics, automotive, telecommunications, and information technology. For importing and clearing these devices, complete knowledge and awareness of customs procedures and the related regulations is essential.
To estimate the time and cost of clearing electronic circuit manufacturing machines, get in touch with the experts at Saba Tarkhis.
Instant & Free Consultation1) Types of Electronic Circuit Manufacturing Machines
Electronic circuit manufacturing machines include a set of complex and advanced equipment, each designed to perform a specific stage of the electronic circuit production process. Below, we examine these machines:
Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Printers
These machines are used to accurately transfer electronic designs onto copper boards. The printing technology in these machines can include various methods such as laser, chemical, and offset printing. These stages result in high-quality and precise circuits that are essential for the proper operation of electronic systems.
Automatic Soldering Machines
This equipment is used to reliably and precisely connect electronic components to PCB boards. Automatic soldering machines come in various types, including Wave Soldering (for connecting many component leads to the board simultaneously) and Point Soldering (for soldering individual leads or smaller groups). Accuracy and temperature control are highly important in these machines to prevent issues such as cold joints and circuit discontinuities.
Precision Drilling Machines
These machines are used to create precise holes in PCBs. Such holes are typically used to mount electronic component leads and to route electrical signals between layers of multilayer boards (Multi-layer PCBs). Accuracy in the drilling process is very important, especially in complex and multilayer circuits that require very small hole diameters and precise positioning.
Testing and Quality Assurance Equipment
These machines are used to evaluate the correctness and performance of manufactured circuits. Electrical testing, current and voltage testing, and final functional tests are among the essential examinations that must be performed on each PCB. These tests help identify and correct potential problems before the product is released to the market, thereby ensuring the quality and reliability of electronic products.
2) Key Points in Clearing Electronic Circuit Manufacturing Machines from Customs
Clearing electronic circuit manufacturing machines from customs involves several key stages that require careful attention to detail and adherence to the relevant rules and regulations. Below, we review these points:
1. Customs Tariff Code (HS Code)
Choosing the appropriate HS code for electronic circuit manufacturing machines is extremely important. In the Harmonized System (HS), these machines are usually classified under specific tariff codes. For example:
- Code 8486: This code is dedicated to machines and equipment for manufacturing semiconductors and integrated circuits (such as lithography equipment, semiconductor assembly machines, and other related equipment).
- Code 8479: This code covers miscellaneous industrial machinery and devices used in production and assembly processes of electronic circuits.
Accurately selecting these codes not only affects customs duties and charges, but can also have a significant impact on the clearance process and the overall cost of imports. For example, some of these codes may include specific tax or tariff exemptions that can reduce costs.
2. Required Documents for Clearance
To clear electronic circuit manufacturing machines from customs, providing valid and accurate documentation is essential. These documents include:
- Proforma Invoice: This document includes precise information about the goods, price, payment terms, and shipping conditions.
- Packing List: This document provides full packaging specifications and the contents of the shipment.
- Certificate of Origin: This certificate determines the country of manufacture and can directly affect the import tariff rates in some cases.
- Standard and Quality Certificates: Includes certifications such as CE, ISO, and UL, indicating compliance with international standards. These certificates are mandatory for some machines and equipment, and without them, clearance may not be possible.
- Special import permits for specific equipment: For importing certain electronic circuit manufacturing machines, special permits from organizations related to the electronics industry or the Atomic Energy Organization may be required.
3. Compliance with Technical Regulations and Standards
Electronic circuit manufacturing machines are usually subject to technical oversight and specific standards. Therefore, ensuring conformity with national and international standards is essential. Customs may conduct technical checks and necessary tests on the machine to verify this conformity. If the machine does not comply with standards, its import may be halted or subject to heavy penalties.
4. Customs Assessment and Inspection
One of the key stages in clearance is customs assessment and inspection. At this stage, customs experts examine the shipment for consistency with the submitted documents, the type and quality of the goods, and compliance with import regulations. In the event of any discrepancy or deficiency in documents or goods, the clearance process may be delayed or additional explanations and documents may be required.
5. Payment of Duties and Customs Charges
After the assessment and final approval, the shipment is subject to the payment of customs duties and charges. The amount depends on the tariff code and the value of the goods. Some machines may be eligible for specific tariff exemptions, in which case the relevant supporting documents must be provided.
6. Transportation and Delivery of Goods
After paying customs duties and completing the clearance stages, the shipment is ready to be transported to the final destination. Choosing the appropriate mode of transport (sea, air, or land) and insuring the goods during transit are highly important. Finally, delivery to the final destination must be carried out according to the conditions stated in the contract.
3) Sample Tariff Codes (HS Codes) for Circuit-Manufacturing Machines
| Item/Subgroup | Short Description | HS Code (Example) |
|---|---|---|
| Semiconductor/Integrated Circuit manufacturing equipment (lithography, assembly, etc.) | Special-purpose machinery for IC and semiconductor production | 8486 |
| Miscellaneous industrial machinery related to board production/assembly | Auxiliary processes for electronic circuit manufacturing | 8479 |
The exact classification depends on the type of machine, application, technical specifications, accessories, and manufacturer’s documentation.
4) Customs Valuation
Correct valuation of goods by customs is one of the important stages in the clearance process. This assessment is performed based on the prices stated in commercial invoices and other related documents. In some cases, customs experts may need to physically inspect the goods and even sample the machines to determine the exact value. Furthermore, if the declared value does not conform to customs standards, a revaluation may be requested, which can increase the time and costs of clearance.
5) Import and Export of Electronic Circuit Manufacturing Machines
These machines are mainly imported into Iran from China, Taiwan, Germany, Japan, and South Korea. Due to the advancement of cutting-edge technologies in electronics and circuit manufacturing, these countries are among the world’s largest producers and exporters of such equipment. In Iran, owing to the increasing need for advanced equipment across various industries, the volume of imports of these machines is rising.
On the other hand, exports of these machines from Iran are limited due to the lack of extensive production infrastructure and advanced technologies. However, the development of the electronics industry and increased domestic production could create opportunities to export this equipment in the future.
6) Global Market for Electronic Circuit Manufacturing Machines
The global market for electronic circuit manufacturing machines is expanding due to the rapid growth of the information technology and electronics industries. According to recent estimates, the value of this market will reach billions of dollars in the coming years. China, Germany, Japan, the United States, and South Korea are among the main players in this market.
7) Required Documents for Clearance
To clear electronic circuit manufacturing machines from customs, preparing and submitting the necessary documents to comply with customs regulations and legal requirements is of particular importance. These documents must be prepared completely and accurately so that the clearance process can be completed without issues and in the shortest possible time.
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Proforma Invoice
The proforma invoice includes detailed specifications of electronic circuit manufacturing machines, quantity, unit price, total price, payment terms, and other purchase-related information. This document is provided by the seller to the buyer and serves as a pre-invoice or preliminary purchase contract. -
Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice (main invoice) is issued by the seller after the transaction and includes full details such as product specifications, quantity, price, and payment terms. This document is essential for calculating customs duties and charges. -
Bill of Lading
The bill of lading is a document issued by the carrier that includes shipment details, transport conditions, and information about the consignor and consignee. This document is also recognized as proof of ownership of the goods. -
Packing List
The packing list includes detailed information about the shipment’s packaging, including the number of packages, type of packaging, the weight of each package, and their contents. This list is used to reconcile with the information in the bill of lading and the invoice. -
Certificate of Origin
The certificate of origin is issued by the chamber of commerce in the country of origin and confirms from which country the electronic circuit manufacturing machines have been imported. This document is necessary for applying preferential tariffs and for compliance with trade regulations. -
Standards and Quality Certificates
Includes certificates such as CE, ISO, and UL, which indicate compliance with international standards. These certificates are mandatory for some devices and equipment, and without them, clearance may not be possible. -
Permits Related to the Import of Specific Equipment
For importing some types of electronic circuit manufacturing machines, special permits from organizations related to the electronics industry or the Atomic Energy Organization may be required.
Need precise HS Code determination, permits, and document preparation? Our team manages the case end-to-end.
Submit Proforma RequestFrequently Asked Questions
What is the common HS Code for circuit-manufacturing machines?
Depending on the machine type and application, headings 8486 (semiconductor/IC manufacturing equipment) and 8479 (miscellaneous industrial machinery) are frequent. Final determination is made using the catalog and technical documents.
What documents are required for clearance?
Proforma, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, CE/ISO/UL certificates, and special permits (if needed) are the main requirements.
How is customs valuation carried out?
Based on the commercial invoice price and supporting documents; physical inspection/sampling is performed if needed, and a revaluation may occur.
Special Clearance Services by Saba Brokerage
Specialized services for clearing electronic circuit manufacturing machines include a set of professional and comprehensive actions that help importers successfully carry out the import of this advanced equipment in the shortest possible time. These services are provided as follows:
Specialized pre-import consulting: With precise guidance in the correct selection of customs tariff codes, preparing the required documents, and accurate value assessment, our experienced expert team helps importers take the right steps from the very beginning of the import process and prevent potential issues during clearance.
Facilitation in obtaining permits: By leveraging experience and extensive connections with government bodies, the process of obtaining special permits for importing sensitive and advanced equipment is carried out quickly and efficiently to ensure that all legal requirements are properly met.
Follow-up and expediting the clearance process: The operations team manages the clearance process by continuously following up on the files, preparing and submitting the required documents, accurate valuation, and conducting necessary inspections, so that there is minimal delay in delivering the goods to the importer.
Post-clearance services: In addition to the clearance process itself, post-clearance support and consultation are also provided to importers to ensure that all legal and administrative stages have been properly completed and that the goods are delivered to the importer without any issues.
By utilizing these comprehensive and professional services, importers can be confident that the clearance of electronic circuit manufacturing machines will be carried out in the best possible manner, minimizing unnecessary costs and delays. These services provide assurance for a successful and trouble-free import of advanced electronic equipment into Iran.
