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Customs Clearance of Ethanol & Methanol in Iran (HS Codes + Documents & Permits)
Customs clearance of ethanol and methanol — as two key chemicals used across a wide range of industries — is especially important. Beyond petrochemical and chemical uses, these two substances are used in pharmaceuticals, hygiene products, biofuels, and even the food & beverage sector.
For time and cost estimates to clear ethanol and methanol, contact the Saba Tarkhis experts.
Instant Free Consultation1) Technical Overview & Applications
Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) — Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is a colorless liquid with a sharp odor, widely used across industries—especially pharmaceuticals, hygiene, fuel, and chemicals. It is produced either via sugar fermentation or chemical synthesis and, due to its versatility, is considered essential in many industrial and manufacturing processes.
Main uses of ethanol
Pharmaceuticals: As a solvent in drug manufacturing and disinfectants; a base in many liquids and sprays.
Food & beverage: Base material in alcoholic beverages and, in some cases, a preservative in food products.
Biofuels: A clean, renewable gasoline substitute/additive used to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Hygiene: Production of disinfectants, surface cleaners, and hand sanitizers.
Pharmaceuticals: As a solvent in drug manufacturing and disinfectants; a base in many liquids and sprays.
Food & beverage: Base material in alcoholic beverages and, in some cases, a preservative in food products.
Biofuels: A clean, renewable gasoline substitute/additive used to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Hygiene: Production of disinfectants, surface cleaners, and hand sanitizers.
Methanol (CH₃OH) — Also known as methyl alcohol, methanol is vital in petrochemical and chemical industries to produce plastics, resins, fuels, and various chemicals. Typically produced via gas-to-liquids processes, it is used extensively as a solvent and as a key feedstock.
Main uses of methanol
Petrochemicals: Feedstock for formaldehyde (critical for resins and adhesives), acetic acid, dimethyl ether, and MTBE.
Fuels: A cleaner alternative fuel (dedicated engines or blends) and used in fuel cells.
Chemicals: Solvent and precursor in complex chemicals including pesticides, disinfectants, and pharma intermediates.
Petrochemicals: Feedstock for formaldehyde (critical for resins and adhesives), acetic acid, dimethyl ether, and MTBE.
Fuels: A cleaner alternative fuel (dedicated engines or blends) and used in fuel cells.
Chemicals: Solvent and precursor in complex chemicals including pesticides, disinfectants, and pharma intermediates.
2) Key Notes for Clearing Ethanol & Methanol
Ethanol clearance
Due to its chemical nature and widespread uses, ethanol requires specific permits and compliance. The HS code depends on use and purity, but generally ethanol is classified under 2207.10.
Steps for ethanol clearance:
Health permits: Importing ethanol into Iran requires approval from the Food & Drug Organization (IFDA) and the Ministry of Health, given its role in pharma and hygiene products.
Complete customs file: Commercial invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, and any needed health/environmental permits must be provided.
Duties & taxes: Duties/levies are calculated and paid according to the HS code.
Methanol clearance
As a widely used industrial chemical, methanol must be cleared under international dangerous-goods standards. Its HS code typically falls under 2905.11.
Steps for methanol clearance:
International safety rules: Transport/storage must comply with IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) requirements.
Import/export permits: Environmental permits and quality standards may be required for import or export to/from Iran.
Duties & VAT: As with other chemicals, pay duties/levies per the HS classification.
Due to its chemical nature and widespread uses, ethanol requires specific permits and compliance. The HS code depends on use and purity, but generally ethanol is classified under 2207.10.
Steps for ethanol clearance:
Health permits: Importing ethanol into Iran requires approval from the Food & Drug Organization (IFDA) and the Ministry of Health, given its role in pharma and hygiene products.
Complete customs file: Commercial invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, and any needed health/environmental permits must be provided.
Duties & taxes: Duties/levies are calculated and paid according to the HS code.
Methanol clearance
As a widely used industrial chemical, methanol must be cleared under international dangerous-goods standards. Its HS code typically falls under 2905.11.
Steps for methanol clearance:
International safety rules: Transport/storage must comply with IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) requirements.
Import/export permits: Environmental permits and quality standards may be required for import or export to/from Iran.
Duties & VAT: As with other chemicals, pay duties/levies per the HS classification.
3) Sample HS Classifications
| Commodity | Short Description | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Ethanol (undenatured/industrial uses) | Ethyl alcohol; content/purity/use-based | 2207.10 |
| Methanol | Methyl alcohol; petrochemical feedstock | 2905.11 |
Final classification depends on purity, formulation, denaturing method, and end use.
4) Special Conditions for Import & Export
Import/export of ethanol and methanol play a significant role in Iran’s international trade. Widely used across hygiene, pharma, and fuel industries, they require careful compliance for smooth clearance. Below are details on ethanol imports to Iran, methanol exports from Iran, their global circulation, and optimal clearance practices.
Ethanol imports to Iran
Due to its use in disinfectants, hygiene and pharma products, and as a biofuel, ethanol is a key import. During the COVID-19 period, demand surged. Major sources include European and Asian countries such as Germany, France, China, and South Korea. Imports are tightly regulated by the Ministry of Health and the Department of Environment and generally require specific permits.
Methanol exports from Iran
Iran is among the world’s largest methanol producers and exports significant volumes—primarily to China, India, and Japan—where it serves as a feedstock for petrochemicals, plastics, resins, and chemicals. Exports have grown markedly in recent years; over 30% of Iran’s methanol production goes to Asian markets.
5) Global Market & Circulation
Ethanol market: Owing to its broad use in hygiene and biofuels, ethanol is among the most used chemicals globally; the market value exceeds USD 90 billion annually, driven by decarbonization and clean energy trends.
Methanol market: The global methanol market exceeds USD 40 billion. Iran, Saudi Arabia, China, and the U.S. are major producers. China is the largest consumer, notably for clean fuels and chemical production.
Exporters & Importers
Ethanol exporters: Brazil (sugarcane) and the United States (corn) are the largest, with the EU also exporting under its environmental policies.
Ethanol importers: China, the EU, and several African countries are among the top importers, using ethanol for fuel substitution and in hygiene/pharma.
Methanol exporters: Iran, Saudi Arabia, China, and the U.S. are leading exporters; Iran leverages abundant natural gas feedstock.
Methanol importers: China, India, Japan, and the EU import the most; China alone accounts for the largest share of global consumption.
6) The Easiest Way to Clear
Given their safety and hygiene sensitivities, clearing ethanol and methanol requires strict compliance.
1. Obtain legal permits
Secure permits from the Ministry of Health, Department of Environment, and the National Standards Organization before cargo arrival to avoid delays.
2. Complete clearance documentation
Provide B/L, commercial invoice, certificate of origin, health permits, and quality documents fully and accurately.
3. Follow dangerous-goods transport standards
Both ethanol and methanol are DG cargo under IMDG rules, including packaging, marking/labeling, and storage/ventilation requirements.
4. Use a professional customs broker
Specialized brokers like Saba can accelerate and de-risk the process thanks to domain experience with chemical cargoes.
1. Obtain legal permits
Secure permits from the Ministry of Health, Department of Environment, and the National Standards Organization before cargo arrival to avoid delays.
2. Complete clearance documentation
Provide B/L, commercial invoice, certificate of origin, health permits, and quality documents fully and accurately.
3. Follow dangerous-goods transport standards
Both ethanol and methanol are DG cargo under IMDG rules, including packaging, marking/labeling, and storage/ventilation requirements.
4. Use a professional customs broker
Specialized brokers like Saba can accelerate and de-risk the process thanks to domain experience with chemical cargoes.
7) Required Documents
Clearing ethanol/methanol requires a defined set of documents prepared with precision:
1. Bill of Lading (B/L)
Issued by the carrier; shows package count/type, weights, origin/destination, and carrier details; the principal transport/ownership document.
2. Commercial Invoice
Issued by the seller; lists transaction details, price, payment terms—used to determine customs value and duties.
3. Certificate of Origin (CO)
Confirms the producing/exporting country (usually via Chamber of Commerce); relevant to tariffs and trade terms.
4. Health permit from IFDA
Required due to pharma/hygiene uses; must be obtained before import.
5. Standards & quality certificates
Prove compliance with national/international standards and target specifications.
6. Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Details purity and physico-chemical specs; issued by the manufacturer or accredited labs.
7. Environmental permit (if required)
May be necessary due to the environmental risks of chemicals like methanol.
8. Order registration in the National Trade System
Must be completed prior to import; the registration code is provided to customs.
9. Inspection Certificate
Sometimes required for chemical/DG cargo to confirm conformity to specs and standards.
10. Cargo Insurance Policy
Covers transport risks; also submitted to customs.
11. Release Order
Issued after customs validation of documents, authorizing cargo exit.
12. Other supplemental permits
Depending on cargo/destination: DG transport permits, IMDG compliance certificates, or expedited release documentation.
1. Bill of Lading (B/L)
Issued by the carrier; shows package count/type, weights, origin/destination, and carrier details; the principal transport/ownership document.
2. Commercial Invoice
Issued by the seller; lists transaction details, price, payment terms—used to determine customs value and duties.
3. Certificate of Origin (CO)
Confirms the producing/exporting country (usually via Chamber of Commerce); relevant to tariffs and trade terms.
4. Health permit from IFDA
Required due to pharma/hygiene uses; must be obtained before import.
5. Standards & quality certificates
Prove compliance with national/international standards and target specifications.
6. Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Details purity and physico-chemical specs; issued by the manufacturer or accredited labs.
7. Environmental permit (if required)
May be necessary due to the environmental risks of chemicals like methanol.
8. Order registration in the National Trade System
Must be completed prior to import; the registration code is provided to customs.
9. Inspection Certificate
Sometimes required for chemical/DG cargo to confirm conformity to specs and standards.
10. Cargo Insurance Policy
Covers transport risks; also submitted to customs.
11. Release Order
Issued after customs validation of documents, authorizing cargo exit.
12. Other supplemental permits
Depending on cargo/destination: DG transport permits, IMDG compliance certificates, or expedited release documentation.
Need precise HS codes and permit guidance? Our team manages your case end-to-end.
Request a ProformaFAQs
What are the HS Codes for ethanol and methanol?
Ethanol is typically 2207.10 and methanol 2905.11; final classification varies by purity and end use.
Which permits are required to import ethanol?
Approvals from the Food & Drug Organization and Ministry of Health, plus standards/environmental documents based on product purity and use.
Under which regulations is methanol transported?
Under dangerous-goods rules such as IMDG, including labeling, packaging, and ventilation requirements.
Does Saba handle order registration?
Yes. We manage everything from order registration to permits and final customs release.
Media Suggestions
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- Caption: “Clearance steps for ethanol & methanol: from order registration to health permits and IMDG.”
- Infographic: “Ethanol/Methanol clearance checklist & safe packaging requirements.”
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Summary & Call to Action
Given safety and health sensitivities, clearing ethanol and methanol requires precise documentation, permits, and compliance with DG transport standards. With hands-on expertise, Saba Tarkhis keeps your process fast and compliant.
Request Expert Consultation Get a Clearance ProformaSaba’s Specialized Clearance Services
With long-standing experience in chemical cargo, Saba offers tailored services for importing and clearing ethanol and methanol—from expert consulting and order registration to permits, documentation, and safe transport coordination.
Specialized services for ethanol & methanol:
- Specialized consulting: Guidance on health permits, international DG transport standards, and complete customs paperwork to streamline clearance.
Continuous follow-up: Professional monitoring from port arrival to final release to avoid delays and keep clients informed.
Cost optimization: Using best-practice methods and facilitative provisions to reduce duties and related charges where applicable.
End-to-end process management: From document preparation to coordination with competent authorities—handled by our expert team for a worry-free experience.
