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Ethylene Glycol Customs Clearance in Iran (HS Code + Documents & Permits)
Ethylene glycol customs clearance Ethylene Glycol (Ethylene Glycol) is a key base chemical used across many industries. With the chemical formula C2H6O2, it is a colorless, odorless, slightly viscous liquid whose specific chemical and physical properties enable broad applications in chemical and industrial production. Since this material is widely used in industries such as automotive, synthetic fibers, plastics, and resins, its import and export are highly important.
To estimate the time and cost of ethylene glycol clearance, contact Saba Tarkhis experts.
Instant free consultation1) Specialized Applications of Ethylene Glycol in Various Industries
Ethylene glycol has a set of critical uses across diverse industries, each of which requires compliance with specific standards and permits for import and export. Owing to its unique properties, it plays a central role in industrial production. Below are the most important applications of ethylene glycol in different sectors:
Use in antifreeze and coolants
Ethylene glycol is recognized as one of the most important chemicals in antifreeze formulations. Given its low freezing point, it is widely used to produce coolants for automotive engines, aircraft, and industrial equipment. By preventing fluid freezing at low temperatures and supporting thermal stability at high temperatures, it boosts the efficiency and durability of equipment.
Ethylene glycol is recognized as one of the most important chemicals in antifreeze formulations. Given its low freezing point, it is widely used to produce coolants for automotive engines, aircraft, and industrial equipment. By preventing fluid freezing at low temperatures and supporting thermal stability at high temperatures, it boosts the efficiency and durability of equipment.
Production of polyester fibers and industrial fabrics
Another primary application is its use as a precursor in making synthetic polyester fibers. Polyesters are used in apparel, industrial textiles, and even plastic bottles. Ethylene glycol reacts with terephthalic acid to form polyethylene terephthalate (PET), used across many polyester products.
Another primary application is its use as a precursor in making synthetic polyester fibers. Polyesters are used in apparel, industrial textiles, and even plastic bottles. Ethylene glycol reacts with terephthalic acid to form polyethylene terephthalate (PET), used across many polyester products.
Use in resins and plastics production
In the chemical industry, ethylene glycol serves as a base component for producing resins and plastics. Owing to their strength and specific properties, these resins are used in food and pharmaceutical packaging and in robust polymer structures.
In the chemical industry, ethylene glycol serves as a base component for producing resins and plastics. Owing to their strength and specific properties, these resins are used in food and pharmaceutical packaging and in robust polymer structures.
Application in chemical industries and solvent production
Ethylene glycol is a base material in the production of many solvents and other chemicals. Combined with various compounds, it is used as a solvent in paints, coatings, and adhesives.
Ethylene glycol is a base material in the production of many solvents and other chemicals. Combined with various compounds, it is used as a solvent in paints, coatings, and adhesives.
2) Customs Tariff and HS Code for Ethylene Glycol
Customs tariffs and international codes (HS Code) are among the most important elements in importing and exporting chemicals. The HS code for ethylene glycol is typically classified under 290531. This code is set based on the Harmonized System and is used in international trade to identify and tariff goods. Customs tariffs are calculated based on the HS code and are essential for computing duties and taxes. Using the precise HS code in import documents prevents legal issues and delays in clearance. Additionally, in some cases chemicals like ethylene glycol may require special permits from relevant bodies such as the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade and the Department of Environment.
| Commodity | Short description | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Ethylene Glycol | Diol; antifreeze/coolant/PET feedstock | 290531 |
Final classification depends on grade, purity, physical state, packaging, and declared end use.
3) Special Conditions for Import and Export of Ethylene Glycol
Because of its chemical nature and broad industrial applications, ethylene glycol trade is tightly regulated. Due to safety and environmental sensitivities, many countries require various permits from supervisory bodies. Iran, as both a major consumer and producer of chemicals, must strictly comply with these rules for ethylene glycol imports and exports.
4) Importing Ethylene Glycol into Iran
Importing ethylene glycol into Iran is highly important given rising needs across industrial sectors—especially automotive and polyester fiber production. Major suppliers include China, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Taiwan. With high production capacity and access to feedstock, these countries meet a large share of Iran’s demand. Importing into Iran requires specific permits, including: Permit from the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade to validate the legality of the import process; and a Permit from the Department of Environment due to environmental sensitivities, ensuring safety and environmental approvals to prevent potential harm.
5) Exporting Ethylene Glycol from Iran
Thanks to abundant oil and gas resources and the ability to produce derivative chemicals, Iran has significant potential to export ethylene glycol. Although export volumes are currently more limited than imports, shipments to neighboring countries such as Turkey, Iraq, and Afghanistan are increasing as regional industrial needs and Iran’s production capacity grow.
6) Volume of Ethylene Glycol Imports and Exports to/From Iran
According to recent data, Iran’s ethylene glycol imports are increasing year over year and are estimated to exceed 100,000 tons annually. The surge stems from growing demand in automotive, polyester fiber, and plastics. Exports to neighboring countries are also rising but remain more limited than imports. While domestic capacity can further support exports, import volumes still predominate.
7) Global Circulation and Market Size of Ethylene Glycol
As a widely used chemical worldwide, ethylene glycol has a very large market. Global estimates indicate that by 2023 the ethylene glycol market value reached over $33 billion. With use in key sectors such as automotive, textiles, packaging, and chemicals, rising industrial demand has boosted global trade volumes.
8) Global Exporters and Importers of Ethylene Glycol
Leading exporters include large industrial producers and top chemical manufacturers: China, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and South Korea hold major shares of global supply through strong infrastructure and abundant feedstocks. Principal importers span Europe, Asia, and North America particularly India and Japan in Asia, and Germany and France in Europe—where industries such as automotive, textiles, and chemicals rely heavily on ethylene glycol as a vital input.
9) Best and Simplest Method for Ethylene Glycol Clearance
- Prepare complete and accurate documents: To facilitate clearance, prepare documents such as the commercial invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, and packing list. Ensuring accuracy and compliance with customs rules prevents delays and issues.
- Obtain necessary permits: Importing ethylene glycol requires legal permits from the relevant authorities. Permits from the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade and the Department of Environment must be obtained before the goods arrive at customs.
- Assess tariffs and duties: Based on the HS code for ethylene glycol (290531), duties and taxes must be accurately calculated and paid. This code is essential for determining the customs tariff and must appear in the documentation.
- Work with a reputable customs broker: Partnering with an experienced broker helps avoid issues and delays. A broker knowledgeable about regulations can effectively accelerate and optimize the clearance process.
10) Required Documents for Ethylene Glycol Clearance
Clearing ethylene glycol from customs requires submitting a set of specific documents to ensure the process is properly completed in line with domestic and international regulations.
- Commercial Invoice:
A key document containing price, quantity, buyer/seller details, and sales terms. It is the basis for calculating customs duties and must be precise. - Bill of Lading:
Indicates origin and destination, transport details (air/sea/land), weight, and product description. - Certificate of Origin:
Confirms the exporting country. Important for determining customs tariffs and applicable exemptions/discounts. - Packing List:
Provides package details, counts, gross/net weights, and packaging type. Needed for inspection and control. - Permit from the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade:
Required for importing chemicals like ethylene glycol, confirming compliance with national trade laws. - Permit from the Department of Environment:
Mandatory due to chemical and environmental aspects, ensuring imports/usage comply with environmental standards. - Certificate of Analysis (COA):
Specifies chemical/physical characteristics—typically issued by the manufacturer/seller—and includes purity, composition, and technical specs. - Inspection Certificate:
In some cases, independent inspection is required to verify quality and compliance—especially important for chemicals. - Customs Declaration:
Prepared by the importer; includes detailed information on the goods, pricing, and other required details. Must be filed electronically. - Proof of Duties/Taxes Payment:
All applicable duties and taxes must be paid; receipts must be submitted to obtain clearance approval. - Order Registration Certificate:
Indicates the purchase order has been registered in the relevant system and legal steps have been completed.
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FAQs
What is the HS Code for ethylene glycol?
Per the text: ethylene glycol is commonly declared under 290531; final classification depends on specs, purity, and application.
What permits are required for import?
As stated: permits from the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade and the Department of Environment, plus base documents such as CI/BL/CO/PL and order registration.
What’s the best way to accelerate clearance?
Prepare complete/accurate documents, compute duties under HS 290531, secure permits before arrival, and work with an experienced customs broker.
Saba Brokerage’s Specialized Services for Ethylene Glycol Clearance
Clearing chemicals like ethylene glycol, given their sensitivities and complex regulations, requires working with a reputable, experienced brokerage. Specialized services can simplify the process and minimize costs—helping importers and exporters clear goods with minimal time and expense.
- Specialized consulting: Experienced advisors ensure all required clearance documents are properly prepared and completed preventing potential issues in customs stages.
- Obtaining necessary permits: Pursuit and acquisition of all required permits from competent authorities, ensuring legal processes are completed swiftly without your direct involvement.
- Tracking customs procedures: A specialized team closely follows every step to ensure fast, delay-free processing in full compliance.
- Reducing customs costs: With strong expertise in duty/tariff calculation, your costs are optimized and minimized.
