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Customs Clearance of Formic Acid in Iran (HS Code 2915.11 + Documents & Permits)
Customs clearance of formic acid — Formic acid (Formic Acid) or methanoic acid with the chemical formula CH₂O₂ — is a basic organic acid that, due to its unique features, is of interest in many industries, especially in Iran. Owing to its corrosive, disinfectant, and preservative properties, it has extensive uses in agriculture, leather tanning, textiles, detergent manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. Given the rising domestic industrial demand, importing and clearing formic acid is a major challenge for importers and requires familiarity with precise customs regulations and protocols.
To estimate timeline, import duty and total formic acid clearance costs, contact Saba Tarkhis experts.
Instant free consultation1) Applications of Formic Acid
Thanks to its unique chemistry, formic acid plays a key role across industries. Below are its most important uses: Agriculture: used as a preservative and disinfectant for silage and livestock feed. With antibacterial action, it inhibits microbial growth and extends shelf life of agricultural and livestock products.
Leather and tanning: used to process, soften, and adjust the pH of hides. It improves leather quality and increases durability during tanning.
Textiles: acts as a dye fixative during dyeing, ensuring uniform fixation and preventing color change or early wear.
Detergents: due to disinfectant and corrosive power, used as a strong cleaning agent; removes hard deposits like calcium in industrial and household cleaners.
Pharma & chemicals: used as a raw material or intermediate, especially for disinfectants, preservatives, and other pharmaceutical compounds.
Leather and tanning: used to process, soften, and adjust the pH of hides. It improves leather quality and increases durability during tanning.
Textiles: acts as a dye fixative during dyeing, ensuring uniform fixation and preventing color change or early wear.
Detergents: due to disinfectant and corrosive power, used as a strong cleaning agent; removes hard deposits like calcium in industrial and household cleaners.
Pharma & chemicals: used as a raw material or intermediate, especially for disinfectants, preservatives, and other pharmaceutical compounds.
2) Technical & Specialist Notes for Clearing Formic Acid
Due to its corrosive/chemical nature, clearing formic acid requires strict adherence to international standards. Importers must know all legal and regulatory requirements. Mandatory permits: for importing into Iran, permits are required from bodies such as the Ministry of Health, Department of Environment, and the National Standards Organization of Iran. These confirm compliance with national/international safety and health standards.
Safety & packaging certifications: given its corrosive/toxic properties, it must be stored and transported in standard packaging compliant with international dangerous goods regulations (UN Regulations). Unsafe packaging can cause leaks and serious harm to people and the environment. Valid packaging and transport certifications are essential.
Transport standards: transport must follow Hazardous Materials Regulations. Use corrosion-resistant packaging, dedicated containers, and adhere to international transport instructions.
Laboratory checks: imported formic acid is typically sent to accredited labs by customs to verify quality against standards (purity, corrosivity, safety).
Safety & packaging certifications: given its corrosive/toxic properties, it must be stored and transported in standard packaging compliant with international dangerous goods regulations (UN Regulations). Unsafe packaging can cause leaks and serious harm to people and the environment. Valid packaging and transport certifications are essential.
Transport standards: transport must follow Hazardous Materials Regulations. Use corrosion-resistant packaging, dedicated containers, and adhere to international transport instructions.
Laboratory checks: imported formic acid is typically sent to accredited labs by customs to verify quality against standards (purity, corrosivity, safety).
3) Tariff & HS Code for Formic Acid
The global Harmonized System (HS) classification for formic acid is 2915.11. This code helps importers find tariff rates, taxes, and regulatory requirements. Tariff rates for chemicals may vary by country of origin and trade policy.
| Product | Short Description | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Formic Acid (Methanoic Acid) | Basic organic acid; corrosive & disinfectant | 2915.11 |
4) Import & Export Conditions for Formic Acid
Formic acid is widely used in agriculture, tanning/leather, textiles, detergents, and pharmaceuticals. Due to high demand, its import/export is important globally. Below are Iran and global conditions:
Imports into Iran: a large share of Iran’s needs is supplied via imports. Main exporters to Iran include China, Germany, and India, thanks to scale and product quality. With growing domestic demand (especially agriculture, tanning, chemicals), imports keep rising.
Import volumes: Iran imports several thousand tons annually, with growth driven by expanding industries and the need for disinfectants/preservatives in agriculture.
Exports from Iran: domestic production is limited, but small volumes are exported to neighbors (e.g., Iraq, Afghanistan). Efforts are underway to expand production to boost exports and cut import dependency.
Export volumes: given limited output, exports are much lower than imports—only a few hundred tons annually to nearby markets.
Global circulation: global production exceeds one million tons/year. China is the largest producer and exporter. Demand continues to grow across industries.
Major exporters: China (largest, >50% of global production), Germany (high-quality output), India (notable Asian supplier).
Major importers: USA (chemicals & agriculture), European countries (France, Italy, Spain—textiles, leather, pharma), and Asian markets (South Korea, Japan).
Imports into Iran: a large share of Iran’s needs is supplied via imports. Main exporters to Iran include China, Germany, and India, thanks to scale and product quality. With growing domestic demand (especially agriculture, tanning, chemicals), imports keep rising.
Import volumes: Iran imports several thousand tons annually, with growth driven by expanding industries and the need for disinfectants/preservatives in agriculture.
Exports from Iran: domestic production is limited, but small volumes are exported to neighbors (e.g., Iraq, Afghanistan). Efforts are underway to expand production to boost exports and cut import dependency.
Export volumes: given limited output, exports are much lower than imports—only a few hundred tons annually to nearby markets.
Global circulation: global production exceeds one million tons/year. China is the largest producer and exporter. Demand continues to grow across industries.
Major exporters: China (largest, >50% of global production), Germany (high-quality output), India (notable Asian supplier).
Major importers: USA (chemicals & agriculture), European countries (France, Italy, Spain—textiles, leather, pharma), and Asian markets (South Korea, Japan).
5) Documents Required for Formic Acid Clearance
Clearing this corrosive/sensitive chemical requires precise documentation aligned with customs rules. As it is hazardous, all documents must be presented to relevant bodies to ensure safety and quality.
1. Proforma Invoice
The initial document specifying price, quantity, payment terms, and product details. Register it in Iran’s National Trade System to obtain a tracking code to start clearance.
2. Commercial Invoice
Issued after finalizing the deal; includes final price, transport terms, and buyer/seller data. Critical for customs valuation and declaration.
3. Bill of Lading (B/L)
Core transport document indicating the mode and route from origin to destination; issued by the carrier and required for release.
4. Certificate of Origin (CO)
Issued by the origin country’s chamber of commerce; used for tariff assessment and trade agreement benefits.
5. Certificate of Analysis (COA)
From an accredited lab, detailing composition, purity, and physico-chemical properties to prove compliance with standards.
6. Government Permits
Ministry of Health (safety), Department of Environment (hazard profile), National Standards Organization (quality compliance).
7. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
Full safety profile covering hazards, storage, transport, and handling.
8. Inspection Certificate
In some cases, pre-shipment inspection by an accredited company to confirm conformity with order/specs.
9. Packing List
Detailed packages: type, quantity, weights, and dimensions—supports reconciliation with invoice and B/L.
10. Order Registration Certificate (NTSW)
All importers must register the order in the National Trade System and present the tracking code to customs.
11. Transport Insurance Policy
Mandatory to cover risks during transit; compensates losses in case of incidents.
12. Customs Declaration
The primary release document with exact quantity, value, product type, and origin; must be completed accurately.
1. Proforma Invoice
The initial document specifying price, quantity, payment terms, and product details. Register it in Iran’s National Trade System to obtain a tracking code to start clearance.
2. Commercial Invoice
Issued after finalizing the deal; includes final price, transport terms, and buyer/seller data. Critical for customs valuation and declaration.
3. Bill of Lading (B/L)
Core transport document indicating the mode and route from origin to destination; issued by the carrier and required for release.
4. Certificate of Origin (CO)
Issued by the origin country’s chamber of commerce; used for tariff assessment and trade agreement benefits.
5. Certificate of Analysis (COA)
From an accredited lab, detailing composition, purity, and physico-chemical properties to prove compliance with standards.
6. Government Permits
Ministry of Health (safety), Department of Environment (hazard profile), National Standards Organization (quality compliance).
7. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
Full safety profile covering hazards, storage, transport, and handling.
8. Inspection Certificate
In some cases, pre-shipment inspection by an accredited company to confirm conformity with order/specs.
9. Packing List
Detailed packages: type, quantity, weights, and dimensions—supports reconciliation with invoice and B/L.
10. Order Registration Certificate (NTSW)
All importers must register the order in the National Trade System and present the tracking code to customs.
11. Transport Insurance Policy
Mandatory to cover risks during transit; compensates losses in case of incidents.
12. Customs Declaration
The primary release document with exact quantity, value, product type, and origin; must be completed accurately.
Need the exact HS Code, permits, and a safety checklist? Our team manages the entire formic acid case end-to-end.
Request a pro-forma quoteFAQs
What is the HS Code for formic acid?
Formic acid is usually classified under 2915.11; final determination depends on presentation/form and technical documents.
Which permits are required for import?
Permits from the Ministry of Health, the Department of Environment, and in some cases the National Standards Organization, plus COA and MSDS.
How should formic acid be transported?
In line with dangerous goods rules (UN/IMDG/IATA), using corrosion-resistant packaging, proper labeling, and complete safety documentation.
Is border laboratory testing mandatory?
Yes; samples are referred to customs-approved laboratories to check purity and compliance with standards.
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Summary & Call to Action
Clearing formic acid—because of its corrosive nature and safety requirements—demands careful documentation and obtaining permits. With practical experience, Saba Tarkhis advances your case quickly and in full compliance.
Request expert consultation Get a clearance quotePremium Customs Services by Saba Brokerage
With years of experience in clearing chemical and hazardous goods, our team helps importers complete customs procedures in the best and fastest way. Services include:
- Specialized, professional consulting: guidance through every step and optimal strategies for permits and customs procedures.
- Obtaining required permits: handling all necessary permits from authorities such as the Ministry of Health, Standards Organization, and Department of Environment.
- Laboratory testing coordination: arranging the required tests to ensure product quality and compliance.
- Logistics coordination: ensuring safe packaging and transport with reputable carriers given the acid’s corrosive nature.
- Ongoing customs follow-up: from order registration to delivery, with rapid troubleshooting if issues arise.
