Customs Clearance of Inorganic Acids (Sulfuric, Nitric, Phosphoric, Hydrochloric) in Iran (HS Codes + Documents)

Inorganic (mineral) acids are widely used across industries due to their reactivity and foundational role in industrial processes. The most important include sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and hydrochloric acid. This guide reviews characteristics and applications, clearance requirements, HS Codes, documents, permits, and safe transport tips.

1) Detailed Description of Inorganic Acids & Clearance Considerations

Inorganic acids generally lack carbon and are composed of non-metal elements. For customs clearance, it is essential to state the exact formula/concentration, grade (industrial/food/lab), type of packaging (drum/IBC/corrosion-resistant tank), net/gross weight, country of origin/brand, and to provide the MSDS and, when required, a COA.

• Corrosion-resistant packaging, leak prevention, and compliance with GHS/IMDG (labels/pictograms/UN number).
• Document consistency (Invoice, Packing List, CO, COA, MSDS) with order registration and the customs declaration.
• Segregation from incompatible materials (especially bases and flammable organics) and proper ventilation.

2) Key Types & Applications

1) Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄)

Strong and widely used: phosphate fertilizers, oil refining, sulfates, metallurgy/metal purification, and lead–acid battery electrolyte. Highly corrosive.

2) Nitric Acid (HNO₃)

Powerful oxidizer: explosives (TNT, etc.), nitrogen fertilizers (ammonium nitrate), refining/metallurgy, and as a lab oxidant.

3) Phosphoric Acid (H₃PO₄)

Relatively weaker: phosphate fertilizers, food/beverage additive, detergents, pH adjustment, water treatment, metalworking, and pharmaceuticals.

4) Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)

Colorless solution with pungent odor: metal pickling/cleaning, base chemicals production, food industry (acidifier), and oil & gas operations. Strongly corrosive.

3) Key Steps & Notes for Clearance

1. Register the order in the National Trade System, specifying acid type, concentration, grade, packaging, and weight.
2. Arrange FX (if needed) and plan transport per dangerous goods rules (IMDG/ADR).
3. Prepare documents: Invoice, Packing List, B/L, CO, MSDS, and COA where required.
4. Customs declaration with correct HS and hazard class/safety labels indicated.
5. Inspection, possible sampling, and payment of duties/charges/VAT based on CIF.
6. Release and delivery to destination, maintaining segregation, ventilation, and PPE.

4) Common Tariff / HS Codes

Exact classification may vary with concentration, end-use grade (industrial/food), packaging type, and application.

5) Special Conditions for Import & Export

• Obtain necessary permits from competent authorities (Environmental Protection Organization, Ministry of Industry/Mines/Trade, and others where applicable).
• Comply with international packaging/transport standards (IMDG/ADR) and provide Persian-language labels.
• Warehouse safety monitoring: segregation from bases/incompatibles, temperature control, and adequate ventilation.

6) Iran Market

7) Trade Volume & Duties

Import duties and VAT are calculated based on CIF value. Import/export volumes depend on the needs of fertilizer, refining, metallurgy, food, and basic chemical industries.

8) Global Market

The mineral acids value chain is tied to fertilizers, energy, metallurgy, and food industries. Countries with advanced petrochemical/chemical infrastructure hold the main shares of production and exports.

9) Documents Required for Clearance

• Order registration in the National Trade System and FX allocation if needed.
• Invoice, B/L, Packing List, Certificate of Origin (CO).
• MSDS and, where applicable, COA; GHS-compliant hazard labels.
• Standards/health certificates, plus insurance documents and VAT payment records (if applicable).

10) Fast Clearance in Iran + Saba Brokerage Services

1. Accurate HS Code determination based on concentration/grade and packaging.
2. Transport planning per hazard class and IMDG/ADR requirements.
3. Complete file: Invoice, Packing List, B/L, CO, MSDS, COA, and conformity certificates.
4. Specialized customs declaration with technical specs, concentration, and safety labels.
5. Assessment, payment of duties/charges, and response to sampling/inspection if requested.
6. Release & delivery; monitor safety requirements and give brief training to buyer’s team.

Key Tips & Practical Advice

• For strong acids (H₂SO₄/HCl), mandatory segregation from bases and active metals; use compatible containers.
• For HNO₃, due to high oxidizing power, verify compatibility of packaging and equipment.
• For food-grade H₃PO₄, obtain health certificates and comply with national standards.
• Choose HS based on concentration/grade and packaging; misdeclaration leads to delays and penalties.

Media Suggestions

• Image file name: inorganic-acids-clearance-iran.jpg
• Alt Text: Customs clearance of inorganic acids in Iran
• Caption: “Inorganic acids clearance checklist: from order registration to safe delivery”
• Infographic: “Comparing HS Codes and documents for mineral acids”

Suggested Links

• Saba Tarkhis Customs Clearance Services
• HS Code Selection Guide
• Wikipedia, WTO, UN