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Lactic Acid Customs Clearance in Iran (HS Code + Documents & Permits)
Customs clearance of lactic acid — Lactic Acid (LA) is a key organic acid with wide applications across industries, especially in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics & personal care, and even biodegradable materials. Due to its specific properties, importing and clearing this material requires accuracy and obtaining the necessary permits from the competent authorities.
For timing and cost estimates of lactic acid clearance, contact Saba Tarkhis experts.
Instant free consultation1) Key Applications of Lactic Acid
Food industry: Lactic acid is a major input in foods. Beyond being a natural preservative, it adjusts product pH. It improves taste and texture in dairy, beverages, bread and bakery items, and helps extend shelf life thanks to its antibacterial properties.
Pharmaceuticals: Used as an acidity regulator in drug and supplement manufacturing. It can enhance drug absorption and is used in GI-targeted formulations.
Cosmetics & personal care: Owing to its exfoliating and humectant effects, lactic acid is a key active in skincare (creams, lotions, etc.). It helps remove dead cells and supports renewal.
Biodegradable polymers: A primary feedstock for polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable polymer used in packaging, eco-friendly bottles, and more—valued for high degradability and lower environmental impact.
Pharmaceuticals: Used as an acidity regulator in drug and supplement manufacturing. It can enhance drug absorption and is used in GI-targeted formulations.
Cosmetics & personal care: Owing to its exfoliating and humectant effects, lactic acid is a key active in skincare (creams, lotions, etc.). It helps remove dead cells and supports renewal.
Biodegradable polymers: A primary feedstock for polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable polymer used in packaging, eco-friendly bottles, and more—valued for high degradability and lower environmental impact.
2) Customs Tariff and HS Code
For lactic acid imports into Iran, the HS code is 2918.11.00. This falls under “Organic acids and their derivatives.” Using the correct code speeds up clearance and ensures accurate duty/VAT assessment.
| Item | Short description | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Lactic Acid | Food/Pharma/Cosmetic uses; PLA feedstock | 2918.11.00 |
Final subheading and rates depend on grade, purity, and packaging.
3) Critical Notes in the Lactic Acid Clearance Process
Due to sensitive end uses, strict technical and legal compliance is required:
Health and standards permits: Key step—obtain permits from regulators such as the Food & Drug Organization and Ministry of Health. Provide health certificates, lab analysis reports, and standards approvals, especially for food/pharma grades.
Quality & technical specs review: Conformity to national/international standards (concentration, purity, etc.). Lab results and credible COAs from origin are essential.
Documentation: Submit a complete file: Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, health certificates, and required permits. Accuracy expedites clearance.
Duties and import costs: Rights and taxes vary by quantity, origin, and trade terms. Preferential tariffs (where applicable) may reduce costs—review bilateral agreements and current schedules.
Health and standards permits: Key step—obtain permits from regulators such as the Food & Drug Organization and Ministry of Health. Provide health certificates, lab analysis reports, and standards approvals, especially for food/pharma grades.
Quality & technical specs review: Conformity to national/international standards (concentration, purity, etc.). Lab results and credible COAs from origin are essential.
Documentation: Submit a complete file: Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, health certificates, and required permits. Accuracy expedites clearance.
Duties and import costs: Rights and taxes vary by quantity, origin, and trade terms. Preferential tariffs (where applicable) may reduce costs—review bilateral agreements and current schedules.
4) Special Conditions for Import/Export
As a strategic chemical, lactic acid underpins multiple sectors in Iran. Its broad usage keeps demand high, so imports/exports are tightly regulated on sanitary and standards grounds.
5) Exporting Countries & Iran’s Import Volume
Main exporters to Iran: China, India, the United States, and Germany—large producers with strong compliance, serving Iran’s food, pharma, and bio-based markets. China has a notable role thanks to scale and pricing.
Import volume into Iran: Several thousand tonnes annually, driven by food and pharma demand. Given limited local capacity and capex/technology constraints, imports remain the primary supply channel.
Import volume into Iran: Several thousand tonnes annually, driven by food and pharma demand. Given limited local capacity and capex/technology constraints, imports remain the primary supply channel.
6) Iran’s Exports & Global Trade Trends
Importers from Iran: Regional neighbors such as Iraq and Afghanistan (export volumes smaller than imports but with growth potential via capacity and quality upgrades).
Global market: Multi-billion-dollar turnover driven by food/pharma use and fast growth in bio-based applications. Major exporters include China, the U.S., India, and Germany; major importers include Japan, South Korea, the U.S., France, and the UK.
Global market: Multi-billion-dollar turnover driven by food/pharma use and fast growth in bio-based applications. Major exporters include China, the U.S., India, and Germany; major importers include Japan, South Korea, the U.S., France, and the UK.
7) The Easiest, Most Reliable Way to Clear Lactic Acid
Work with an experienced customs broker specialized in chemicals. Key actions include:
Secure health/standards permits: Obtain MOH/FDO approvals (standards, COA, sanitary clearances) for sensitive grades.
Prepare flawless documentation: BL, CO, CI, PL must be accurate to avoid delays.
Tariff & cost optimization: Leverage preferences and correct HS classification to reduce duties.
Secure health/standards permits: Obtain MOH/FDO approvals (standards, COA, sanitary clearances) for sensitive grades.
Prepare flawless documentation: BL, CO, CI, PL must be accurate to avoid delays.
Tariff & cost optimization: Leverage preferences and correct HS classification to reduce duties.
8) Required Documents for Lactic Acid Clearance
Provide the following to accelerate customs release:
Bill of Lading (BL): Transport document with shipment details.
Certificate of Origin (CO): Country of production—used for preferences and accurate tariffing.
Commercial Invoice (CI): Price, terms, and deal details—basis for valuation.
Packing List (PL): Package count/type and weights to match at inspection.
Health Certificate: Mandatory for food/pharma applications—issued by origin authorities.
Import permit from the Food & Drug Organization: Confirms quality/safety for intended use.
Standards Certificate: Where applicable, proves conformity to specified standards.
Customs Declaration: Full and accurate product/quantity/value/HS info.
Laboratory Analysis Report: Detailed purity/quality parameters from a credible lab.
Cargo Insurance Policy: Coverage for transit risks (sum insured & terms stated).
Order registration in NIMA: Online order/FX allocation registration (where required).
Bill of Lading (BL): Transport document with shipment details.
Certificate of Origin (CO): Country of production—used for preferences and accurate tariffing.
Commercial Invoice (CI): Price, terms, and deal details—basis for valuation.
Packing List (PL): Package count/type and weights to match at inspection.
Health Certificate: Mandatory for food/pharma applications—issued by origin authorities.
Import permit from the Food & Drug Organization: Confirms quality/safety for intended use.
Standards Certificate: Where applicable, proves conformity to specified standards.
Customs Declaration: Full and accurate product/quantity/value/HS info.
Laboratory Analysis Report: Detailed purity/quality parameters from a credible lab.
Cargo Insurance Policy: Coverage for transit risks (sum insured & terms stated).
Order registration in NIMA: Online order/FX allocation registration (where required).
Need precise HS 2918.11.00, permits, and a clearance timeline? Our team manages end-to-end.
Request a proformaFAQs
What is the HS Code for lactic acid?
Commonly declared as 2918.11.00; final code depends on grade, purity, and packaging.
Which permits are required?
Permits from the Food & Drug Organization/Ministry of Health, health/standards certificates, and where applicable environmental approvals.
Key documents for customs declaration?
BL, CO, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, lab analysis report, Health Certificate, order registration, and insurance.
Best way to reduce import costs?
Use preferential agreements where available and an expert broker for correct HS selection and flawless documentation.
Media Suggestions
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Summary & Call to Action
For lactic acid cases (HS 2918.11.00), precise HS choice, health/standards permits, complete documentation, and tight scheduling are essential. Saba Tarkhis handles end-to-end operations quickly, transparently, and in full compliance.
Request expert consultation Get a clearance quoteSaba Brokerage – Specialized Services for Lactic Acid
One of Iran’s leading customs brokers for chemical goods such as lactic acid—offering comprehensive, specialized services to minimize time and cost. Highlights:
- Fast health & standards permits: Close coordination with MOH/FDO & standards bodies to prevent delays.
- Full document management: Expert handling of declarations, inspections, and clearances end-to-end.
- Tariff & cost consulting: Use preferences and correct tariffing to lower import costs.
- Expedited release: Proven processes to minimize lead times and avoid bottlenecks.
