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Lactose Customs Clearance in Iran (HS Code + Documents and Permits)
Lactose customs clearance: Lactose, also known as milk sugar, is a natural substance widely used in various industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. This sugar is extracted from milk and other dairy products and plays a key role in producing a wide range of products, including infant formula, sports supplements, and gastrointestinal medicines. Given the strategic importance of lactose across industries and its high sensitivity in health and nutrition, importing and clearing this substance from customs requires attention to technical details and strict compliance with customs regulations.
For estimating the time and cost of Lactose Customs Clearance, contact the Saba Tarkhis experts.
Instant Free Consultation1) Specialized Applications of Lactose
Lactose is used across different industries due to its unique properties. Below are some key applications:
Food Industry: Lactose is used as a natural sweetener and texture improver in products such as infant formula, desserts, biscuits, chocolates, and even lactose-free dairy products. Its specific features—extending shelf life and improving texture—make it highly effective in this industry.
Pharmaceutical Industry: In pharmaceuticals, lactose is used as a filler in tablets and capsules. High solubility and the ability to enhance absorption of active ingredients are advantages of lactose in this field. Due to high purity and accurate dosing, lactose is widely used in oral medicines.
Cosmetics and Personal Care: Lactose plays an important role in skincare products. It acts as a natural humectant and softening agent in creams and lotions. Its presence in formulations increases moisture retention and improves skin health.
Food Industry: Lactose is used as a natural sweetener and texture improver in products such as infant formula, desserts, biscuits, chocolates, and even lactose-free dairy products. Its specific features—extending shelf life and improving texture—make it highly effective in this industry.
Pharmaceutical Industry: In pharmaceuticals, lactose is used as a filler in tablets and capsules. High solubility and the ability to enhance absorption of active ingredients are advantages of lactose in this field. Due to high purity and accurate dosing, lactose is widely used in oral medicines.
Cosmetics and Personal Care: Lactose plays an important role in skincare products. It acts as a natural humectant and softening agent in creams and lotions. Its presence in formulations increases moisture retention and improves skin health.
2) Customs Tariff (HS Code) for Lactose
The tariff (HS Code) for importing and exporting lactose is 17021100. Defined under the global classification for sugars and lactose products, this code must be used in customs documentation for fast and accurate clearance. Any incorrect declaration may cause delays and issues during customs processing.
| Product | Short Description | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Lactose (Lactose) | Milk sugar for food/pharma/cosmetic industries | 17021100 |
Note: Final classification may depend on presentation (food/pharma grade), purity, granulation, and declared use; ready-made pharmaceutical dosage forms may be declared under Chapter 3004 as applicable.
3) Documents Required for Lactose Clearance
Clearing lactose from customs requires specific documents prepared per domestic and international rules. These include:
Health Permit: Given widespread use in food and pharma, importing lactose requires health permits from competent authorities such as the Food and Drug Organization or the Ministry of Health. These ensure compliance with sanitary and quality standards.
Certificate of Analysis (COA): Confirms chemical composition, purity percentage, and physical/chemical characteristics of lactose. It must be issued by accredited international laboratories and facilitates customs clearance.
Customs Declaration: Accurate completion is essential. It must include all details such as quantity, weight, value, HS code, and country of origin. Incorrect or incomplete information can cause problems and delays.
Purchase Invoice and Bill of Lading: Vital documents containing precise information such as price, import volume, transport terms, and exact shipment details—submitted at declaration and used in legal and fiscal checks.
Health Permit: Given widespread use in food and pharma, importing lactose requires health permits from competent authorities such as the Food and Drug Organization or the Ministry of Health. These ensure compliance with sanitary and quality standards.
Certificate of Analysis (COA): Confirms chemical composition, purity percentage, and physical/chemical characteristics of lactose. It must be issued by accredited international laboratories and facilitates customs clearance.
Customs Declaration: Accurate completion is essential. It must include all details such as quantity, weight, value, HS code, and country of origin. Incorrect or incomplete information can cause problems and delays.
Purchase Invoice and Bill of Lading: Vital documents containing precise information such as price, import volume, transport terms, and exact shipment details—submitted at declaration and used in legal and fiscal checks.
4) Special Conditions for Importing and Exporting Lactose
Import and export of lactose are subject to specific customs and sanitary regulations. Given its importance in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, importing lactose is crucial for countries like Iran that require large volumes. Exports especially from countries with extensive dairy production form an important part of global trade.
5) Lactose Imports and Exports to/from Iran
Due to insufficient domestic production, Iran largely imports lactose from major producing countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, the United States, France, and other European nations recognized for strong infrastructure and advanced dairy technology. Demand is high across food, health, and pharmaceutical sectors. Although domestic lactose production is limited, small-scale exports occasionally go to neighboring markets such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Overall, given low domestic capacity, exports are limited while most domestic demand is met through imports.
6) Lactose Import and Export Volume to Iran
Iran’s lactose imports reach several thousand tons annually, mainly due to broad demand in food and pharmaceutical industries. Growing demand makes lactose imports vital for many plants. As noted, exports from Iran are limited given low domestic production and are largely focused on neighboring countries in the region.
7) Global Lactose Circulation and Key Players
Global circulation of lactose is extensive due to its critical role in food and pharma. Leading producers such as the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, and France account for the largest share of global exports supplying millions of tons annually thanks to advanced industrial infrastructure and high production capacity. In addition, Asian countries such as China and India are among the largest importers, absorbing a significant portion of global demand. Major importers—including China, India, and several Middle Eastern countries such as Iran are driven by population growth and rapid development of food and pharmaceutical industries.
8) Documents and Papers Required for Lactose Clearance
To import lactose into Iran and clear it from customs, prepare and present specific documents to ensure product safety, quality, and full customs compliance.
1. Health Permit from the Food and Drug Organization
Mandatory due to widespread use in food and pharma. Confirms the imported lactose meets sanitary standards and is safe for intended industrial uses.
2. Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Specifies composition and purity of lactose usually issued by accredited laboratories and submitted to customs. Indicates quality and compliance with international standards.
3. Customs Declaration
Completed by the importer and submitted to customs, including HS Code, country of origin, quantity, price, and other particulars. Accurate preparation is key to avoiding delays.
4. Commercial Invoice
Issued by the seller, containing the price, quantity, and exact specifications of the imported lactose used by customs for valuation and duty calculation.
5. Bill of Lading
Issued by the carrier, indicating shipment type, destination, and transport details submitted to customs to confirm proper routing and conditions.
6. Certificate of Origin
Shows the exporting country usually issued by the origin country’s chamber of commerce and may be required for preferential tariffs.
7. Insurance Certificate
Covers shipment risks such as damage or loss during transport an important document in clearance.
8. Proforma Invoice
Issued before purchase/shipment and includes price, payment terms, and delivery time important in initial import stages and parties’ agreement.
9. Inspection Certificate
In some cases, the lactose shipment is inspected by international inspection companies before dispatch verifying quality and compliance with required standards.
1. Health Permit from the Food and Drug Organization
Mandatory due to widespread use in food and pharma. Confirms the imported lactose meets sanitary standards and is safe for intended industrial uses.
2. Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Specifies composition and purity of lactose usually issued by accredited laboratories and submitted to customs. Indicates quality and compliance with international standards.
3. Customs Declaration
Completed by the importer and submitted to customs, including HS Code, country of origin, quantity, price, and other particulars. Accurate preparation is key to avoiding delays.
4. Commercial Invoice
Issued by the seller, containing the price, quantity, and exact specifications of the imported lactose used by customs for valuation and duty calculation.
5. Bill of Lading
Issued by the carrier, indicating shipment type, destination, and transport details submitted to customs to confirm proper routing and conditions.
6. Certificate of Origin
Shows the exporting country usually issued by the origin country’s chamber of commerce and may be required for preferential tariffs.
7. Insurance Certificate
Covers shipment risks such as damage or loss during transport an important document in clearance.
8. Proforma Invoice
Issued before purchase/shipment and includes price, payment terms, and delivery time important in initial import stages and parties’ agreement.
9. Inspection Certificate
In some cases, the lactose shipment is inspected by international inspection companies before dispatch verifying quality and compliance with required standards.
Need precise HS 17021100 and health/COA approvals? Our team manages the entire case end-to-end.
Submit Proforma RequestFrequently Asked Questions
What is the HS Code for lactose and when can it change?
Lactose is typically declared under 17021100; however, ready-made pharmaceutical dosage forms may, as applicable, fall under Chapter 3004. Purity, grade, and declared use are decisive.
Which permits are required to import lactose?
Permit from the Food and Drug Organization/Ministry of Health, a COA from an accredited lab, and a completed customs declaration. Depending on end use (food/pharma), additional standards approvals may be required.
Which documents help speed up clearance?
Accurate invoice, complete packing list, COA, certificate of origin, transport insurance, bill of lading, and a properly completed declaration. Consistency across documents prevents delays.
Multimedia Suggestions
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lactose-customs-clearance-iran.jpg - Alt Text: Lactose customs clearance in Iran | HS 17021100
- Caption: «From HS determination to Health Permit and COA: the fast path to clearing lactose»
- Infographic: «Document checklist (Invoice/PL/COA/CO/BL) and clearance steps»
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Conclusion and Call to Action
Cases of lactose clearance given food/pharma applications require precise HS 17021100, health permits, and complete documentation. Saba Tarkhis manages the entire process quickly and in full compliance.
Request Expert Consultation Get a Clearance ProformaSpecial Services for Lactose Clearance by Saba Brokerage
As one of Iran’s most reputable customs brokerages, we provide specialized services designed to facilitate and accelerate lactose clearance. These services include:
- Specialized Consulting: Professional guidance on customs rules and health permits helping importers grasp legal details and optimize import costs.
- Obtaining Health Permits and Standards: Rapid handling of required health and standards approvals from relevant authorities.
- Preparing and Filing Customs Declarations: Accurate compilation and filing in line with the latest legal changes.
- Tracking All Customs Steps: From arrival to final clearance with coordination across agencies, duties/taxes follow-up, and practical acceleration strategies.
- Cost-Effective Solutions: Proposals to reduce customs costs and optimize the clearance process through detailed analysis of import conditions and tax/tariff rules.
