.png)
Customs Clearance of Marine Safety Equipment in Iran (HS Codes + Documents & Permits)
Customs clearance of various marine safety equipment from customs is one of the most complex and critical stages in managing the maritime industry supply chain. Designed and manufactured to protect life and property in marine and ocean environments, these pieces of equipment are of strategic importance, each acting as an essential component in maritime safety and rescue. Given their sensitivity and significance, the clearance process requires full compliance with domestic and international laws and regulations as well as strict alignment with global standards.
For ETA and cost estimation of marine safety equipment clearance, contact the Saba Tarkhis experts.
Instant & Free Consultation1) Professional Overview of Marine Safety Equipment Types
Marine safety equipment comprises a set of devices and tools designed to prevent incidents and enable rapid, effective response in critical and emergency situations at sea. Below is a professional review of some of the most important equipment:
- Life Jackets: Life jackets are vital marine safety equipment designed to save lives in emergencies. Built from highly durable and buoyant materials, they keep a person afloat even in rough weather and heavy seas. Life jackets must be produced in accordance with international standards such as SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) and must successfully pass the required technical tests.
- Lifeboats: Lifeboats are among the most important safety assets aboard ships and offshore structures. They must withstand harsh marine conditions and are equipped with advanced communication and navigation systems. Lifeboats must be built under the supervision and approval of reputable international organizations and be capable of carrying a specified number of people in emergencies.
- Distress Signals: These include equipment such as emergency flashers, SOS radios, and GPS units designed to transmit distress signals and accurately locate vessels that are damaged or in danger. They must comply with international standards including those of the IMO (International Maritime Organization), and their flawless performance in crises must be ensured.
- Immersion Suits: Immersion suits are designed to rescue survivors from drowning and protect them against hypothermia and harsh weather. They must be manufactured from highly insulating materials and be able to retain body heat at low temperatures. Immersion suits must pass rigorous tests to verify performance under emergency conditions.
- Marine Fire Extinguishers: Designed for tackling fires in marine environments, these extinguishers must operate reliably in high humidity and severe weather. They must be produced and inspected in accordance with international safety and environmental standards.
2) HS Codes for Marine Safety Equipment
Marine safety equipment comprises devices and tools designed to prevent incidents and provide rapid, effective response in emergencies at sea. Below is a professional review of key items:
Life Jackets: Crucial for survival at sea. Different types include inflatable and automatic variants depending on vessel and conditions.
Customs Tariff Code: 63072000
Life Rafts:
Designed for emergencies; generally categorized as inflatable or rigid. They deploy automatically or manually and can accommodate a specified number of persons.
Customs Tariff Code: 89071000
Marine Signaling Lights:
Used to mark the position of ships and craft at night/low light and to enhance navigational safety.
Customs Tariff Code: 85318000
Emergency Rescue Devices (EPIRB):
EPIRBs transmit distress signals and precise positions of vessels and persons at sea. They are considered essential on board.
Customs Tariff Code: 85269120
Marine Fire Extinguishers:
Specially designed for marine use and resistant to humidity and corrosion. Mandatory on board for fire response.
Customs Tariff Code: 84241000
Immersion Suits:
Designed to protect a person against severe sea temperatures, preventing water ingress and helping retain body heat.
Customs Tariff Code: 62104000
Bilge Pumps (Emergency Dewatering):
Used to remove water from compartments of the vessel in emergencies and prevent ingress.
Customs Tariff Code: 84135090
Life Jackets: Crucial for survival at sea. Different types include inflatable and automatic variants depending on vessel and conditions.
Customs Tariff Code: 63072000
Life Rafts:
Designed for emergencies; generally categorized as inflatable or rigid. They deploy automatically or manually and can accommodate a specified number of persons.
Customs Tariff Code: 89071000
Marine Signaling Lights:
Used to mark the position of ships and craft at night/low light and to enhance navigational safety.
Customs Tariff Code: 85318000
Emergency Rescue Devices (EPIRB):
EPIRBs transmit distress signals and precise positions of vessels and persons at sea. They are considered essential on board.
Customs Tariff Code: 85269120
Marine Fire Extinguishers:
Specially designed for marine use and resistant to humidity and corrosion. Mandatory on board for fire response.
Customs Tariff Code: 84241000
Immersion Suits:
Designed to protect a person against severe sea temperatures, preventing water ingress and helping retain body heat.
Customs Tariff Code: 62104000
Bilge Pumps (Emergency Dewatering):
Used to remove water from compartments of the vessel in emergencies and prevent ingress.
Customs Tariff Code: 84135090
| Equipment | Short Description | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Life jacket | Buoyancy & personal protection | 63072000 |
| Rescue boat/raft | Inflatable/rigid, auto-deploy | 89071000 |
| Marine signaling light | Night navigation signals | 85318000 |
| EPIRB / emergency system | SOS transmission & location | 85269120 |
| Marine fire extinguisher | Moisture/corrosion resistant | 84241000 |
| Immersion suit | Thermal protection in water | 62104000 |
| Emergency bilge pump | Emergency dewatering | 84135090 |
The “Special Clearance Notes” section also references broader classifications like HS 8481 and HS 9306; final subheading determination depends on technical specs.
3) Importance & Specialized Applications of Marine Safety Equipment
Marine safety equipment is crucial across the maritime sector. Their use aboard all vessel types commercial ships, tankers, passenger ships, and naval vessels—is essential. Marine incidents can lead to irreparable human and financial catastrophes; hence safety equipment acts as the first and last line of defense against unforeseen events. In crises, such equipment decisively saves lives and mitigates losses. Ensuring safety at sea is also key to maintaining smooth global trade and maritime activity.
4) Specialized & Essential Notes for Clearing Marine Safety Equipment
Clearing marine safety equipment is a specialized, multi-faceted process requiring precise awareness of domestic and international rules, regulations, and standards. Key points include:
Technical documents & standards: Equipment must carry valid technical documents and standard approvals from bodies like IMO and SOLAS. These documents must be complete and presented to customs to avoid clearance issues.
Technical & quality inspections: Some equipment requires specialized inspections by customs experts and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with required standards and proper performance in emergencies.
Customs duties & tariff codes: Marine safety equipment is often classified under HS codes such as 8481 and 9306. Accurate code selection and correct duty calculation are crucial and directly impact the final import/export cost.
Technical documents & standards: Equipment must carry valid technical documents and standard approvals from bodies like IMO and SOLAS. These documents must be complete and presented to customs to avoid clearance issues.
Technical & quality inspections: Some equipment requires specialized inspections by customs experts and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with required standards and proper performance in emergencies.
Customs duties & tariff codes: Marine safety equipment is often classified under HS codes such as 8481 and 9306. Accurate code selection and correct duty calculation are crucial and directly impact the final import/export cost.
5) Documents for Clearing Marine Safety Equipment
1. Proforma Invoice:
An initial commercial document issued by the seller, including item details, price, payment terms, and delivery conditions; required to register the order and begin the import process.
2. Commercial Invoice:
A core document issued by the seller to the buyer, detailing quantities, unit prices, total value, payment terms, and other commercial information.
3. Packing List:
Specifies complete packing details, including number of packages, net/gross weight, packaging type, and dimensions—vital for verifying shipments.
4. Certificate of Origin:
Identifies the producing country; issued by the origin country’s chamber of commerce. Used for customs duty determination and preferential tariffs.
5. Import License:
For some equipment, import permits from relevant bodies—such as the Ports & Maritime Organization or the National Standards Organization of Iran—are mandatory prior to entry.
6. Certificate of Conformity (CoC):
Confirms equipment complies with international standards (e.g., SOLAS/IMO) and has passed all required tests and inspections; typically issued by an accredited body.
7. Pre-shipment Inspection Certificate:
Required for some goods; verifies that items were inspected and approved by an independent inspection company before shipment.
8. Bill of Lading:
Transport document issued by the carrier indicating title to the goods and transport conditions; essential for customs release.
9. Cargo Insurance Policy:
Evidence of insurance coverage during transport; provides compensation for potential transit losses.
10. Order Registration Certificate:
Issued by Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization confirming the import order has been officially registered.
11. Customs Declaration Form:
Provided by the importer, including full details of the goods, their value, tariff duties, and other import specifics.
12. Customs Clearance Permit:
Issued after all documents are reviewed and duties paid; authorizes goods to be released from customs.
13. Marine Transport Certificate:
May be required for certain items to confirm compliance with maritime transport safety regulations.
An initial commercial document issued by the seller, including item details, price, payment terms, and delivery conditions; required to register the order and begin the import process.
2. Commercial Invoice:
A core document issued by the seller to the buyer, detailing quantities, unit prices, total value, payment terms, and other commercial information.
3. Packing List:
Specifies complete packing details, including number of packages, net/gross weight, packaging type, and dimensions—vital for verifying shipments.
4. Certificate of Origin:
Identifies the producing country; issued by the origin country’s chamber of commerce. Used for customs duty determination and preferential tariffs.
5. Import License:
For some equipment, import permits from relevant bodies—such as the Ports & Maritime Organization or the National Standards Organization of Iran—are mandatory prior to entry.
6. Certificate of Conformity (CoC):
Confirms equipment complies with international standards (e.g., SOLAS/IMO) and has passed all required tests and inspections; typically issued by an accredited body.
7. Pre-shipment Inspection Certificate:
Required for some goods; verifies that items were inspected and approved by an independent inspection company before shipment.
8. Bill of Lading:
Transport document issued by the carrier indicating title to the goods and transport conditions; essential for customs release.
9. Cargo Insurance Policy:
Evidence of insurance coverage during transport; provides compensation for potential transit losses.
10. Order Registration Certificate:
Issued by Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization confirming the import order has been officially registered.
11. Customs Declaration Form:
Provided by the importer, including full details of the goods, their value, tariff duties, and other import specifics.
12. Customs Clearance Permit:
Issued after all documents are reviewed and duties paid; authorizes goods to be released from customs.
13. Marine Transport Certificate:
May be required for certain items to confirm compliance with maritime transport safety regulations.
6) Special Import/Export Conditions + Main Countries
Special import conditions apply to marine safety equipment entering Iran. All equipment must carry approvals from recognized standards bodies, and import permits from relevant organizations must be obtained where required such as approvals from the Ports & Maritime Organization. For exports, adherence to international standards is mandatory, and equipment must obtain the necessary certifications for the target market.
The principal exporters and importers of marine safety equipment are largely industrial countries. Imports into Iran mainly come from China, Germany, Japan, and the United States due to their technical and manufacturing capabilities. Iran, with a longstanding maritime industry, conducts limited exports of such equipment to neighboring and regional markets.
Need precise HS subheadings, SOLAS/IMO approvals, and document preparation? Our team manages the case end-to-end.
Request a Proforma QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What are the HS Codes for marine safety equipment?
As listed: life jacket 63072000, rescue boat 89071000, signaling light 85318000, EPIRB 85269120, marine fire extinguisher 84241000, immersion suit 62104000, bilge pump 84135090.
Which standards must be met?
Per the content, equipment must comply with international standards like SOLAS and IMO requirements, with technical/conformity documentation provided.
What are the main documents for clearance?
As listed: proforma, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, import license, CoC, pre-shipment inspection, B/L, insurance, order registration, customs declaration, clearance permit, and where applicable, marine transport certificate.
Media Suggestions
- Image file name:
marine-safety-equipment-customs-clearance-iran-hs-codes.jpg - Alt Text: Marine Safety Equipment Customs Clearance in Iran | SOLAS/IMO
- Caption: “HS Codes & clearance checklist for marine safety equipment.”
- Infographic: “Clearance roadmap: standards, documents, HS & permits.”
Suggested Links
Summary & Call to Action
For fast and accurate clearance of marine safety equipment in compliance with SOLAS/IMO and correct HS classification, leverage Saba Tarkhis’ experience.
Request Expert Consultation Get a Clearance ProformaPremium Customs Services by Saba Brokerage
With expertise in clearing maritime goods—especially marine safety equipment—our brokerage delivers premium services. Mastering customs rules and international standards, we manage the clearance process with speed, accuracy, and optimized costs.
Services include:
Specialized consulting: Legal and technical advisory across all import and clearance stages for marine safety equipment.
Document preparation & completion: Assistance in preparing, completing, and submitting all required technical and standards documentation to customs authorities.
Coordination with regulators: Liaison with relevant bodies such as the Ports & Maritime Organization and the National Standards Organization of Iran.
Continuous tracking & oversight: Monitoring all clearance stages from cargo arrival to customs release.
Technical inspections: Cooperation with technical experts to conduct required inspections and verify compliance with declared standards.
With these services, clients can clear their marine safety equipment quickly and confidently while ensuring adherence to international standards. As a trusted partner, we are committed to delivering best-in-class services for specialized maritime clearances.
