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Customs clearance of packaging equipment (HS Codes + documents & permits)
Packaging machines play a key role in improving efficiency and product quality across industries. Proper packaging can increase product shelf life while offering better protection against environmental factors such as moisture, light, and impact. Therefore, packaging machines are used in a wide range of sectors including food, pharmaceutical, chemical, and industrial. Clearing these machines through customs is a sensitive and complex process that requires accuracy and thorough knowledge of customs laws and regulations.
Types of packaging machines and their applications
Packaging machines significantly improve efficiency and production speed across industries. Based on product type and market needs, they fall into multiple categories, each designed for specific applications. Customs clearance of these machines requires accurate identification of tariff codes (HS Codes) defined for each type.
1. Automatic packaging machines
These machines operate fully automatically and are typically used on mass-production lines and in large industries such as food, pharmaceutical, and industrial. They can package products with high speed and precision without manual intervention.
Applications:
Food industry: packaging dry foods, beverages, meat and protein products
Pharma: packaging tablets, capsules, and syrups
Home & personal care/chemicals: packaging detergents and hygiene products
Industrial: packaging electronic parts and equipment
HS Code:
Automatic packaging machines fall under HS 842230.
2. Semi-automatic packaging machines
These machines automate part of the process but still require manual steps. They are commonly used in workshops and mid-sized factories and suit lower outputs than fully automated lines.
Applications:
Small food producers: semi-industrial products
Local/home businesses: packaging home-made products
Cosmetics & hygiene: packaging cosmetic and personal-care items
HS Code:
Semi-automatic machines are classified under HS 842240.
3. Small & home packaging machines
Designed for small and home businesses, these compact machines use simpler technology and suit low-volume, simple packs.
Applications:
Home food packaging such as nuts, dried herbs, and tea
Handmade products and crafts such as soaps and candles
HS Code:
Small packaging machines fall under HS 842290.
4. Vacuum packaging machines
Vacuum machines remove air from packs and create a vacuum to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage. They are especially used for foods and air-sensitive products.
Applications:
Food: meat, vegetables, and perishable items
Pharma: packaging pharmaceutical materials
Electronics: moisture-sensitive components
HS Code:
Vacuum packaging machines are also classified under HS 842230.
5. Shrink packaging machines
Shrink machines use plastic film that, when heated, wraps tightly around the product. They are used for unit packs or bundling.
Applications:
Bundling bottles and cans in beverage lines
Packing electronics and industrial parts for transport
Packaging cosmetics and personal care products
HS Code:
Shrink machines are classified under HS 842240.
6. Sealer machines
These machines seal packages. They are commonly used for sealing bags, plastic boxes, and other packs that need a tight closure.
Applications:
Food such as dairy and frozen items
Pharma & hygiene: sealing pharmaceutical and hygiene products
HS Code:
Sealers are generally classified under HS 842240.
7. Cartoning/boxing machines
These machines pack products into cardboard cartons and are widely used in large industries such as food & beverages, electronics, and industrial goods.
Applications:
Packing beverages, packaged foods, and electronics
Packing industrial products and home appliances
HS Code:
Cartoning machines are classified under HS 842240.
8. Strapping machines
These machines strap large or bulky goods with strong bands to secure loads for safe transport.
Applications:
Unitizing pallets and large cartons
Securing heavy products such as construction materials and agricultural goods
HS Code:
Strapping machines are typically classified under HS 842240.
Exporter/importer countries for packaging machines & global trade volume
Packaging machinery is a core element of global production and distribution chains. Today, advanced industrial countries such as China, Germany, Italy, Japan, and South Korea are the largest producers and exporters of packaging machines. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovation, they manufacture high-performance machines that meet global standards and capture a major share of the world market.
Top exporting countries
China, as the largest global producer, accounts for a significant share of packaging-machine exports, supplying major markets in the Middle East, Africa, and large parts of Asia and Europe with competitive pricing and volume.
Germany and Italy, known for advanced technology and high quality industrial equipment, play key roles especially in food and pharma machinery serving European and American markets.
Japan and South Korea also export advanced systems, particularly for precision and electronics packaging, to both developed and developing countries.
Top importing countries
Countries such as Iran, India, Brazil, Mexico, and Turkey are among the largest importers, driven by expanding manufacturing sectors and the need for higher-quality, faster packaging.
The Middle East and Southeast Asia are also major import regions due to rapid growth in food and pharmaceutical industries.
Iran’s imports/exports of packaging machines
Iran is a major importer of packaging machinery in the Middle East. In recent years, driven by growth in domestic manufacturing and the food, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors, imports have risen significantly.
According to available estimates, Iran’s annual imports of packaging machines are around 1 billion USD, with a large share sourced from China, Germany, Italy, and South Korea. These machines play a vital role in upgrading domestic packaging quality and increasing production speed.
On the export side, Iran mainly ships to neighboring markets such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Central Asia. With mid-tech machines, Iran has covered part of these markets’ needs. Annual exports are estimated at about 50 million USD.
Global circulation of packaging machinery
The global packaging-machinery market is vibrant and growing. With rising worldwide demand for packaged goods, global trade in packaging machines is projected to exceed 60 billion USD by 2028. Key drivers include demand for high-quality packs, new machinery technologies, and the need for recyclable, eco-friendly packaging.
Leading global exporters
China: largest producer and exporter to both developing and industrialized countries.
Germany & Italy: leading exporters of high-quality machines for food and pharma.
Japan & South Korea: advanced producers of precision/electronics packaging machines.
Leading global importers
Iran, India, Brazil, Mexico & Turkey: major importers driven by rapid industrial growth.
Middle East & Southeast Asia: rely on imports due to fast economic and industrial expansion.
Documents required for clearing packaging machines
Customs clearance for packaging machinery is a sensitive, multi-step process requiring a set of documents aligned with Iranian customs law and international regulations to ensure speedy, problem-free release.
1. Proforma Invoice
The first and most important document. It includes machine specs, price, delivery terms, net/gross weight, and parties’ details. Accuracy matters because it underpins subsequent steps.
2. Commercial Invoice
Issued after final agreement; serves as the official sales invoice. It includes final price, payment terms, detailed specs, and agreed conditions. It must align fully with the proforma to avoid discrepancies and delays.
3. Packing List
Provides detailed information on packaging: number of packages, each package’s weight and dimensions, and packaging type—vital for customs inspection and cross-checking with other docs.
4. Certificate of Origin
Issued by the exporter country’s Chamber of Commerce, indicating the machines’ origin. It’s essential for tariff calculation and trade preferences and helps determine duties and taxes.
5. Order Registration Certificate
A key permit from Iran’s National Trade System (single window). It details product specifications, quantity, and value. Without it, imports are not permitted.
6. Catalogs and technical documents
Mandatory machine catalogs and technical files (operation, capacity, installation, and maintenance), prepared in Persian or English, to complete the customs dossier and support technical verification.
7. Inspection Certificate
In some cases, third-party inspection (e.g., SGS, Bureau Veritas) is required to confirm conformity with the order and expected standards.
8. Permits from related organizations
Especially for food/pharma applications, possible permits include:
Iran National Standards Organization: conformity with national/international standards.
Ministry of Industry, Mine & Trade: for order registration/import approval.
Iran FDA (Food & Drug Organization): when used for food/pharma packaging.
9. Cargo insurance certificate
Given the high value and sensitivity of these machines, transport insurance is essential, covering risks such as damage during transit; it should state policy type, coverage, and insurer.
10. Bill of Lading
A key transport document detailing mode of transport, package count/specs, carrier name, and final destination—ocean, air, or road—required for customs release.
11. Commitment to pay duties & taxes
After customs valuation, the importer must settle duties and taxes. The tariff is calculated per current schedules and the import’s value and varies by machine type and origin.
12. EPL system registration certificate
Registration in the integrated customs system (EPL) and obtaining an economic code is mandatory. It serves as the importer’s identifier for continuing the clearance process.
13. Customs Declaration
Submitted by the importer or legal representative, it must include all consignment details consistent with the commercial/proforma invoices and packing list.
Types of packaging machines and their applications
Packaging machines significantly improve efficiency and production speed across industries. Based on product type and market needs, they fall into multiple categories, each designed for specific applications. Customs clearance of these machines requires accurate identification of tariff codes (HS Codes) defined for each type.
1. Automatic packaging machines
These machines operate fully automatically and are typically used on mass-production lines and in large industries such as food, pharmaceutical, and industrial. They can package products with high speed and precision without manual intervention.
Applications:
Food industry: packaging dry foods, beverages, meat and protein products
Pharma: packaging tablets, capsules, and syrups
Home & personal care/chemicals: packaging detergents and hygiene products
Industrial: packaging electronic parts and equipment
HS Code:
Automatic packaging machines fall under HS 842230.
2. Semi-automatic packaging machines
These machines automate part of the process but still require manual steps. They are commonly used in workshops and mid-sized factories and suit lower outputs than fully automated lines.
Applications:
Small food producers: semi-industrial products
Local/home businesses: packaging home-made products
Cosmetics & hygiene: packaging cosmetic and personal-care items
HS Code:
Semi-automatic machines are classified under HS 842240.
3. Small & home packaging machines
Designed for small and home businesses, these compact machines use simpler technology and suit low-volume, simple packs.
Applications:
Home food packaging such as nuts, dried herbs, and tea
Handmade products and crafts such as soaps and candles
HS Code:
Small packaging machines fall under HS 842290.
4. Vacuum packaging machines
Vacuum machines remove air from packs and create a vacuum to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage. They are especially used for foods and air-sensitive products.
Applications:
Food: meat, vegetables, and perishable items
Pharma: packaging pharmaceutical materials
Electronics: moisture-sensitive components
HS Code:
Vacuum packaging machines are also classified under HS 842230.
5. Shrink packaging machines
Shrink machines use plastic film that, when heated, wraps tightly around the product. They are used for unit packs or bundling.
Applications:
Bundling bottles and cans in beverage lines
Packing electronics and industrial parts for transport
Packaging cosmetics and personal care products
HS Code:
Shrink machines are classified under HS 842240.
6. Sealer machines
These machines seal packages. They are commonly used for sealing bags, plastic boxes, and other packs that need a tight closure.
Applications:
Food such as dairy and frozen items
Pharma & hygiene: sealing pharmaceutical and hygiene products
HS Code:
Sealers are generally classified under HS 842240.
7. Cartoning/boxing machines
These machines pack products into cardboard cartons and are widely used in large industries such as food & beverages, electronics, and industrial goods.
Applications:
Packing beverages, packaged foods, and electronics
Packing industrial products and home appliances
HS Code:
Cartoning machines are classified under HS 842240.
8. Strapping machines
These machines strap large or bulky goods with strong bands to secure loads for safe transport.
Applications:
Unitizing pallets and large cartons
Securing heavy products such as construction materials and agricultural goods
HS Code:
Strapping machines are typically classified under HS 842240.
Exporter/importer countries for packaging machines & global trade volume
Packaging machinery is a core element of global production and distribution chains. Today, advanced industrial countries such as China, Germany, Italy, Japan, and South Korea are the largest producers and exporters of packaging machines. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovation, they manufacture high-performance machines that meet global standards and capture a major share of the world market.
Top exporting countries
China, as the largest global producer, accounts for a significant share of packaging-machine exports, supplying major markets in the Middle East, Africa, and large parts of Asia and Europe with competitive pricing and volume.
Germany and Italy, known for advanced technology and high quality industrial equipment, play key roles especially in food and pharma machinery serving European and American markets.
Japan and South Korea also export advanced systems, particularly for precision and electronics packaging, to both developed and developing countries.
Top importing countries
Countries such as Iran, India, Brazil, Mexico, and Turkey are among the largest importers, driven by expanding manufacturing sectors and the need for higher-quality, faster packaging.
The Middle East and Southeast Asia are also major import regions due to rapid growth in food and pharmaceutical industries.
Iran’s imports/exports of packaging machines
Iran is a major importer of packaging machinery in the Middle East. In recent years, driven by growth in domestic manufacturing and the food, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors, imports have risen significantly.
According to available estimates, Iran’s annual imports of packaging machines are around 1 billion USD, with a large share sourced from China, Germany, Italy, and South Korea. These machines play a vital role in upgrading domestic packaging quality and increasing production speed.
On the export side, Iran mainly ships to neighboring markets such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Central Asia. With mid-tech machines, Iran has covered part of these markets’ needs. Annual exports are estimated at about 50 million USD.
Global circulation of packaging machinery
The global packaging-machinery market is vibrant and growing. With rising worldwide demand for packaged goods, global trade in packaging machines is projected to exceed 60 billion USD by 2028. Key drivers include demand for high-quality packs, new machinery technologies, and the need for recyclable, eco-friendly packaging.
Leading global exporters
China: largest producer and exporter to both developing and industrialized countries.
Germany & Italy: leading exporters of high-quality machines for food and pharma.
Japan & South Korea: advanced producers of precision/electronics packaging machines.
Leading global importers
Iran, India, Brazil, Mexico & Turkey: major importers driven by rapid industrial growth.
Middle East & Southeast Asia: rely on imports due to fast economic and industrial expansion.
Documents required for clearing packaging machines
Customs clearance for packaging machinery is a sensitive, multi-step process requiring a set of documents aligned with Iranian customs law and international regulations to ensure speedy, problem-free release.
1. Proforma Invoice
The first and most important document. It includes machine specs, price, delivery terms, net/gross weight, and parties’ details. Accuracy matters because it underpins subsequent steps.
2. Commercial Invoice
Issued after final agreement; serves as the official sales invoice. It includes final price, payment terms, detailed specs, and agreed conditions. It must align fully with the proforma to avoid discrepancies and delays.
3. Packing List
Provides detailed information on packaging: number of packages, each package’s weight and dimensions, and packaging type—vital for customs inspection and cross-checking with other docs.
4. Certificate of Origin
Issued by the exporter country’s Chamber of Commerce, indicating the machines’ origin. It’s essential for tariff calculation and trade preferences and helps determine duties and taxes.
5. Order Registration Certificate
A key permit from Iran’s National Trade System (single window). It details product specifications, quantity, and value. Without it, imports are not permitted.
6. Catalogs and technical documents
Mandatory machine catalogs and technical files (operation, capacity, installation, and maintenance), prepared in Persian or English, to complete the customs dossier and support technical verification.
7. Inspection Certificate
In some cases, third-party inspection (e.g., SGS, Bureau Veritas) is required to confirm conformity with the order and expected standards.
8. Permits from related organizations
Especially for food/pharma applications, possible permits include:
Iran National Standards Organization: conformity with national/international standards.
Ministry of Industry, Mine & Trade: for order registration/import approval.
Iran FDA (Food & Drug Organization): when used for food/pharma packaging.
9. Cargo insurance certificate
Given the high value and sensitivity of these machines, transport insurance is essential, covering risks such as damage during transit; it should state policy type, coverage, and insurer.
10. Bill of Lading
A key transport document detailing mode of transport, package count/specs, carrier name, and final destination—ocean, air, or road—required for customs release.
11. Commitment to pay duties & taxes
After customs valuation, the importer must settle duties and taxes. The tariff is calculated per current schedules and the import’s value and varies by machine type and origin.
12. EPL system registration certificate
Registration in the integrated customs system (EPL) and obtaining an economic code is mandatory. It serves as the importer’s identifier for continuing the clearance process.
13. Customs Declaration
Submitted by the importer or legal representative, it must include all consignment details consistent with the commercial/proforma invoices and packing list.
For time and cost estimates of clearing packaging machines & supplies, contact Saba Tarkhis experts.
Instant free consultationKey HS Codes for packaging machines (summary)
| Machine type | Key application | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic/Vacuum machines | Food/Pharma/Vacuum | 842230 |
| Semi-auto/Shrink/Sealer/Cartoning/Strapping | General packaging | 842240 |
| Small & home machines | Small businesses | 842290 |
Final HS classification depends on application, capabilities, accessories, and line capacity.
Practical tips for fast, hassle-free clearance
- Ensure HS Code fully matches catalogs and technical documents.
- Prepare required standards certificates (national/Food & Drug where applicable).
- Provide a precise Packing List (dimensions, weight, number of packages) to speed inspection.
- Plan ahead for cargo insurance and select the right mode (sea/air).
- Register on time in the National Trade System and obtain relevant permits.
Need tariff classification, document prep, and national/Food & Drug permits? Our team manages the entire file end-to-end.
Request proforma quotationFAQs
What’s the HS Code for my packaging machine?
Depends on type/use: Automatic/Vacuum 842230; Semi-auto/Shrink/Sealer/Cartoning/Strapping 842240; Small/Home 842290.
Which permits are required for import?
Order registration (MOIMT), national standards approval, and—if for food/pharma—permit from the Iran FDA; plus technical catalogs.
Which documents speed up clearance?
Accurate invoice & proforma, complete Packing List, Certificate of Origin, B/L, insurance, inspection certificate, and standards docs/catalogs.
Media suggestions
- Image file name:
packaging-machines-customs-clearance-iran-hs-8422.jpg - Alt Text: Customs clearance of packaging machines in Iran | HS 8422
- Caption: «Clearance roadmap: HS Codes, standards documents, and permits for sensitive industries»
- Infographic: «842230/842240/842290 classification + document checklist»
Suggested links
Summary & call to action
Rely on practical experience and deep knowledge of standards and documentation to clear packaging machines quickly and confidently.
Request expert consultation Get a clearance proformaSpecial customs-clearance services by Saba Brokerage
Clearing packaging machines requires experience and expertise due to technical complexities and multiple permits from various bodies. A leading company in this field—with years of experience clearing industrial machinery—offers comprehensive end-to-end services and can assist importers at every step.
Specialized consulting for order registration & permits: Given legal sensitivities and diverse permits, expert consulting helps importers obtain all approvals on time and avoid delays.
Standards & quality control follow-up: All approvals for standards and quality control are pursued to ensure machines enter the country compliant with national and international standards.
Fast, trouble-free clearance: With a professional team and strong customs connections, clearance is executed in the shortest possible time at minimal cost.
Safe insurance & transport: Given the high value and sensitivity of packaging machines, transport and insurance are carefully managed to prevent potential losses.
Transparency & communication: Every stage is reported online and transparently; any questions are handled immediately by the support team.
Leveraging these specialized services enables importers to complete clearance confidently and on time, minimizing potential issues. With its comprehensive offering, this company is a smart choice for facilitating the clearance of industrial goods.
