Specialized Customs Clearance for Plant Products

Home › Customs Clearance Areas › Plant Products Clearance

Customs clearance of plant products in Iran is a vital and complex process that requires specialized knowledge and a deep understanding of customs laws and regulations. These products—which include a wide range of grains, fruits, vegetables, medicinal plants, and wood products—play a key role in supplying the country’s food, pharmaceutical, and industrial needs.

1) Categories of Plant Products and the Importance of Each

Plant products are divided into various categories, each used across different industries:

Cereals and Legumes

This category includes key products such as wheat, rice, corn, and soybeans—among the world’s primary food sources. Iran, as a major importer of these items, relies heavily on bulk imports from countries like Russia, Ukraine, and India.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh and dried fruits, vegetables, and processed products such as canned goods and juices fall under this category. Due to their high perishability, they require specific storage and refrigerated transport conditions.

Medicinal Plants and Spices

Iran is one of the largest producers of saffron, pistachios, and medicinal plants. These products have high added value and are exported to global markets.

Wood and Paper Products

Wood, paper, and forestry products are included here and are vital to various industries, including construction and paper manufacturing.

2) Importance and Applications of Plant Products Across Industries

Plant products serve as raw materials in diverse sectors including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and hygiene, paper and wood, and even biofuels. In the food industry they are primary nutrition sources. In pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors, medicinal plants and spices are used as inputs for drugs and hygiene products. In paper and wood industries, these products are raw materials for paper, cardboard, and wood items.

3) Customs Regulations and Tariffs for Plant Products

Customs regulations and tariffs for plant products under the Harmonized System (HS Code) are a major part of import and export procedures. The HS (Harmonized System of Description and Coding of Goods) is an international standard developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) for classifying and identifying goods. It enables member countries to use a common language to describe and classify goods in international trade. HS codes are key tools for determining customs tariffs and applying special import/export regulations for plant products.

4) Classification of Plant Products and the Importance of HS Codes in Trade

Each plant-product category has specific HS codes used not only for identifying goods but also for setting tariffs, securing permits, and enforcing sanitary and technical regulations. These codes help countries implement trade policies based on precise product classifications.

1. Grains and Seeds (HS Code 1001 to 1008)

This group includes products such as wheat, barley, corn, rice, oats, rye, and other cereals. HS codes are defined specifically for each grain:
Wheat: classified under HS 1001 and covers both hard and soft wheat types.
Rice: classified under HS 1006 and includes whole, semi-milled, and broken rice.
Corn: HS 1005 is assigned to corn, including field corn and sweet corn.

Customs tariffs for these products are determined by grain type and country of origin and can vary based on the importing country’s trade policies. For example, import duties on wheat from certain countries may be reduced under bilateral trade agreements.

2. Fruits and Vegetables (HS Code 0701 to 0814)

This category covers a wide range of fresh, frozen, dried, and processed products:
Vegetables: classified under HS 0701 to 0714 and include items such as potatoes (HS 0701), tomatoes (HS 0702), and leafy vegetables (HS 0704).
Fruits: HS 0801 to 0814 covers fresh and dried fruits. For example, bananas are HS 0803 and apples are HS 0808.

Tariffs on these products can vary by season, domestic demand, and country of origin. Beyond tariffs, some countries impose specific requirements such as sanitary standards and quarantine certificates for imports.

3. Tea and Coffee (HS Code 0901 to 0904)

Tea and coffee are high-value plant products in international trade with their own HS codes:
Tea: classified under HS 0902 and includes black, green, and other teas.
Coffee: HS 0901 includes green beans, roasted coffee, and instant coffee.

Tariffs for tea and coffee typically vary by producing country and processing level. Some countries set lower import duties to support domestic consumption, while others impose higher tariffs to protect local production.

5) Impact of HS Codes on Customs Regulations and Policies

HS codes play a crucial role in trade and customs policymaking. They are used not only to determine customs duties but also to set import/export rules, obtain sanitary permits, and ensure compliance with technical and quality standards. For example:
Obtaining sanitary and quarantine certificates: Many plant products require specific certificates due to health sensitivities. HS codes help implement these rules precisely and consistently worldwide.
Applying preferential tariffs: Countries may apply preferential tariffs based on bilateral or multilateral agreements. HS codes enable easy identification and application of eligible goods.

6) Challenges and Considerations in Using HS Codes

A key challenge in using HS codes is the need for accuracy and awareness of periodic updates. The WCO periodically reviews and updates HS to reflect changes in trade patterns and new products. Importers and exporters must always use the latest HS version to avoid legal and financial issues.

7) Steps for Clearing Plant Products Through Customs

1. Obtain a Phytosanitary Certificate: Required to prevent the entry of pests and plant diseases, this certificate must be issued by competent authorities in the country of origin.
2. Provide a Certificate of Origin: Mandatory to identify the producing country and apply relevant tariffs. Issued by the chamber of commerce in the origin country.
3. Secure import permits: Some plant products—due to sensitivity or special conditions—require permits from authorities such as the Ministry of Agriculture or the Food and Drug Organization.
4. Inspection and quality control: Given their sensitive and perishable nature, plant products require thorough sanitary and quality inspections, typically conducted by relevant agencies and quarantine laboratories.
5. Pay duties and taxes: After completing the above steps, the importer must pay customs duties and taxes to clear the goods.

8) Clearance and Warehousing Challenges for Plant Products

Due to high perishability, clearing and warehousing plant products involve multiple challenges. These items require specific conditions in terms of temperature, humidity, and transport speed. Improper temperatures can quickly degrade quality and cause spoilage. Maintaining optimal humidity prevents fungal growth and excessive drying. Fast, efficient logistics—especially for sensitive items—is critical. Delays in transport or clearance can cause serious losses.

In warehousing, product segregation, quick access to priority goods, and adhering to FIFO (first-in, first-out) are essential to prevent spoilage. Noncompliance with sanitary standards and customs rules can lead to serious problems such as seizure or return of goods.

Key solutions include using modern temperature and humidity control technologies, ongoing staff training, and partnering with reputable customs brokers and carriers. These actions improve efficiency and reduce risks in clearing and warehousing plant products.

9) Exporting and Importing Countries for Plant Products

As an importer in the region, Iran sources a large portion of its plant-product needs from China, India, Turkey, Brazil, and Ukraine. These countries, due to their extensive and diverse agricultural output, are primary suppliers for Iran’s market. Conversely, Iran plays a major role internationally by producing and exporting items such as saffron, pistachios, dates, and medicinal plants.

10) Global Trade Volume and Iran’s Position in International Markets

Global trade in plant products has grown significantly in recent years, and Iran holds a special position by exporting select products such as saffron and pistachios. Imports of plant products into Iran are also steadily increasing due to reliance on raw materials for domestic production and to meet food demand.

11) Saba Brokerage’s Specialized Services for Plant Products Clearance

With extensive experience and specialized knowledge in clearing plant products through customs, our brokerage offers comprehensive and diverse services, including:

Specialized Clearance Consulting

Our experts, fully versed in the latest customs and trade regulations, provide precise, specialized advice to importers and exporters—covering optimal clearance routes, duty cost reduction, and process acceleration.

Obtaining Required Permits and Certificates

Our specialized team diligently secures all necessary documents—phytosanitary certificates, certificates of origin, and other permits—so clearance proceeds without delays or issues.

Transport and Warehousing Management

Given the high sensitivity of plant products, we collaborate with a network of modern warehouses and reputable carriers to ensure optimal storage and transportation conditions for your goods.

Electronic and Online Tracking

A distinguishing service is real-time online tracking of the clearance process via electronic systems. Clients can monitor their shipment status at any time and act when needed.

Cost-Reduction Solutions

By analyzing clearance costs in detail, our experts offer practical solutions to reduce expenses and boost process efficiency, including use of preferential tariffs, shorter clearance times, and workflow optimization.

Ongoing Support and After-Clearance Services

We are committed to continuous support after clearance—covering guidance on storage, domestic transport, insurance, quality monitoring, and resolving potential issues in subsequent stages.

Choosing Saba Brokerage as your partner for plant products clearance ensures every step is executed accurately and efficiently—so you can confidently focus on other aspects of your business.

Multimedia Suggestions

• Image file name: terkhis-plant-products-hs.jpg
• Alt Text: Customs clearance of plant products in Iran and HS codes
• Caption: “Plant products clearance roadmap: from phytosanitary certificate to final release”
• Infographic: “5-step checklist for clearing plant products + documents and permits”

Suggested Links

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