Customs Clearance of Propane and Mannitol

Customs Clearance of Propane and Mannitol

Propane

Key points in the propane customs clearance process

• Customs tariff (HS Code): Propane is classified under tariff code 27111200 in the Harmonized System.
• Required permits: For importing propane into Iran, permits from relevant authorities, including the Iran National Standards Organization and the Ministry of Oil, are mandatory. Due to propane’s hazardous nature, safety checks and complete documentation including a Safety Certificate are highly important.
• Essential documents: Required documents include the sales invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, and insurance documents. Depending on origin and conditions, additional documents such as a Certificate of Analysis (COA) may also be required.
• Quality control process: Iranian customs pays particular attention to quality control and conformity of propane shipments with international standards. Sampling and laboratory tests are typically performed on propane.

Propane import and export conditions

Propane trade volume and statistics

• Propane imports to Iran: Given access to vast oil and gas resources, Iran has limited need to import propane. However, limited imports are made to meet domestic demand.
• Propane exports from Iran: Iran is one of the largest propane exporters in the Middle East. Exports to Asian and European countries play an important role in Iran’s international trade.

Main propane exporters and importers

Exporters: Saudi Arabia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar are among the largest propane exporters worldwide.
Importers: Asian countries including China, Japan, and South Korea are the largest importers of propane.

Best practices for clearing propane

• Fast and effective clearance: To clear propane from Iranian customs, using experienced customs brokers familiar with all steps and necessary permits is highly beneficial. Ensuring full document readiness before the shipment arrives at customs can prevent potential delays.
• Standard transport: Using standard equipment and tanks for transporting propane is crucial both for safety and to avoid clearance issues.

Mannitol

Properties and characteristics of mannitol

As a sugar alcohol, mannitol has a natural sweetness of about 50 to 60 percent of sucrose, but with additional advantages. It is absorbed slowly in the human body and, due to not directly affecting blood glucose levels, is very suitable for people with diabetes. Mannitol also has osmotic activity, enabling it to act as a diuretic in specific medical applications.

Applications of mannitol

1. Food industry: In food manufacturing, mannitol is widely used as a low-calorie, tooth-friendly sweetener. It is especially used in foods for diabetic and diet products requiring precise control of calories and sugar levels. Thanks to its thermal stability, mannitol performs well in baking processes and in products such as sugar-free chocolates, chewing gums, and specialty breads.
2. Pharmaceutical industry: Mannitol plays a vital role in drug production and formulation. It is used as an effective diuretic in treating cerebral edema and reducing intracranial pressure (ICP). By reducing fluid volume in the body, mannitol helps decrease brain swelling. In addition, due to its stabilizing and anti-crystallization properties, it serves as an excipient in formulations to improve stability and enhance absorption of active ingredients. In injectable formulations, mannitol is used as a major component due to high compatibility and prevention of unwanted compositional changes.
3. Agriculture: Mannitol also plays an important role in agriculture. It is used as an anti-caking agent in chemical fertilizers, preventing formation of solid lumps and helping improve product quality and stability. Thanks to its ability to improve water and nutrient uptake, mannitol is also used in certain plant-protection formulations. These features make mannitol an effective additive in agricultural products.

Key considerations in mannitol customs clearance

• Customs tariff (HS Code): Mannitol is classified under tariff code 29054300.
• Mandatory permits: Clearing mannitol from customs requires permits from the Ministry of Health and the Food and Drug Organization. These permits are essential to ensure product quality and safety for pharmaceutical and food uses.
• Documents and required paperwork: In addition to standard documents such as sales invoice, bill of lading, and certificate of origin, a Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming product quality must also be provided.
• Quality control at customs: Due to its sensitive applications especially in pharmaceuticals mannitol is subject to strict quality controls at customs. Laboratory tests to confirm compliance with specified standards are an essential part of the clearance process.

Mannitol import and export requirements

Importing mannitol into Iran: Iran imports most of its required mannitol from producing countries in Asia and Europe. China and India are among the main suppliers.

Exporting mannitol from Iran: Mannitol exports from Iran are very limited and mostly shipped as a raw material to neighboring countries. Exports mainly go to countries whose food and pharmaceutical industries require this substance.

Trade volume and related statistics

• Mannitol imports to Iran: The volume of mannitol imports to Iran is continuously increasing due to industrial and pharmaceutical needs. These imports are mainly from Asian and European countries.
• Mannitol exports from Iran: Exports are relatively limited and mostly to regional countries such as Turkey and Arab states.

Main mannitol exporters and importers

Exporters: China, India, France, and the United States are among the largest global exporters of mannitol.
Importers: Iran, together with Middle Eastern countries and some European countries, are among the major importers of mannitol.

Best practices for clearing mannitol

• Use specialized brokers: Engaging a customs broker specialized in pharmaceutical and food products can streamline and accelerate mannitol clearance. Such brokers are fully familiar with permits and legal requirements.
• Pre-check documents: Preparing all required documents and reviewing them before submitting to customs can prevent potential delays.

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