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Customs Clearance of Sorbitol Powder in Iran (HS Code + Documents and Permits)

Customs clearance of sorbitol powder sorbitol powder is one of the most widely used materials in the food, pharmaceutical, and hygiene industries, broadly used as an artificial sweetener and sugar alcohol. Scientifically known as E420, this compound has high moisture absorbency, chemical stability, and low-calorie characteristics. These properties make sorbitol a popular ingredient in producing low-calorie products suitable for people who require special diets (such as diabetic patients). Importing this product into Iran requires strict compliance with customs regulations and obtaining specific permits from relevant authorities.
Explanation of the clearance steps for this product

To estimate the time and cost of sorbitol powder clearance, contact the experts at Saba Tarkhis.

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1) Applications of Sorbitol Powder

Thanks to its special properties, sorbitol has applications across several industries:
Food industry: Sorbitol is used as a sugar substitute sweetener in products such as sugar-free confectionery, diabetic chocolates, diet soft drinks, and low-calorie dairy products. Because sorbitol does not spike blood sugar, it is highly suitable for people with diabetes and is widely used in low-calorie diets.
Pharmaceutical industry: In drug manufacturing, sorbitol functions as a stabilizer and preservative. It is also used in medicinal syrups, dietary supplement tablets, and chewable tablets as a safe option suitable for diabetic patients.
Cosmetics and personal care: Sorbitol’s humectant properties make it useful in creams, lotions, skincare products, toothpaste, and even shampoos. Because it can attract moisture from the air, it helps retain moisture in skin and hair.

2) Customs Tariff Code (HS Code) for Sorbitol Powder

Sorbitol powder is classified under the customs tariff code 29054490 among chemicals and sugar alcohol sweeteners. This code determines the customs duties and tariffs payable upon import. Accurate entry of this code in the customs declaration is highly important, as any error may result in clearance delays or even customs penalties.
Product Short Description HS Code
Sorbitol Powder (E420) Low-calorie sweetener, sugar alcohol 29054490

Final classification depends on presentation form, purity, food/pharma standards, and declared application.

3) Steps to Clear Sorbitol Powder from Customs

Clearing sorbitol powder from customs requires several specific steps, explained fully below:
Order registration in the National Trade System: The first step for importing sorbitol powder is registering the order in Iran’s National Trade System. At this stage, the importer must provide accurate information about the product type, import volume, and the origin and destination countries. Accurate and complete data entry is critical for subsequent permit issuance.

Obtaining health permits: Since sorbitol powder is used in food and pharmaceuticals, permits from the Food and Drug Organization are required. These permits confirm that the imported product complies with Iran’s food safety and hygiene standards.

Preparing and submitting the customs declaration: To complete the import process, the customs declaration must be prepared and submitted. At this stage, precise submission of documents such as the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and Certificate of Analysis (COA) is essential. The declaration must include all product details, including the HS Code and information regarding value and origin.

Physical inspection and document verification: After submitting the documents, the goods may undergo physical inspection to verify the accuracy of the information provided in the declaration. This is particularly important for goods that come into direct contact with end consumers (such as food and pharmaceutical products).

Payment of customs duties and taxes: At this stage, customs duties and value-added tax (VAT), along with other related costs, must be paid. Failure to pay these fees on time can lead to clearance delays and increased warehousing costs at customs.

Final release of goods: After all inspections are completed and fees paid, customs issues the release order, and the sorbitol powder is ready to be delivered to the importer.

4) Special Import Conditions for Sorbitol Powder

Because sorbitol powder is widely used across industries—especially food and pharmaceuticals—it is subject to strict health and quality controls. Importing this substance into Iran requires compliance with specific rules and regulations set by various authorities, including the Food and Drug Organization.
Health and oversight controls:
Since sorbitol powder in food and pharmaceutical products directly concerns consumer health, its import must be conducted under strict hygiene regulations. For clearance, the Food and Drug Organization reviews and approves the relevant permits. Importers must ensure the imported product meets required safety, hygiene, and quality standards.

Quality standards and compliance with international regulations:
Sorbitol powder must comply with international standards and Iran’s national standards. These include criteria such as purity, stability, and the product’s physical and chemical properties. Non-compliance may result in goods being returned, held at customs, or even import bans.

Storage and transport conditions:
Sorbitol powder can lose quality if stored improperly. Due to its hygroscopic nature, it should be kept in sealed containers in dry, cool environments. Transport must also account for humidity and temperature, especially in high-humidity regions that can affect product quality.

5) Import and Export Volumes of Sorbitol Powder to Iran

Sorbitol powder is widely used in Iran’s food and pharmaceutical industries. Because domestic production is limited, the need to import it from international markets is very high. Each year, a significant volume of sorbitol powder is imported into Iran to meet industrial demand.
Imports of sorbitol powder to Iran: China, India, France, and Turkey are the main suppliers of sorbitol powder to the Iranian market. Owing to their capacity for high-volume, quality production, these countries play a key role in meeting Iran’s food and pharmaceutical needs.
Exports of sorbitol powder from Iran: Due to limited domestic production, exports of sorbitol powder from Iran are very low. Most domestic production is focused on meeting local demand, and exports are highly limited.

6) Global Circulation of Sorbitol Powder

Sorbitol powder is heavily consumed globally and has a very large international market. China, as the largest producer of sorbitol powder in the world, supplies a major portion of global demand. Other countries such as France, Germany, and the United States also play important roles in production and compete in the global market.
Main exporting countries:
China: the world’s largest producer and exporter of sorbitol powder.
France and Germany: other leading countries producing high-quality sorbitol for export. India: one of the major producers, exporting mainly to Asian and Middle Eastern countries.
Main importing countries:
Middle Eastern countries—especially Iran—are among the largest importers of sorbitol powder. The product is widely imported in this region for use in food and pharmaceuticals. European and Asian countries also constitute major consumer markets due to high demand from pharmaceutical and hygiene industries.

7) Required Documents for Sorbitol Powder Clearance

Clearing sorbitol powder from customs requires submitting a set of precisely and completely prepared documents. These ensure the import complies with Iran’s customs laws and that the goods are cleared without issues. The main required documents are listed below:
  • Commercial Invoice
    One of the most important documents, providing complete details of the purchase from the foreign seller, including price, quantity, and weight. This invoice serves as the basis for calculating customs costs and must be accurate and transparent.
  • Packing List
    This list specifies packaging details such as the number, dimensions, and weight of packages. It helps customs accurately inspect the goods and reconcile them with the declaration.
  • Certificate of Origin
    Issued by the exporting country’s Chamber of Commerce, this certificate indicates the origin country of the sorbitol powder. It is important for tariff determination and, in some cases, may help obtain tariff preferences.
  • Health Permit and Food & Drug Organization Approval
    Because sorbitol powder is used in food and pharmaceuticals, relevant health permits from the Food and Drug Organization must be obtained. These confirm the product meets national safety and hygiene standards.
  • Certificate of Analysis (COA)
    Issued by the manufacturer, this certificate contains details on the quality and chemical composition of the sorbitol powder. It is essential to confirm the goods match the declared specifications.
  • Customs Declaration
    This document includes comprehensive information such as quantity, weight, value, and the HS Code. For sorbitol powder, the HS Code 29054490 is used. Accurate information in the declaration is crucial to avoid delays and subsequent issues.
  • Standards Certificate (if required)
    In some cases, importing sorbitol powder may require certificates of conformity with national or international standards. These confirm the goods meet required standards and are suitable for the Iranian market.
  • Order Registration Permit from the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade
    Before import, the import order must be registered in the National Trade System, and the related permit obtained from the Ministry (IMT). This indicates the import order has been legally registered.
  • Bill of Lading
    Issued by the carrier, this document shows the goods have been lawfully shipped and dispatched to the destination. It includes details such as shipper, consignee, and transport conditions.

Need precise HS (29054490), Food & Drug permits, and COA preparation? Our team manages the entire case end to end.

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Explanation of the clearance steps for this product

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HS Code for sorbitol powder?

According to the text: sorbitol powder is declared under 29054490; the final line depends on presentation form and application.

What permits are required to import sorbitol?

Health permits from the Food and Drug Organization, COA, IMT order registration, and submission of commercial documents (Invoice/PL/CO/BL).

What are the storage and transport conditions for sorbitol?

In sealed containers, in a dry and cool environment; humidity control during transport—especially in humid regions—is essential.

Which countries are the main suppliers of sorbitol to Iran?

China, India, France, and Turkey are the main suppliers of sorbitol powder for the Iranian market.

    Saba Tarkhis’ Special Brokerage Services for Sorbitol Powder Clearance

    As one of the top and most reputable companies active in customs clearance, Saba Tarkhis offers special services for importers and exporters. With expertise and awareness of customs laws and regulations, this brokerage can carry out the clearance of sorbitol powder completely and without issues. The services provided include the following:

    Expert consulting on import and customs clearance: Experienced experts from this brokerage provide specialized consulting throughout all stages—from order registration to final clearance. These services include guidance on required documents, how to prepare the declaration, and obtaining legal permits.
    Fast and reliable permit acquisition: With the ability to obtain the necessary permits from the Food and Drug Organization and other relevant bodies, this brokerage can expedite the permitting process in the shortest possible time. Access to administrative networks and direct contact with government bodies are among the benefits of these services.
    Accurate preparation of the customs declaration: The professional team prevents any errors or omissions by preparing a precise and complete customs declaration, ensuring the goods are cleared without problems. This accuracy helps prevent delays and extra costs.
    Continuous follow-up and client updates: By continuously following up on the clearance status and providing timely updates, delays or issues are avoided. This allows clients to clear their goods from customs as quickly as possible with peace of mind.
    Cost reduction and process optimization: Using these services, importers can minimize extra costs such as warehousing and customs delays. Optimized solutions reduce clearance-related expenses and facilitate the import process.

    By choosing this brokerage, importers can benefit from high speed, accurate documentation, and special facilitation at all stages of importing and clearing sorbitol powder.

    Contact our experts for more information.

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