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Customs Clearance of Flavouring Essences in Iran (HS Code + Permits & Documents)
Customs clearance of flavouring essences: flavouring essences are vital goods in the food, cosmetics, and hygiene industries, used to enhance taste, aroma, and even the visual properties of products. Given their wide applications, importing them into Iran has special importance.
For estimating the time and cost of flavouring essences clearance, contact the Saba Tarkhis experts.
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1) Applications and Types of Flavouring Essences
Food industry: Flavouring essences are used in the preparation and production of foods such as beverages, confectionery, dairy products, meat products, and various ready-to-eat foods. These essences can impart natural or artificial flavours to foods and play an important role in attracting customers.
Cosmetics and hygiene industries: Essences are used in producing hygiene and cosmetic products such as perfumes, creams, shampoos, and lotions. They give products a unique fragrance and improve the user experience.
Pharmaceutical industry: In the production of oral medicines, essences are used to improve taste and smell and increase consumer acceptance.
Cosmetics and hygiene industries: Essences are used in producing hygiene and cosmetic products such as perfumes, creams, shampoos, and lotions. They give products a unique fragrance and improve the user experience.
Pharmaceutical industry: In the production of oral medicines, essences are used to improve taste and smell and increase consumer acceptance.
2) Types of Essences + HS Code and Uses
Flavouring essences play a very important role in the food, cosmetics, and hygiene industries and help improve the taste, aroma, and even appearance of products. Depending on the source and chemical composition, these essences are divided into several categories.
1. Natural essences (Essential Oils)
Natural essences are obtained from plants and fruits and are widely used in various industries, especially food, cosmetics, and hygiene. Due to being natural, this type of essence enjoys special popularity.
Tariff code: 330129
This code relates to natural essences from plant or animal sources.
Uses:
Use in the food industry to enhance the flavour and aroma of products such as juices, desserts, and beverages.
Application in the cosmetics industry for producing perfumes, lotions, and skincare products.
Use in the pharmaceutical industry for producing therapeutic and calming products.
2. Synthetic essences (Artificial Flavouring Substances)
Synthetic essences are chemically produced and are used in many food and cosmetic industries due to lower production costs.
Tariff code: 330210
This code is designated for aromatic chemical compounds and synthetic essences.
Uses:
Production of various non-alcoholic beverages and candies.
Use in dairy products such as ice cream and flavoured yoghurt.
Application in meat products and ready-to-eat foods.
3. Citrus oils
Citrus essences are extracted from fruits such as orange, lemon, and grapefruit and are used in the food and cosmetics industries.
Tariff code: 330112
This code is for citrus essences such as orange and lemon.
Uses:
Use in producing flavoured beverages and candies.
Application in cosmetic products such as perfumes and lotions.
Production of confectionery and fruit-based desserts.
4. Floral extracts
These essences are extracted from flowers such as rose, jasmine, and lavender and, due to their pleasant aroma and calming properties, are mainly used in cosmetics and perfumery.
Tariff code: 330130
This code is dedicated to essences obtained from flower extracts.
Uses:
In producing perfumes and colognes.
Production of hygiene products such as soaps and shampoos.
Application in skincare products.
5. Spice oils
These essences are obtained from spices such as cinnamon, clove, and ginger and are used as strong flavourings in the food industry.
Tariff code: 330190
This code is for other plant and spice essences and extracts.
Uses:
Production of foods such as sauces, marinades, and spice blends.
Use in herbal teas and flavoured beverages.
Application in producing herbal medicines and dietary supplements.
6. Sweet flavours
This type of essence, which includes sweet flavours such as vanilla, caramel, and chocolate, is highly used in desserts, baking, and beverages.
Tariff code: 330210
This code is used for sweet and synthetic essences.
Uses:
Use in producing chocolate, cakes, and ice cream.
Application in producing flavoured dairy products such as flavoured milk.
Production of flavoured beverages such as milkshakes and flavoured coffees.
7. Mint and cooling flavours
Mint and cooling essences are obtained from mint and eucalyptus plants and are used in products such as chewing gums and toothpastes.
Tariff code: 330124
This code is related to mint essences.
Uses:
Use in producing chewing gum and confectionery products.
Production of hygiene products such as toothpaste and mouthwash.
Application in cooling and energy beverages.
8. Herbal oils
These essences are extracted from plants such as thyme, mint, and chamomile and, due to their therapeutic properties, are widely used in pharmaceutical and hygiene industries.
Tariff code: 330190
This code is used for herbal and medicinal essences.
Uses:
Use in producing medicinal and calming products.
Production of hygiene and care products such as shampoos and therapeutic creams.
Application in producing herbal teas and beverages.
1. Natural essences (Essential Oils)
Natural essences are obtained from plants and fruits and are widely used in various industries, especially food, cosmetics, and hygiene. Due to being natural, this type of essence enjoys special popularity.
Tariff code: 330129
This code relates to natural essences from plant or animal sources.
Uses:
Use in the food industry to enhance the flavour and aroma of products such as juices, desserts, and beverages.
Application in the cosmetics industry for producing perfumes, lotions, and skincare products.
Use in the pharmaceutical industry for producing therapeutic and calming products.
2. Synthetic essences (Artificial Flavouring Substances)
Synthetic essences are chemically produced and are used in many food and cosmetic industries due to lower production costs.
Tariff code: 330210
This code is designated for aromatic chemical compounds and synthetic essences.
Uses:
Production of various non-alcoholic beverages and candies.
Use in dairy products such as ice cream and flavoured yoghurt.
Application in meat products and ready-to-eat foods.
3. Citrus oils
Citrus essences are extracted from fruits such as orange, lemon, and grapefruit and are used in the food and cosmetics industries.
Tariff code: 330112
This code is for citrus essences such as orange and lemon.
Uses:
Use in producing flavoured beverages and candies.
Application in cosmetic products such as perfumes and lotions.
Production of confectionery and fruit-based desserts.
4. Floral extracts
These essences are extracted from flowers such as rose, jasmine, and lavender and, due to their pleasant aroma and calming properties, are mainly used in cosmetics and perfumery.
Tariff code: 330130
This code is dedicated to essences obtained from flower extracts.
Uses:
In producing perfumes and colognes.
Production of hygiene products such as soaps and shampoos.
Application in skincare products.
5. Spice oils
These essences are obtained from spices such as cinnamon, clove, and ginger and are used as strong flavourings in the food industry.
Tariff code: 330190
This code is for other plant and spice essences and extracts.
Uses:
Production of foods such as sauces, marinades, and spice blends.
Use in herbal teas and flavoured beverages.
Application in producing herbal medicines and dietary supplements.
6. Sweet flavours
This type of essence, which includes sweet flavours such as vanilla, caramel, and chocolate, is highly used in desserts, baking, and beverages.
Tariff code: 330210
This code is used for sweet and synthetic essences.
Uses:
Use in producing chocolate, cakes, and ice cream.
Application in producing flavoured dairy products such as flavoured milk.
Production of flavoured beverages such as milkshakes and flavoured coffees.
7. Mint and cooling flavours
Mint and cooling essences are obtained from mint and eucalyptus plants and are used in products such as chewing gums and toothpastes.
Tariff code: 330124
This code is related to mint essences.
Uses:
Use in producing chewing gum and confectionery products.
Production of hygiene products such as toothpaste and mouthwash.
Application in cooling and energy beverages.
8. Herbal oils
These essences are extracted from plants such as thyme, mint, and chamomile and, due to their therapeutic properties, are widely used in pharmaceutical and hygiene industries.
Tariff code: 330190
This code is used for herbal and medicinal essences.
Uses:
Use in producing medicinal and calming products.
Production of hygiene and care products such as shampoos and therapeutic creams.
Application in producing herbal teas and beverages.
3) Required Documents & Permits for Clearance
Importing flavouring essences into Iran requires legal compliance and obtaining the necessary permits from relevant authorities. Because these products are used in sensitive industries such as food and cosmetics, they must enter the country under strict customs and health supervision.
1. Health permits from the Food & Drug Administration
Flavouring essences directly used in producing food, pharmaceutical, or hygiene products require health approvals from the Food & Drug Administration. These permits confirm the imported product is safe for consumption/use in sensitive industries. Such approval is essential to prevent unhealthy imports and ensure product quality.
2. Iran National Standard certificate
To ensure the quality and safety of flavouring essences, imported products must have the Iran National Standard certificate. This certificate means full conformity with domestic quality and safety requirements. If the imported essence lacks this certificate, customs will prevent clearance.
3. Certificate of Analysis (COA)
This certificate, issued by the manufacturer or an accredited laboratory, indicates the chemical composition and quality of the product. The COA is necessary to ensure safety and compliance with international and national standards. It is especially important for essences used in food and hygiene industries.
4. Providing documents related to expiry date
Flavouring essences usually have an expiry date which directly affects safety and efficacy. Importing goods with a near expiry date may face restrictions. Therefore, checking expiry before import and providing it to customs is essential.
5. Order registration in the Comprehensive Trade System
Before importing any goods, order registration in the Comprehensive Trade System is mandatory. This process includes providing product details, origin/destination, and obtaining the currency allocation code. Without order registration, customs clearance is not possible.
1. Health permits from the Food & Drug Administration
Flavouring essences directly used in producing food, pharmaceutical, or hygiene products require health approvals from the Food & Drug Administration. These permits confirm the imported product is safe for consumption/use in sensitive industries. Such approval is essential to prevent unhealthy imports and ensure product quality.
2. Iran National Standard certificate
To ensure the quality and safety of flavouring essences, imported products must have the Iran National Standard certificate. This certificate means full conformity with domestic quality and safety requirements. If the imported essence lacks this certificate, customs will prevent clearance.
3. Certificate of Analysis (COA)
This certificate, issued by the manufacturer or an accredited laboratory, indicates the chemical composition and quality of the product. The COA is necessary to ensure safety and compliance with international and national standards. It is especially important for essences used in food and hygiene industries.
4. Providing documents related to expiry date
Flavouring essences usually have an expiry date which directly affects safety and efficacy. Importing goods with a near expiry date may face restrictions. Therefore, checking expiry before import and providing it to customs is essential.
5. Order registration in the Comprehensive Trade System
Before importing any goods, order registration in the Comprehensive Trade System is mandatory. This process includes providing product details, origin/destination, and obtaining the currency allocation code. Without order registration, customs clearance is not possible.
4) Clearance Process for Essences
Due to the high sensitivity of these products in food and hygiene industries, clearing flavouring essences requires strict compliance with customs rules and regulations. In this process, the quality and safety of the goods are precisely checked, and after completing legal steps, the goods officially enter the country. The main stages are as follows:
1. Inspection and conformity with national standards
At this stage, the goods are checked against Iran’s domestic standards set by relevant bodies. If the goods have the necessary certificates and comply with domestic requirements, the next steps begin.
2. Payment of customs duties and taxes
After valuation, customs duties and taxes related to importing flavouring essences are calculated and paid. These costs are determined based on the HS Code and may vary depending on the type of essence and country of origin.
3. Obtaining the clearance permit
After completing inspections and payments, the clearance permit is issued and the goods legally enter the country. At this stage, the goods are ready for distribution and use in domestic industries.
1. Inspection and conformity with national standards
At this stage, the goods are checked against Iran’s domestic standards set by relevant bodies. If the goods have the necessary certificates and comply with domestic requirements, the next steps begin.
2. Payment of customs duties and taxes
After valuation, customs duties and taxes related to importing flavouring essences are calculated and paid. These costs are determined based on the HS Code and may vary depending on the type of essence and country of origin.
3. Obtaining the clearance permit
After completing inspections and payments, the clearance permit is issued and the goods legally enter the country. At this stage, the goods are ready for distribution and use in domestic industries.
5) Exporting & Importing Countries
Main exporters:
1. France: One of the largest producers and exporters of natural and chemical essences. French essences are used in food, cosmetics, and hygiene industries.
2. Germany: Another leading country in the production and export of industrial essences used in food and pharmaceutical industries.
3. India: Given its extensive production of herbal and natural essences from spices and medicinal plants, India is a major exporter to Iran and other countries.
4. USA: The United States is also a major exporter of synthetic and natural essences, supplying global markets.
Main importers:
1. China: As one of the largest importers of flavouring essences, China has high demand due to the growth of its food and hygiene industries.
2. United States: A large consumer market for natural and synthetic essences and imports substantial volumes.
3. Japan: With a focus on quality food and hygiene products, Japan is among the largest importers of high-quality essences from around the world.
4. Iran: Due to the high needs of food, hygiene, and pharmaceutical industries, Iran is also a major importer of flavouring essences.
1. France: One of the largest producers and exporters of natural and chemical essences. French essences are used in food, cosmetics, and hygiene industries.
2. Germany: Another leading country in the production and export of industrial essences used in food and pharmaceutical industries.
3. India: Given its extensive production of herbal and natural essences from spices and medicinal plants, India is a major exporter to Iran and other countries.
4. USA: The United States is also a major exporter of synthetic and natural essences, supplying global markets.
Main importers:
1. China: As one of the largest importers of flavouring essences, China has high demand due to the growth of its food and hygiene industries.
2. United States: A large consumer market for natural and synthetic essences and imports substantial volumes.
3. Japan: With a focus on quality food and hygiene products, Japan is among the largest importers of high-quality essences from around the world.
4. Iran: Due to the high needs of food, hygiene, and pharmaceutical industries, Iran is also a major importer of flavouring essences.
6) Iran’s Import/Export Volume & Global Market
Import and export volumes of flavouring essences in Iran
Imports of flavouring essences to Iran account for high annual volumes due to strong domestic demand, especially in food and cosmetics–hygiene industries. Most imported essences are sourced from European countries such as France and Germany. In general, Iran imports thousands of tonnes annually, mainly used in food and cosmetic production. Meanwhile, Iran has recently begun producing certain domestic herbal and natural essences and is seeking to increase exports to neighbouring countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and others in the region.
Imports of flavouring essences to Iran account for high annual volumes due to strong domestic demand, especially in food and cosmetics–hygiene industries. Most imported essences are sourced from European countries such as France and Germany. In general, Iran imports thousands of tonnes annually, mainly used in food and cosmetic production. Meanwhile, Iran has recently begun producing certain domestic herbal and natural essences and is seeking to increase exports to neighbouring countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and others in the region.
Global turnover of flavouring essences
The flavouring essences industry has a very high global turnover, with billions of dollars traded annually. Major exporting countries such as France, Germany, the USA, and India hold a large share of the global market. Due to widespread use in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries, these products have high worldwide demand. The size of this market was estimated at about USD 17 billion by 2023, and it is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
The flavouring essences industry has a very high global turnover, with billions of dollars traded annually. Major exporting countries such as France, Germany, the USA, and India hold a large share of the global market. Due to widespread use in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries, these products have high worldwide demand. The size of this market was estimated at about USD 17 billion by 2023, and it is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
7) Required Documents for Clearance
Clearing flavouring essences from customs requires preparing and submitting specific documents, without which the process will face issues. These documents must be prepared carefully in accordance with Iran’s customs regulations and health standards.
1. Import licence
The first and most important document for importing goods into Iran is the import licence from government bodies such as the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade (MIMT). This licence ensures the goods can legally enter the country and will not cause legal problems.
2. Order registration in the Comprehensive Trade System
First, the importer must register the goods in the Comprehensive Trade System. After registration, a unique code is issued, which is necessary for continuing the import and clearance process.
3. Commercial invoice
The commercial invoice is one of the most important documents the importer must submit. It includes complete information about the type, quantity, and value of goods and is essential for calculating customs duties and taxes.
4. Bill of lading
The bill of lading is a document evidencing the shipment of goods from origin to destination, issued by the carrier. It confirms the goods have reached customs and are ready for clearance.
5. Certificate of origin
The certificate of origin is issued by the exporting country and shows the country from which the goods were imported. This document is mandatory for determining customs tariffs and, in some cases, tariff discounts.
6. Certificate of Analysis (COA)
The COA is issued by the manufacturer and shows the chemical composition and characteristics of the essence. It is very important for ensuring quality and safety, especially for essences used in food or pharmaceuticals.
7. Health certificate
For essences used in food or pharmaceuticals, a health certificate from the country of origin is mandatory. It guarantees the imported product poses no health risks and can enter the country without issues.
8. National Standard certificate
If the imported essence is used in food production, the importer must obtain the National Standard certificate from the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran. It confirms the goods comply with Iran’s national standards.
9. Food & Drug Administration permit
Flavouring essences used in food or pharmaceutical industries must obtain the required permits from the Food & Drug Administration. This permit indicates the product’s safety for human consumption.
10. Packing list
The packing list includes details about the number of packages, weight and volume of each, and packing method. It helps customs precisely inspect the shipment and verify the imported goods.
11. Customs declaration
The customs declaration records all information about the goods, including type, value, and quantity. It is submitted to customs by the importer or representative and expedites the clearance process.
12. Cargo insurance policy
The cargo insurance policy shows the goods are insured during transport from origin to destination. It guarantees compensation for any possible transport-related damage.
13. HS Code (Tariff code)
Selecting the appropriate HS Code for flavouring essences is one of the key steps. These codes are used to determine customs duties and taxes and must be chosen correctly to avoid potential customs issues.
1. Import licence
The first and most important document for importing goods into Iran is the import licence from government bodies such as the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade (MIMT). This licence ensures the goods can legally enter the country and will not cause legal problems.
2. Order registration in the Comprehensive Trade System
First, the importer must register the goods in the Comprehensive Trade System. After registration, a unique code is issued, which is necessary for continuing the import and clearance process.
3. Commercial invoice
The commercial invoice is one of the most important documents the importer must submit. It includes complete information about the type, quantity, and value of goods and is essential for calculating customs duties and taxes.
4. Bill of lading
The bill of lading is a document evidencing the shipment of goods from origin to destination, issued by the carrier. It confirms the goods have reached customs and are ready for clearance.
5. Certificate of origin
The certificate of origin is issued by the exporting country and shows the country from which the goods were imported. This document is mandatory for determining customs tariffs and, in some cases, tariff discounts.
6. Certificate of Analysis (COA)
The COA is issued by the manufacturer and shows the chemical composition and characteristics of the essence. It is very important for ensuring quality and safety, especially for essences used in food or pharmaceuticals.
7. Health certificate
For essences used in food or pharmaceuticals, a health certificate from the country of origin is mandatory. It guarantees the imported product poses no health risks and can enter the country without issues.
8. National Standard certificate
If the imported essence is used in food production, the importer must obtain the National Standard certificate from the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran. It confirms the goods comply with Iran’s national standards.
9. Food & Drug Administration permit
Flavouring essences used in food or pharmaceutical industries must obtain the required permits from the Food & Drug Administration. This permit indicates the product’s safety for human consumption.
10. Packing list
The packing list includes details about the number of packages, weight and volume of each, and packing method. It helps customs precisely inspect the shipment and verify the imported goods.
11. Customs declaration
The customs declaration records all information about the goods, including type, value, and quantity. It is submitted to customs by the importer or representative and expedites the clearance process.
12. Cargo insurance policy
The cargo insurance policy shows the goods are insured during transport from origin to destination. It guarantees compensation for any possible transport-related damage.
13. HS Code (Tariff code)
Selecting the appropriate HS Code for flavouring essences is one of the key steps. These codes are used to determine customs duties and taxes and must be chosen correctly to avoid potential customs issues.
8) Summary Table of HS Codes for Essences
| Category | Short use | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Natural essences | Food/Cosmetics/Pharma | 330129 |
| Citrus essences | Orange/Lemon | 330112 |
| Floral essences | Perfumery/Hygiene | 330130 |
| Mint essences | Hygiene/Food | 330124 |
| Other herbal/spice essences | Spice/Medicinal | 330190 |
| Essences/synthetic compounds | Industrial flavourings | 330210 |
Exact classification depends on nature, composition percentages, alcohol/solvent, end-use grade (food/cosmetics/pharma) and packaging; providing COA/MSDS is recommended.
Need precise HS determination, FDA/Standard permits, and COA/document preparation? Our team handles the file end-to-end.
Request a Proforma QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What is the HS Code for flavouring essences?
Depending on the type: natural/citrus/floral/mint in Chapter 3301 (including 330129, 330112, 330130, 330124) and compounds/synthetic essences usually in Chapter 3302 (such as 330210).
What permits are needed to import food-grade essences?
Food & Drug Administration permits, National Standard certificate (if food use), COA, health certificate, order registration, and other shipping/commercial documents.
Why are COA and expiry date important?
The COA confirms quality/composition, and the expiry date is critical for product safety/efficacy; deficiencies in either can halt clearance.
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Summary & Call to Action
Due to health/standard sensitivities and the diversity of HS 3301/3302, clearing flavouring essences requires accurate tariff classification, obtaining FDA/Standard permits, and preparing COA/documents. Saba Tarkhis leverages practical experience to move your process quickly and in full compliance.
Request Expert Consultation Get a Clearance ProformaSpecial Customs Services by Saba Brokerage
With experience and expertise in clearing various flavouring essences, we offer wide-ranging services that help traders and importers complete customs clearance quickly, efficiently, and at minimum cost. Some of these services include:
Expert consulting: Advisory across all stages from order registration to clearance, including selecting the proper tariff code, calculating customs costs, and preparing required documents.
Health and Standard permit follow-ups: As essences are used in food and cosmetics, obtaining health permits is essential. This process is followed carefully and promptly to avoid any clearance delays.
Fast and efficient clearance: By employing a team specialized and well-versed in customs regulations, the clearance process is optimized and completed without delay.
Financial services and payment facilitation: Capability to manage the financial aspects of clearance and provide solutions to facilitate payment of customs costs.
Transportation and delivery: In addition to clearance, we also provide services for transporting and promptly delivering goods to the final destination.
Using these services enables importers to bring in their goods with full confidence and, without concerns over customs and legal matters, focus on growing their business.
