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Clearance of Various Fruits from Iranian Customs (HS Code + Documents & Permits)
Clearing various fruits from customs is one of the most sensitive and complex stages in the import and export of agricultural goods. Due to the perishable nature of fruits and the associated health sensitivities, this process requires strict compliance with customs laws, international regulations, and specific sanitary standards set by governmental and international bodies. Any error along this path can lead to serious issues such as product spoilage, delivery delays, and economic losses for traders and merchants.
For estimating the time and cost of clearing various fruits, contact the experts at Saba Tarkhis.
Instant free consultation1) Documents and Standards for Fruit Clearance
Essential documents and permits for clearing fruits
Clearing fruits from customs requires submitting multiple documents that must be fully prepared and presented. Missing any of these documents can cause delays or even prevent the entry or exit of goods. The most important documents and permits required for clearing fruits are:
- Phytosanitary certificate: Issued by the health authorities of the origin country, confirming that imported fruits are free from any pests, insects, or plant diseases. This certificate is highly important as it ensures product health and prevents the entry of pests into the country.
- Permit from the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad: For importing fruits into Iran, obtaining a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad is mandatory. This permit is issued based on quality and sanitary inspections and indicates compliance of fruits with national and international standards.
- Quarantine certificate: When the product requires additional checks, a quarantine certificate is issued after the necessary tests. This certificate is necessary for some fruits such as citrus and apples.
- Customs declaration: One of the most important documents specifying full information about the type, weight, value, and destination of fruits. It must be accurately completed and submitted to customs.
- Certificate of origin: Indicates the producing country and is essential for assessing customs tariff rates and other legal requirements.
Documents required for fruit clearance
1. Phytosanitary certificate One of the main documents required for fruit clearance. Issued by the sanitary authorities of the origin country, confirming that fruits are sanitary and free from any pests, fungi, or plant diseases. This certificate ensures fruits can enter the country without causing problems and pose no threat to agriculture and the destination’s environment.
2. Ministry of Agriculture Jihad permit For importing fruits into Iran, obtaining a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad is mandatory. This ensures imported fruits meet defined quality and sanitary standards and can enter the consumer market without concern. It helps importers avoid clearance issues.
3. Quarantine certificate In some cases, fruits must pass quarantine to confirm they are free from harmful pests or diseases. After inspections, a quarantine certificate is issued indicating the goods are fully healthy and can enter the market.
4. Customs declaration One of the most important documents to be prepared, including precise information about the fruit consignment such as type, quantity, weight, value, and origin country. Registering this declaration in customs systems is a necessary step for clearing fruits.
5. Certificate of origin Indicates the producing country and is issued by official authorities of the origin. It is essential for determining customs tariffs and complying with international trade rules. It also confirms fruits are produced in line with the importer country’s conditions and standards.
6. Commercial invoice Specifies the financial details of the transaction, including unit price, total consignment value, and payment terms. This helps customs calculate import taxes and duties based on the value of goods.
7. Packing list Contains information on packaging and the number of packages. It helps customs ensure the number and type of packages match the declaration information.
8. Bill of lading Issued by the carrier, showing the goods have been legally loaded and dispatched to their destination. It must be submitted to customs along with other documents to obtain clearance.
9. Standard certificate In some cases, a standard certificate is required to ensure quality and safety of fruits, confirming compliance with standards defined in the origin or destination country and suitability for the consumer market.
10. Insurance certificate Specifies transport insurance coverage. Crucial for sensitive perishable goods like fruits, enabling compensation for possible losses during transit.
11. Other permits and approvals Depending on fruit type and origin/destination conditions, additional permits or approvals may be required. For example, importing certain fruits from some countries may require specific sanitary approvals or special permits.
12. Order registration approval For importing fruits into Iran, order registration approval from relevant bodies is essential, indicating the import order has been approved and the legal steps have been properly followed.
2) Tariff, Transportation, and Scheduling
Customs tariffs and HS codes for fruits
Customs tariffs vary by product type and origin. Fruits are no exception; each fruit has a specific HS Code that determines duty and tax rates. For example:
| Fruit | Short description | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Banana | Fresh or dried | 08030010 / 0803 |
| Apple | Fresh apples | 08081000 / 080810 |
| Mango | Fresh or dried | 08045010 / 080450 |
| Orange | Fresh or dried | 080510 |
| Grape | Fresh grapes | 080610 |
| Kiwifruit | Fresh kiwifruit | 081050 |
| Avocado | Fresh or dried | 080440 |
| Coconut | Fresh or dried | 080119 |
| Pineapple | Fresh or dried | 080430 |
* Exact classification may vary by species, grading, fresh/dried status, packaging, origin, and quarantine requirements.
Optimal storage and transportation of fruits
One major challenge in fruit import and export is transport and storage conditions. Because fruits are highly perishable, they must be transported under fully controlled conditions and at appropriate temperatures. Reefer containers are the best option for temperaturesensitive fruits such as bananas, mangoes, strawberries, and kiwifruit. In addition, adherence to international standards for packaging and transport helps preserve product quality and prevent potential losses.
Importance of timing in fruit clearance
Fruits are perishable; therefore, timing plays a key role in their clearance process. Any delay may reduce quality or even cause spoilage, directly leading to financial losses for importers and exporters. Hence, fully preparing documents and permits before cargo arrival and closely following up the clearance steps are crucial. The best solution is to work with reputable brokerage companies that can execute the process quickly and efficiently.
3) Market, Trade, and Services
Iran and global markets in fruit import/export
Fruit import and export in Iran is conducted under specific laws and regulations due to market demand and domestic production conditions. The import process especially faces seasonal restrictions and regulations because Iran, as a country with high fruit production capacity, applies protective policies for local farmers. Generally, importing fruits that have domestic counterparts is banned or severely restricted in certain seasons to support local production. For example, during Iran’s apple or orange harvest season, importing these products may be temporarily banned. These restrictions are mainly applied to prevent price drops for domestic fruits and support farmers.
On the other hand, exporting Iranian fruits to some countries requires meeting specific sanitary and quality standards set by destination countries. For instance, exporting pomegranates to EU countries requires sanitary approvals and pest-related tests. Therefore, traders engaged in fruit export must be well-versed in destination countries’ sanitary and quality regulations and comply with all requirements.
Types of imported fruits (samples)
- 1. Banana
Tariff code: 0803 — Description: fresh or dried bananas — Exporting countries: Ecuador, Philippines, India, Turkey — Features: imports under market-regulation oversight. - 2. Apple
Tariff code: 080810 Description: fresh apples Exporting countries: Turkey, China, Poland Features: strategic product; seasonal imports to meet demand. - 3. Orange
Tariff code: 080510 Description: fresh or dried oranges Exporting countries: Turkey, Egypt, Spain Features: important for supplying vitamin C; import management to support domestic production. - 4. Grape
Tariff code: 080610 Description: fresh grapes Exporting countries: India, Turkey, Chile Features: transport-sensitive; requires a reliable cold chain. - 5. Kiwifruit
Tariff code: 081050 Description: fresh kiwifruit Exporting countries: New Zealand, Italy, Turkey Features: longer shelf life if optimal temperature is maintained. - 6. Mango
Tariff code: 080450 Description: fresh or dried mangoes Exporting countries: India, Pakistan, Philippines Features: popular and high-consumption; requires fast transport. - 7. Lemon
Tariff code: 080550 Description: fresh/dried lemon Exporting countries: Turkey, Mexico, Spain Features: imports during low domestic production seasons. - 8. Avocado
Tariff code: 080440 Description: fresh/dried avocado Exporting countries: Mexico, Peru, Chile Features: rising demand in healthy diets. - 9. Coconut
Tariff code: 080119 Description: fresh/dried coconut Exporting countries: Indonesia, Philippines, India Features: wide industrial and household applications. - 10. Pineapple
Tariff code: 080430 Description: fresh/dried pineapple Exporting countries: Philippines, Thailand, Costa Rica Features: requires fast clearance to preserve quality.
Main importers and exporters of fruit to/from Iran
Iran is one of the largest consumers of tropical fruits such as bananas, mangoes, and pineapples, which cannot be produced in bulk domestically due to climate conditions. India, Ecuador, the Philippines, and Turkey are among the main suppliers of these fruits for the Iranian market. Bananas are one of the most in-demand imported fruits, with thousands of tons imported to Iran annually.
Conversely, Iran is a major exporter of fruits such as dates, pomegranates, apples, and kiwifruit. Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Iraq, and Central Asian countries are key destinations for Iranian fruit exports. Iranian fruit products attract global markets due to their high quality and international standards.
Volume of fruit imports and exports to Iran
The volume of fruit imports to Iran is particularly high for fruits not produced domestically. For example, over 500 thousand tons of bananas are imported to Iran annually, mainly supplied by India and Ecuador. Mango and pineapple are also imported from the Philippines and India.
On the export side, Iranian fruits account for a large share of international trade. For instance, Iran produces over 1 million tons of dates annually, a large portion of which is exported to Arab and European countries. Exports of pomegranates and kiwifruit are also important segments of Iran’s agricultural foreign trade.
Global fruit trade turnover and key players
Globally, fruit trade enjoys a high turnover, channeling billions of dollars into the world economy each year. According to statistics, global fruit trade turnover reaches about 150 billion dollars, with bananas and apples holding the largest share. Ecuador is the world’s largest banana exporter, while the European Union, the United States, and China are among the largest fruit importers worldwide.
Ecuador is one of the largest fruit exporters globally, especially for bananas, exporting millions of tons annually to world markets. India and the Philippines are also among the largest exporters of mangoes and pineapples. Additionally, Mexico and Spain hold important positions in citrus and orange exports. The largest fruit importers worldwide include China, the European Union, the United States, and Russia.
Need precise HS codes, quarantine permits, and a fast clearance plan? Our team manages your case end-to-end.
Submit proforma requestFrequently Asked Questions
What documents are required to clear fruits?
Phytosanitary certificate, Ministry of Agriculture Jihad permit, quarantine certificate (if needed), customs declaration, certificate of origin, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, standard certificate, insurance certificate, and other necessary permits.
What are the HS Codes for popular fruits?
Banana: 08030010, Apple: 08081000, Mango: 08045010, Orange: 080510, Grape: 080610, Kiwifruit: 081050, Avocado: 080440, Coconut: 080119, Pineapple: 080430.
What are the optimal transport conditions for fruits?
Use reefer containers with real-time temperature monitoring, maintain optimal temperatures for each fruit, apply standard packaging, and ensure rapid clearance to prevent quality loss.
Why is timing critical in fruit clearance?
Fruits are perishable; any delay can cause quality decline or spoilage. Preparing documents and fast process tracking lowers the risk of financial losses.
Multimedia Suggestions
- Image filename:
iran-customs-fruit-clearance.jpg - Alt Text: Clearance of various fruits from Iranian customs | HS Banana 0803, Apple 0808, Mango 080450
- Caption: «Checklist of documents and cold-chain requirements for fruit clearance»
- Infographic: «Fruit clearance journey: from order registration to license issuance and release»
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Summary & Call to Action
Clearing various fruits, due to perishability and quarantine requirements, needs precise documentation planning, sanitary permits, and a reliable cold chain. Saba Tarkhis, with practical experience, advances your process quickly and in compliance with regulations.
Request expert consultation Get a customs proformaSaba Brokerage’s Special Services for Fruit Clearance
As one of the leading clearance service providers, Saba offers special services for clearing various fruits from customs. These services include a set of stages such as specialized consulting, obtaining necessary permits, completing and registering customs declarations, and coordinating with governmental and international bodies, all of which help expedite the clearance process.
- Extensive experience and expertise: With years of experience in clearing perishables—especially fruits—the company is well acquainted with process details and challenges and provides the best solutions to accelerate clearance.
- Facilitating permit acquisition: Through close cooperation with sanitary and quarantine bodies, Saba streamlines obtaining required permits and, by timely submission of documents, prevents any clearance delays.
- Accurate and rapid follow-up: Using the company’s services, all clearance stages are tracked with high accuracy and speed, and goods are released from customs in the shortest possible time.
- Coordination with international bodies: With broad international cooperation and access to a network of trade relations, the company executes all stages in line with global standards.
- Advanced technologies: Using modern technologies enables customers to track clearance status online and receive real-time information.
For more information, contact our experts.
