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Customs Clearance of Various Leather Tanning Chemicals from Iran Customs (HS Code + Documents & Permits)
Customs clearance of various leather tanning chemicals from customs The customs clearance of leather tanning chemicals is one of the sensitive and critical stages in the leather industry, which—due to its sensitivity and complexity—requires technical know-how and a thorough familiarity with customs procedures. Tanning chemicals include various compounds used to prepare hides into usable leather and directly affect the quality and durability of the final product. Given the widespread use of these chemicals in leather manufacturing, their clearance from customs demands close attention to regulations and technical considerations in this field.
For estimating the time and cost of clearing leather tanning chemicals and obtaining DOE/IMT/MSDS permits, contact the experts at Saba Tarkhis.
Instant free consultation1) Leather tanning chemicals and their types
Leather tanning chemicals are divided into different categories, each playing a specific role in the tanning process. Generally, they fall into two main groups:
Mineral tanning agents:
Chromium sulfate: one of the most common chemicals in mineral tanning, used for the high resistance and reinforcement it imparts to leather.
Aluminum sulfate and other metallic salts: used in certain mineral tanning processes to improve the physical and chemical properties of leather.
Vegetable tanning agents:
Tannins: extracted from plants such as oak and pine, used in vegetable tanning to give leather strength and softness. Leather tanned with vegetable materials typically has higher durability and a longer lifespan.
Mineral tanning agents:
Chromium sulfate: one of the most common chemicals in mineral tanning, used for the high resistance and reinforcement it imparts to leather.
Aluminum sulfate and other metallic salts: used in certain mineral tanning processes to improve the physical and chemical properties of leather.
Vegetable tanning agents:
Tannins: extracted from plants such as oak and pine, used in vegetable tanning to give leather strength and softness. Leather tanned with vegetable materials typically has higher durability and a longer lifespan.
2) Various tanning extracts with tariff code
Clearing leather tanning extracts is a key and sensitive stage in importing raw materials for the leather industry. These extracts, widely used in producing different types of leather, play a significant role in enhancing leather quality and resistance. Tanning extracts are divided into two main groups: vegetable extracts from natural sources, and mineral extracts derived from chemical compounds such as chrome.
1. Vegetable Tanning Extracts
Vegetable extracts are derived from natural sources such as plants and trees. They are used for eco-friendly tanning and for producing high-quality leathers.
Tannin: One of the most important vegetable extracts, obtained from various plants like oak and chestnut. Tannin gives leather strength, softness, and natural color, and is among the most widely used materials in traditional tanning.
Tariff code: 32012000
Use: tanning strong leathers used in manufacturing bags, footwear, and leather goods.
Quebracho Extract: Obtained from the quebracho tree and widely used due to the strength and reddish hue it gives to leather.
Tariff code: 32019010
Use: producing leathers used in furniture industries and specialty leather goods.
Chestnut Extract: Rich in tannins, it accelerates tanning and increases resistance to rot.
Tariff code: 32019090
Use: durable leathers for bags and shoes.
Acacia Extract: Extracted from acacia and used to produce light-colored, durable leathers.
Tariff code: 32019020
Use: luxury leather products requiring light, high-quality leather.
2. Mineral Tanning Extracts
Mineral extracts are based on chemical compounds such as chrome and are used to produce industrial leathers that need greater durability and resistance.
Chromium Sulphate Extract: One of the most widely used mineral extracts; it makes leather resistant to moisture, heat, and decay.
Tariff code: 28332920
Use: industrial leathers for safety footwear, industrial belts, and protective apparel.
3. Combination Tanning Extracts
Combination extracts blend mineral and vegetable agents to produce leathers with specific performance features.
Chrome-Vegetable Extract: A combination of chrome extract and vegetable tannins that imparts both strength and softness.
Tariff code: 32021000
Use: producing medium-heavy leathers for items such as bags and leather jackets.
4. Synthetic Tanning Extracts
These are artificially produced to provide tighter control over leather properties.
Phenolic Syntans: Synthetic chemicals that give leather properties such as abrasion resistance and color fastness.
Tariff code: 32029000
Use: technical and industrial leathers, such as those used in workwear and military gear.
1. Vegetable Tanning Extracts
Vegetable extracts are derived from natural sources such as plants and trees. They are used for eco-friendly tanning and for producing high-quality leathers.
Tannin: One of the most important vegetable extracts, obtained from various plants like oak and chestnut. Tannin gives leather strength, softness, and natural color, and is among the most widely used materials in traditional tanning.
Tariff code: 32012000
Use: tanning strong leathers used in manufacturing bags, footwear, and leather goods.
Quebracho Extract: Obtained from the quebracho tree and widely used due to the strength and reddish hue it gives to leather.
Tariff code: 32019010
Use: producing leathers used in furniture industries and specialty leather goods.
Chestnut Extract: Rich in tannins, it accelerates tanning and increases resistance to rot.
Tariff code: 32019090
Use: durable leathers for bags and shoes.
Acacia Extract: Extracted from acacia and used to produce light-colored, durable leathers.
Tariff code: 32019020
Use: luxury leather products requiring light, high-quality leather.
2. Mineral Tanning Extracts
Mineral extracts are based on chemical compounds such as chrome and are used to produce industrial leathers that need greater durability and resistance.
Chromium Sulphate Extract: One of the most widely used mineral extracts; it makes leather resistant to moisture, heat, and decay.
Tariff code: 28332920
Use: industrial leathers for safety footwear, industrial belts, and protective apparel.
3. Combination Tanning Extracts
Combination extracts blend mineral and vegetable agents to produce leathers with specific performance features.
Chrome-Vegetable Extract: A combination of chrome extract and vegetable tannins that imparts both strength and softness.
Tariff code: 32021000
Use: producing medium-heavy leathers for items such as bags and leather jackets.
4. Synthetic Tanning Extracts
These are artificially produced to provide tighter control over leather properties.
Phenolic Syntans: Synthetic chemicals that give leather properties such as abrasion resistance and color fastness.
Tariff code: 32029000
Use: technical and industrial leathers, such as those used in workwear and military gear.
| Goods/Extract | Short description | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Tannin | Vegetable tanning extract; strength/softness | 32012000 |
| Quebracho Extract | Reddish dyeing/high strength | 32019010 |
| Chestnut Extract | High tannin; anti-rot | 32019090 |
| Acacia Extract | Light/luxury leathers | 32019020 |
| Chromium Sulphate (extract) | Mineral; durability/moisture resistance | 28332920 |
| Chrome-Vegetable Extract | Combination; strength+softness | 32021000 |
| Phenolic Syntans | Synthetic; anti-abrasion/color fastness | 32029000 |
Exact classification depends on origin (vegetable/mineral/synthetic), tannin/chrome percentage, form of supply, and final use.
3) Steps for clearing leather tanning chemicals
Clearing tanning chemicals involves complexities requiring strict compliance with domestic and international regulations. The general steps include:
Obtaining required permits: Given their nature, chemicals may require permits from various bodies including the Department of Environment, the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, and the Ministry of Health. These ensure the materials pose no unacceptable risks to the environment and public health.
Order registration in the National Trade System: Importers must register all information related to these chemicals in the trade system and secure necessary approvals from relevant authorities.
Standards and quality control: Tanning chemicals require standard and hygiene approvals, indicating compliance with international standards and domestic laws.
Submitting documents to customs: To complete customs formalities, documents such as the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) must be submitted in full.
Inspection and evaluation of materials: After reviewing the documents and cargo, customs checks safety and standards, and if compliant, issues the clearance permit.
Obtaining required permits: Given their nature, chemicals may require permits from various bodies including the Department of Environment, the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, and the Ministry of Health. These ensure the materials pose no unacceptable risks to the environment and public health.
Order registration in the National Trade System: Importers must register all information related to these chemicals in the trade system and secure necessary approvals from relevant authorities.
Standards and quality control: Tanning chemicals require standard and hygiene approvals, indicating compliance with international standards and domestic laws.
Submitting documents to customs: To complete customs formalities, documents such as the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) must be submitted in full.
Inspection and evaluation of materials: After reviewing the documents and cargo, customs checks safety and standards, and if compliant, issues the clearance permit.
4) Exporting and importing countries for tanning chemicals
To meet the needs of its leather industry, Iran relies on importing tanning chemicals. Major sources include: China: as one of the largest chemical producers, China is a primary exporter to Iran. Germany: known for high-quality chemical production, Germany is a key supplier. India and Turkey: due to geographic proximity and competitive pricing, these countries are also major suppliers to Iran. On the other hand, as a significant producer of leather goods, Iran exports part of its tanning-related outputs after domestic processing to neighboring countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Turkey.
5) Import and export volumes of tanning chemicals
The volume of tanning chemical imports to Iran depends on industry demand and national leather production. Iran’s leather manufacturers require high-quality chemicals and need a continuous supply of raw materials to sustain production. Meanwhile, Iran exports significant volumes of tanned leather to neighboring and other international markets.
6) Required documents for clearing tanning chemicals
- To clear various leather tanning chemicals, specific documents must be submitted to customs. These not only speed up the process but also help ensure your imported goods comply with all domestic and international rules and standards.
1. Proforma Invoice
A proforma invoice is one of the most important documents in the import process, representing the seller’s offer. It includes details such as:
Seller and buyer details
Type and quantity of goods
Unit price and total price
Payment and delivery terms
2. Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice is the official purchase document prepared by the seller. It is the main document presented to customs at clearance and includes the final price, sale details, and payment terms.
3. Packing List
The packing list specifies how the goods are packed, including the number of packages and their weights. This information is essential for customs inspections.
4. Certificate of Origin
Indicates the country where the goods were produced. Issued by the chamber of commerce of the origin country, it is crucial for determining tariffs.
5. Bill of Lading
The transport document issued by the carrier, including mode of transport, shipment date, and carrier name; it is submitted to customs as the delivery document.
6. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
A vital document for importing chemicals, the MSDS sets out complete safety details and hazards. It is essential for safe transport, storage, and use.
7. Department of Environment (DOE) Permit
For certain chemicals that may pose environmental risks, obtaining a DOE permit is mandatory. It assures customs the goods meet environmental standards.
8. Standards Certificate
To ensure imported chemicals comply with national and international standards, a standards certificate must be provided, issued by ISIRI or other recognized bodies.
9. Order Registration in the National Trade System
Imports require order registration in the system, which records and reviews all import information and issues necessary approvals.
10. Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade (IMT) Permits
Some chemicals, due to their sensitivity and use, require specific IMT permits to ensure alignment with national industrial policies.
11. Health & Safety Certificate
For chemicals that may contact food products or other consumer goods, a health and safety certificate from the relevant authorities is mandatory, proving no risk to public health.
12. Ministry of Health Permit (if required)
If the imported chemicals are used in the pharmaceutical industry or otherwise affect public health, a permit from the Ministry of Health is required.
13. Customs Tariff Code (HS Code)
Selecting and declaring the correct HS Code is a sensitive stage in clearance. Each item must have a unique HS Code on which customs duties and taxes are based.
Need precise HS classification, permits, and a complete file? Our team manages end-to-end clearance of tanning extracts and related chemicals.
Request proforma invoiceFrequently Asked Questions
What permits are required to import tanning materials?
As applicable: Department of Environment, IMT, order registration in the National Trade System, plus MSDS and a standards certificate.
What are the common HS Codes for tanning extracts?
Examples: 32012000 (tannin), 32019010/20/90 (quebracho/acacia/chestnut), 32021000 (chrome-vegetable), 32029000 (syntans), and 28332920 (chromium sulphate).
Why is the MSDS essential for clearing tanning chemicals?
The MSDS specifies hazards, safe handling/storage, and emergency actions; its absence can delay clearance or lead to shipment refusal.
Media suggestions
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leather-tanning-chemicals-customs-clearance-iran.jpg - Alt Text: Customs clearance of leather tanning chemicals in Iran | HS 3201/3202/2833
- Caption: «HS checklist, MSDS, and DOE permits for clearing tanning materials»
- Infographic: «Roadmap for clearing vegetable/chrome extracts: from order registration to customs evaluation»
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Conclusion & Call to Action
Due to their chemical nature, tanning materials have sensitive requirements such as MSDS and multi-agency permits. With hands-on experience, Saba Tarkhis advances your process quickly and in full compliance.
Request expert consultation Get customs proformaSpecialized customs services by Saba Brokerage
Our brokerage provides professional services for clearing all types of tanning extracts, helping importers and exporters navigate complex customs procedures easily and worry-free. Key services include:
Specialized customs consulting: Our experienced team advises on correct HS classification and environmental compliance to prevent potential issues during clearance.
Obtaining relevant permits: With the required experience and capability, we quickly secure necessary permits from various bodies, including the Department of Environment and the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade.
Facilitating customs procedures: With full command of customs processes and close coordination with authorities, we complete clearance in the shortest possible time.
Post-clearance support: Services such as transport and safe warehousing ensure tanning chemicals and extracts are delivered to the final destination under safety standards.
With years of experience in clearing chemicals and tanning materials, our firm is the best option to ensure a fast, safe, and efficient clearance of your goods.
