Customs Clearance of Chlorine, Iodine, Fluorine & Bromine: Steps, Permits, Tariffs (HS Codes – Chapter 28) & Documents

Clearing chemical substances such as chlorine, iodine, fluorine, and bromine through Iranian customs is a specialized, multi-stage process due to their technical sensitivity, safety hazards, and vital roles in key industries (water treatment, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and petrochemicals). These materials directly affect public health and the environment; therefore, strict compliance with international standards and national regulations for import/export and clearance is essential. This guide covers applications, customs tariffs (HS Codes, Chapter 28), required permits and documents, safe transport and storage conditions, Iran and global market overviews, and a rapid-clearance method—everything you need for sound decisions and proper execution.

1) Detailed Description: Chlorine, Iodine, Fluorine & Bromine

The four halogens—Chlorine, Iodine, Fluorine, and Bromine—play pivotal roles across industries from water treatment and pharmaceuticals to chemicals/petrochemicals and oil & gas. Their reactive—and in some cases corrosive/toxic—nature means procurement, transport, storage, and customs declaration must follow strict safety and documentary controls. At declaration level, technical details such as physical state (gas/liquid/solid), grade/purity, impurities, use grade (pharma/industrial), packaging (pressurized cylinder, resistant drum, ISO tank container), hazard class, UN number & packing group, and country of origin must be entered precisely to ensure correct tariff classification, regulatory controls, and duty/tax calculations.

For compliance, meeting the requirements of the Department of Environment, Ministry of Health / Food & Drug Administration, and in some cases the Atomic Energy Organization is mandatory. Many consignments are subject to sampling and testing by reference labs. In transport, choice of mode (road/sea/air), temperature/ventilation conditions, and safety equipment (standard cylinders, relief valves, HAZMAT warnings) are critical to prevent human and environmental risks. Because these are dangerous goods, close coordination among the importer, carrier, customs, and regulators is necessary to avoid extra delays, unforeseen costs, and potential penalties.

2) Types & Applications

Chlorine — Uses

One of the world’s most used chemicals: drinking water and swimming pool disinfection, production of disinfectants, a key feedstock for PVC and a wide range of chlorinated chemicals in the chemical and petrochemical sectors; also for microbiological control in treatment processes.

Iodine — Uses

Essential in pharmaceuticals, antiseptics, and the food industry (iodized salt); also used in photography and certain chemical processes.

Fluorine — Uses

Due to its high reactivity, used in producing fluoride compounds (in toothpaste, medicines, water treatment), as well as in the aluminum industry and industrial gases.

Bromine — Uses

Key in producing bromides and flame retardants; also used in oil & gas to remove impurities and in pharma as a disinfectant.

3) Key Steps & Notes for Clearance

• Order registration in the National Trade System, specifying substance type, grade, purity, packaging, and origin.
• Obtain permits: Department of Environment, Ministry of Health / FDA; for some lines, Atomic Energy Organization.
• Transport & storage safety: HAZMAT compliance, standard containers, labeling, and MSDS.
• Sampling & lab tests by reference laboratories when requested by customs/regulators.
• Accurate HS declaration with technical specs and supporting documents to avoid disputes and penalties.

4) Customs Tariffs / HS Codes (Chapter 28)

* Operational tariff rates (import duties) vary by policy cycles, country of origin, and trade agreements.

5) Special Import/Export Conditions

Chlorine — Import/Export

Imports require permits from the Department of Environment and the Ministry of Health. Due to safety and environmental risks, handling and storage must follow standards. Typical origins: China, Germany, USA. Exports to Iraq and Afghanistan are possible under international requirements.

Iodine — Import/Export

Imports, given sensitive uses, require health permits from the Food & Drug Administration. Main suppliers: Japan, Chile, Belarus. Exports from Iran are generally limited and must meet international standards.

Fluorine — Import/Export

In addition to environment/health permits, Atomic Energy Organization clearance may be required. Usual origins: China, Russia, USA. Exports are less common due to environmental restrictions and require special care.

Bromine — Import/Export

Due to toxicity/corrosivity, imports require environment and health permits. Typical origins: China, USA, Israel. Exports are limited and must comply with international dangerous-goods rules.

6) Iran Market: Imports & Exports

Iran treats halogens strategically. Chlorine is commonly imported from China, Germany, USA, with periodic exports to Iraq and Afghanistan. Iodine imports are mainly from Japan, Chile, Belarus. Fluorine from China, Russia, USA and bromine from China, USA, Israel. Due to safety/health sensitivity, many consignments undergo testing and sampling, and the supply chain must be rigorously managed from an HSE perspective.

7) Trade Volumes & Taxes/Duties

Customs reports indicate about 40–50 thousand tons of chlorine and derivatives are imported annually into Iran. Imports of iodine, fluorine, and bromine are estimated in the several-thousand-ton range per year. These materials are primarily used in pharma, chemicals, agriculture, and water treatment, and demand is expected to grow with industry expansion. All lines are subject to import duty, fees, and VAT based on CIF value; percentages vary with policy cycles.

8) Global Market: Major Exporters & Importers

Global demand for halogens is high. Chlorine trade alone is estimated at around 30 million tons/year, with total halogen markets reaching billions of dollars. Major chlorine/derivatives exporters include the USA, Canada, Germany, and China. Key iodine producers/exporters: Japan, Chile, USA. Fluorine and bromine are largely supplied by China, USA, Israel. On the demand side, India, China, Brazil, and European countries are major importers due to broad industrial needs.

9) Required Documents for Clearance

• Order registration in the National Trade System
• Permits from the Department of Environment and Ministry of Health / FDA
• If required: Atomic Energy Organization permit
• MSDS and dangerous-goods transport safety documents
• Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading, Packing List
• Certificate of Origin
• Cargo insurance and liability coverage documents
• Proof of payment for duties, fees, and VAT

10) Fast Clearance in Iran + Saba Tarkhis Specialized Services

1. Accurate determination of HS Codes (Chapter 28) and preparation of MSDS and full technical specs.
2. Order registration and FX planning; review restrictions and specific permits per substance.
3. Complete documents: invoice, packing list, B/L, CO, health/environment/atomic permits.
4. Coordinate safe transport (road/sea/air) per HAZMAT rules and choose standard containers.
5. Clear, transparent customs declaration; potential sampling; respond to assessment.
6. Calculate and pay duties/fees based on CIF; final clearance.
7. Delivery to warehouse/plant and guidance on safe storage.

Key Notes & Practical Tips

• Confirm permit requirements (environment/health/atomic energy) for each substance before purchase.
• HAZMAT packaging & labeling + MSDS are mandatory for every shipment.
• Select HS Codes according to physical state, purity, and end use to prevent disputes.
• For corrosive/toxic materials, pre-plan routes and safety equipment and reserve them in advance.

Media Suggestions

• Image file name: terkhis-chlorine-iodine-fluorine-bromine-hs28.jpg
• Alt Text: Customs clearance of chlorine, iodine, fluorine & bromine in Iran, Chapter 28 codes
• Caption: “Halogen clearance roadmap: permits, HS, and transport safety”
• Infographic: “HAZMAT checklist + 7-step clearance path”

Suggested Links

• Saba Tarkhis Customs Clearance Services
• HS Code Selection Guide
• Wikipedia, WTO, UN