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Customs Clearance of Confectionery
To estimate the time and cost of confectionery customs clearance, contact the experts at Saba Tarkhis.
Instant Free ConsultationCustoms Tariff and HS Codes for Confectionery
The first and most fundamental step in the clearance process is identifying the customs tariff code (HS Code) relevant to the specific type of confectionery. These codes play a key role in determining import tariffs, customs duties and taxes, as well as product-related regulations. Selecting the correct HS Code can prevent customs issues and minimize additional costs. Some common HS Codes for confectionery are as follows:
- Tariff code for chocolate and cocoa-containing products: 1806
- Tariff code for biscuits and bakery products: 1905
- Tariff code for sugar confectionery (such as candy, gummies, jellies): 1704
These codes are used for precise categorization of goods in customs, and each of these codes may be subject to specific rules and varying tariffs across different countries. Therefore, it is essential to review these codes carefully and consider the laws and trade agreements between countries.
| Category | Short Description | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate and cocoa products | Various chocolates, truffles, pralines | 1806 |
| Biscuits and bakery | Biscuits, wafers, crackers | 1905 |
| Sugar confectionery | Candy, gummies, jelly | 1704 |
The final classification may vary depending on composition, percentage of sugar/fat/cocoa, and the product presentation form.
Special Conditions for Import and Export of Confectionery
Due to the composition of raw materials and storage conditions, confectionery requires temperature-controlled transportation. Most products in this category—especially chocolates and sugar confectionery—are kept at low and stable temperatures to prevent melting or spoilage. For this purpose, the use of refrigerated containers is very common. These containers ensure that the product temperature remains constant during transport and the product quality is preserved.
Fast transportation and expedited clearance are also among the critical points in the import and export of confectionery. Because these products are perishable, all stages of the supply chain—from production to delivery to the end consumer—must be carried out quickly and carefully. Any delay in clearance or transportation can lead to reduced product quality or even total loss.
Main Confectionery Exporters to Iran
- Turkey: exporter of various biscuits, chocolates, and bakery products to Iran.
- Germany and France: prominent producers of sugar confectionery and industrial biscuits.
- Italy: a renowned exporter of premium confectionery and high-quality chocolates.
Main Importers of Iranian Confectionery
Iran is also a major producer of traditional sweets such as Gaz, Baklava, and Sohan, which are exported to various countries. The most important export destinations for Iran’s traditional sweets include the following:
- Iraq: the largest importer of Iran’s traditional sweets.
- Afghanistan and Pakistan: traditional markets for Iranian products.
- Qatar and the United Arab Emirates: attractive destinations for Iranian traditional sweets, especially during festivals and holidays.
Volume of Confectionery Imports and Exports Involving Iran
Based on the latest available statistics, Iran imports several thousand tons of sugar confectionery, chocolate, and biscuits annually. These imports are mainly from European and Asian countries, particularly Turkey. In addition, Iran’s exports of traditional sweets are also increasing, and demand for Iranian products is rising in international markets each year. Middle Eastern markets, Central Asia, and even Europe are among the most important destinations for Iranian confectionery.
Global Confectionery Turnover
The financial turnover of the global confectionery industry amounts to billions of dollars. Countries such as Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, and France—being leading producers of chocolate and confectionery in Europe—account for a large portion of this turnover. The United States is also one of the largest consumer markets for sweets and chocolate worldwide and is known as a major importer of products from Europe and other regions.
Major Global Exporters and Importers of Confectionery
Major Confectionery Exporters
- Germany: extensive exports of chocolate, biscuits, and sugar confectionery.
- Belgium and Switzerland: renowned producers of premium, high-quality chocolates.
- France and Italy: producers and exporters of luxury confectionery and bakery items.
Major Confectionery Importers
- United States: the world’s largest importer of sweets and chocolate, with high demand for various European and premium products.
- China: one of the largest consumer markets for foreign confectionery, especially premium and imported chocolates.
- Japan and South Korea: strong demand for high-quality chocolates and luxury foreign confectionery.
Required Documents for Customs Clearance of Confectionery
Customs clearance of confectionery is a complex process that requires submission of accurate documents. Given the edible and highly perishable nature of these products, documents must fully comply with sanitary and customs standards.
1. Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice is one of the most essential documents for clearance. It includes precise information about price, quantity, and type of goods. The invoice must state:
Exact product name and specifications; quantity and unit weight; unit price and total; buyer and seller information.
2. Packing List
The packing list contains detailed information on the packaging of the goods. It should include the number of packages, net and gross weight, and package dimensions. The information in this list helps reconcile the goods with the bill of lading and invoice, and must be prepared accurately.
3. Bill of Lading
The bill of lading shows information related to the method and route of transportation. It is issued by the carrier and must include details about the mode of transport (air, sea, or land). If the confectionery requires temperature-controlled transport, this point must also be stated on the bill of lading.
4. Health Certificate
- Confirmation of product health and absence of contamination
- Compliance with sanitary standards of the destination country
5. Certificate of Conformity
This certificate confirms that the product complies with national and international standards. For confectionery imports, this certificate is highly important, and in many countries, clearance cannot proceed without it.
6. Health Import License (Ministry of Health)
Obtaining an import license from the Ministry of Health is mandatory for bringing food products into Iran. This license confirms that the food product complies with national sanitary standards and is suitable for consumption. The process of obtaining this license can be time-consuming; therefore, it should be initiated before importing the goods.
7. Certificate of Origin
The certificate of origin indicates the producing country and is issued by the chamber of commerce of the country of origin. It is crucial for determining customs tariffs and verifying trade qualifications.
8. Laboratory Test Report (if required)
In some cases, confectionery may require quality control and sanitary testing in accredited laboratories. These tests are performed to confirm absence of contamination and compliance with food standards.
9. Standards Permit (if required)
If imported confectionery must meet specific national or international standards, a standards permit from the relevant organizations is mandatory.
10. Operating License (for domestic production)
If the goods are produced domestically and require clearance for export, an operating license from the relevant authorities must be provided.
Need help with temperature-controlled shipments and precise HS classification? Saba’s team manages the permits and documents step by step.
Request a Proforma InvoiceFrequently Asked Questions
What are the HS Codes for confectionery?
Common lines: 1806 (chocolate and cocoa-based), 1905 (biscuits and bakery), 1704 (sugar confectionery). The final line depends on composition and presentation.
What transport conditions are required?
Often a cold chain/temperature control and tight scheduling to prevent quality loss; refrigerated containers are commonly used.
Which documents are required for clearance?
Invoice, packing list, bill of lading, health certificate, certificate of conformity, Ministry of Health import license, certificate of origin, laboratory results (if required), and standards permit (if required).
Media Suggestions
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- Caption: «Confectionery clearance steps; from HS codes to health permits and cold-chain transport»
- Infographic: «Checklist of documents for clearing sugar confectionery/chocolate/biscuits»
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Summary & Call to Action
For sensitive food cases such as confectionery customs clearance, strict compliance with documentation, health permits, and cold-chain conditions is essential. With hands-on experience, Saba Tarkhis runs your process quickly, accurately, and in full compliance with regulations.
Request Expert Consultation Get a Clearance ProformaSpecialized Customs Clearance Services by Saba Brokerage
With years of experience in customs clearance especially for food products and confectionery this brokerage offers comprehensive, professional services to streamline and accelerate the process. The company’s services include:
- Preparation and arrangement of required documents: The brokerage prepares all documents needed for clearance including the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, health certificate, and import permits completely and delivers them in the shortest possible time.
- Obtaining health permits and standards compliance: One of the main challenges in importing confectionery and food products is securing health permits from relevant authorities. By closely cooperating with sanitary and standards organizations, the experts obtain the required permits quickly.
- Continuous follow-up of clearance steps: From the time the goods enter customs until the end of the clearance process, all stages are carefully followed up to ensure there is no delay in releasing the product.
- Optimal and fast transportation: In cooperation with reputable carriers, suitable conditions are provided for transporting confectionery, usually using refrigerated containers to prevent quality degradation.
- Saving time and costs: By choosing this brokerage, you can be sure that all steps will be carried out at the lowest cost and in the shortest possible time. Providing specialized and efficient solutions helps you import or export your goods without concern for legal and financial obstacles.
