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Customs clearance of generator sets in Iran (HS Code + documents & permits)
For estimating the time and cost of clearing gasoline/diesel generators (portable, household, industrial, diesel gensets), contact the experts at Saba Tarkhis.
Immediate free consultation۱) Types of generators and their applications
۱. Gasoline generators
۲. Diesel generators
Generator applications
Household: Supplying emergency power during outages, lighting, and powering small electrical appliances such as refrigerators, TVs, and other electronics.
Industrial: Providing power for heavy industrial equipment, machinery, and construction equipment in areas without stable electricity or in civil projects requiring temporary power sources.
Healthcare facilities: As a backup energy source for critical medical equipment such as ventilators, patient monitors, and laboratory devices that require uninterrupted power.
Commercial: Ensuring uninterrupted operation of cold storage systems, vending equipment, and other sensitive commercial devices where any outage can cause financial losses and inventory spoilage.
۲) Customs tariff and HS Code for generators
| Generator type | Short description | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Gasoline generator | Electric generating sets using liquid fuel (gasoline) | ۸۵۰۲.۱۳ |
| Diesel generator | Electric generating sets using diesel (gasoil) | ۸۵۰۲.۱۲ |
The exact subheading may vary based on power (kVA/kW), alternator type, set on canopy/trailer, and fixed/mobile application.
۳) Key points in the generator customs clearance process
۱. Required documents
The following documents are essential for clearing generators from customs:
Commercial invoice: This document must include exact product information such as type, model, technical specifications, and value. The details on the invoice must fully match the imported goods to avoid issues during clearance.
Certificate of origin: This certificate identifies the country of origin and validates the production claim. It is usually endorsed by the chamber of commerce of the exporting country and must match the product specifications.
Inspection certificate: For some generators, an inspection certificate from reputable international or domestic companies is required. It demonstrates conformity with national and international standards and can prevent problems in later stages.
Import permits: Depending on the generator type and environmental/energy regulations, specific permits may be required from relevant bodies such as the National Standards Organization of Iran and the Department of Environment. These confirm the product meets required standards.
۲. Environmental standards
Compliance with environmental standards is one of the most important requirements for generator imports.
Diesel engines: Due to pollutant emissions, these must comply with strict environmental standards. Many countries, including Iran, set stringent limits on emissions that importers must observe.
Gasoline engines: These must also comply with fuel consumption and emission standards. Using advanced engine design technologies can reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and ensure compliance.
۳. Import laws and regulations
Adhering to import laws and regulations is essential to avoid potential issues during clearance.
Sanctions and restrictions: International sanctions or trade restrictions may apply to certain countries or specific generator parts. Staying updated on sanctions and international trade rules is vital to avoid legal problems.
Import tariffs: Tariffs may change based on economic conditions and government trade policies. These directly affect import costs and the final market price. Therefore, up-to-date tariff awareness is important for financial planning.
۴) Clearance steps (step-by-step)
The first step in importing generators is registering the order in the Comprehensive Trade System (NTSW). This includes entering exact product details, technical specifications, invoice value, and the relevant customs tariff for generators. This registration is critical and must be done accurately; even minor errors can cause major issues later. If foreign currency is supplied via banks, the relevant allocation process with the Central Bank must be completed. This stage can be time-consuming and may depend on obtaining required permits.
۲. Transportation and cargo loading
After order registration and currency procedures, cargo transportation begins. Choosing a reputable carrier and ensuring transport documents (such as the bill of lading, insurance policy, and other related documents) are correct is crucial. These must match the data registered in the trade system. The importer must ensure shipping documents are sent to the destination customs on time and correctly.
۳. Arrival at customs and customs declaration
Upon arrival at customs, the importer or customs broker must complete and submit the customs declaration. It includes exact information about the goods: type, weight, value, country of origin, and other technical specifications. These must fully match the shipping documents and order registration. After submission, a declaration code is issued and the inspection process begins.
۴. Inspection and appraisal
One of the most important stages is the physical inspection by customs officers. The goods are checked for conformity with the submitted documents (invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin). They are also evaluated for compliance with national/international standards and for absence of technical or quality discrepancies. Nonconformity can lead to serious problems, including seizure or return of the goods.
۵. Payment of duties and taxes
After inspection approval, the importer must pay customs duties and taxes related to generator imports. The tariff is determined based on the HS Code, and applicable tax/duty rates vary by type and value. Payments are typically made via banking/electronic systems. Note that some goods may be eligible for customs discounts or exemptions, which should be checked in advance.
۶. Issuance of the release permit and delivery
After paying the relevant amounts, the customs issues the release permit. This indicates that all legal and technical clearance stages have been correctly completed and the goods are ready to exit customs. At this point, the importer or their representative can take delivery. If domestic transportation is needed, arrangements should be made for delivery to the final destination.
۷. Clearance and delivery to the final destination
After the release permit is issued, the goods leave customs and are transported to the final destination. This usually involves paying domestic transport costs and settling with the carrier. If needed, the goods should be fully insured to prevent potential losses en route.
۵) Countries and trade flows for generators
China: The largest exporter of generators to Iran, holding a major share of the market.
Japan and South Korea: Due to high product quality, these countries are also reputable suppliers of generators for the Iranian market.
Germany and Italy: These countries produce advanced, high-quality products and export them to Iran.
Importers of generators from Iran
Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan: Among the main buyers of generator sets manufactured in Iran.
Central Asian countries: Given their need for electrical equipment and competitive prices, they are also considered importers of Iranian generators.
Need HS ۸۵۰۲.۱۲/۸۵۰۲.۱۳ classification, environmental/standards approvals, and document preparation? Our team manages the case end to end.
Submit proforma requestFrequently asked questions
What is the HS Code for gasoline/diesel generators?
As stated above, gasoline generators fall under ۸۵۰۲.۱۳ and diesel under ۸۵۰۲.۱۲; final determination depends on power/application.
What documents are required for clearance?
Commercial invoice, certificate of origin, inspection certificate, and import permits (standards/environment) as per your text.
What are the key environmental standards for diesel engines?
Stringent diesel emission limits and fuel consumption/emission requirements for gasoline units; compliance with Iran’s national standards is mandatory.
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Summary & call to action
To avoid tariff disputes and delays, accurate determination of HS ۸۵۰۲.۱۲/۸۵۰۲.۱۳, compliance with environmental standards, complete documentation, and managing the ۷ clearance stages are critical. Saba Tarkhis advances your process quickly and in full compliance with regulations.
Request expert consultation Get a clearance proformaSpecialized customs services by Saba Brokerage
Relying on long-standing experience and deep expertise in customs clearance—especially for generators—we offer a comprehensive suite of services for importers and traders.
۱. Expert consulting: One of our most important services is providing precise, specialized advice on selecting the best generator type based on market needs, customs regulations, and import conditions. Our experts analyze your needs and target market to propose the best solutions, ensuring your imports proceed with minimal risk and maximum profitability. We also help you choose generators that comply with national and international standards.
۲. Order registration and coordination with foreign sellers: Registering orders in the Comprehensive Trade System and coordinating with overseas suppliers are key steps for successful imports. With the necessary technical knowledge and experience, our team handles all stages of order registration, contract drafting, and negotiations on your behalf. We ensure all required documents are correctly completed and goods enter Iran in compliance with the necessary standards.
۳. Facilitating inspection and standards compliance: Inspecting goods and ensuring their compliance with national and international standards is a crucial stage. By partnering with reputable international inspection companies, we manage the entire inspection process to minimize potential issues and accelerate clearance. Through close coordination with relevant authorities, we ensure exact compliance with environmental, safety, and quality standards.
۴. Fast and efficient clearance: Our experience and specialization in clearing various goods—especially generators—enable us to complete clearance in the shortest possible time and at the lowest cost. Through continuous follow-up and optimized methods, all stages from document submission to customs release are carried out quickly and efficiently. Our goal is for you to receive your goods without delay and with minimal additional expenses.
۵. Duties and tax payments: One of the most complex stages is calculating and paying customs duties and taxes. With our professional services, we manage these payments so you face minimal financial concerns. Using precise knowledge of tax and customs laws, we calculate and pay applicable duties and taxes accurately and transparently to ensure your goods are released without issues.
۶. Post-clearance services: Our services do not end at customs release. We remain by your side until the goods are delivered to your final destination. Post-clearance services include transportation, cargo insurance, unloading, and even consulting on distribution and sales. These services give you confidence that your import process will be completed fully and without problems.
For more information, contact our experts.
