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Customs Clearance of Various Types of Hydrogen | HS Code, Documents & Permits

Customs Clearance of Various Types of Hydrogen in Iran (HS Code + Documents & Permits)

Customs clearance of various types of hydrogen (Hydrogen), as the lightest element in the periodic table, is one of the most important elements in various industries. Due to its unique physical and chemical properties, it is used in industries such as renewable energy, petrochemicals, steel, as well as in scientific research. Since hydrogen is recognized as a sensitive and hazardous material, its import and customs clearance require strict compliance with instructions and regulations and the use of specific customs tariff codes (HS Code). In this article, we examine all technical, legal, and specialized points of hydrogen clearance.

For estimating the time and cost of hydrogen clearance (gaseous/liquid), contact the experts at Saba Tarkhis.

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Industrial Applications of Hydrogen

Thanks to its unique properties, hydrogen has wide-ranging applications across industries:
Energy industry: Hydrogen is used as a clean fuel in fuel cells and as a substitute for fossil fuels in hydrogen-powered vehicles. Leading countries in hydrogen vehicles, such as Japan and Germany, utilize this technology as part of their plans to reduce greenhouse gases.
Petrochemicals: Hydrogen plays a key role in producing ammonia from nitrogen for use in chemical fertilizers.
Steel industry: Hydrogen is used in the direct reduction of iron ore to pure iron for producing low-carbon steel.
Scientific research: Owing to its cooling properties and stability, hydrogen is applied in scientific processes such as nuclear experiments and particle accelerators.
Food industry: Hydrogen serves as a catalyst in hydrogenation processes to produce edible fats and improve food texture.

Hydrogen Customs Tariff Code (HS Code)

For hydrogen customs clearance, correctly identifying the tariff code is crucial. Liquid or compressed hydrogen falls under the tariff code 28041000, which means “Hydrogen, compressed or liquefied.” Using the correct tariff code for hydrogen ensures customs procedures are performed properly and the clearance process proceeds without issues. Keep in mind that using an incorrect tariff code may result in complications such as suspension of goods at customs.
Commodity Short Description HS Code
Compressed hydrogen High-pressure gas for industrial/energy use 2804.10.00
Liquid hydrogen (cryogenic) Ultra-cold liquid transported in special tanks 2804.10.00

Determining the exact subheading and permit requirements varies by form (gas/liquid), purity, packaging, and end-use.

Steps & Required Documents for Hydrogen Customs Clearance

Due to the sensitivities involved, clearing hydrogen is more complex than ordinary goods. The most important documents and steps include:
Obtaining environmental permits: Because of potential environmental impacts and safety requirements, importing this material requires relevant permits from the Department of Environment.
Providing safety and transport documentation: As a hazardous material, hydrogen must comply with international dangerous goods transport standards (ADR). Documents include transport certificates, special hazardous-materials insurance, and safety instructions.
Customs and safety inspections: Owing to specific physical and chemical properties, hydrogen is subject to special inspections. Customs inspectors carefully examine all safety aspects.
Obtaining standard approvals: In many cases, due to hydrogen’s sensitivity to temperature and pressure changes, the product must be approved according to national and international standards.

Import and Export of Hydrogen

Hydrogen is widely imported and exported, but due to complexities in its transport and storage, global trade faces many challenges: Importing hydrogen into Iran: Most hydrogen imported into Iran is sourced from European countries such as Germany and France, as well as the United States and Canada. These countries have advanced hydrogen production technologies and safety systems for transport.
Exporting hydrogen from Iran: Owing to extensive natural gas resources and suitable infrastructure for producing hydrogen via gas reforming, Iran has the potential to export to regional countries including Iraq, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.

Global Import and Export Volumes of Hydrogen

The global hydrogen market is growing, and with international policies to reduce carbon and use clean fuels, hydrogen production and consumption are expected to increase sharply. Currently, leading exporters of hydrogen include:
Germany: As a global leader in clean energy, it has significant hydrogen exports.
Japan: One of the largest consumers and producers of hydrogen for fuel-cell vehicles.
United States: With advanced infrastructure and hydrogen production technologies, it is one of the world’s main exporters.

Key Points for Hydrogen Clearance

  • Safe transport and storage: Due to explosion and flammability risks, appropriate transport and storage equipment must be used. Special tankers for liquid hydrogen and high-pressure systems for compressed hydrogen are essential.
  • Insurance and related risks: For transporting hydrogen, specific insurance covering risks associated with hazardous materials must be provided.
  • Use accurate tariff codes: Using an incorrect tariff code may delay the clearance process or result in goods being suspended.

Need the exact HS Code, environmental permits, and ADR compliance? Our team manages the hydrogen file end-to-end.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HS Code for hydrogen?

For “Hydrogen, compressed or liquefied,” 2804.10.00 is commonly used. The final choice depends on form, purity, and packaging.

What permits are required to import hydrogen?

Permits from the Department of Environment, compliance with ADR, safety documents (MSDS), and, as applicable, standard/quality approvals.

What are the special requirements for hydrogen transport and storage?

Special tankers (cryogenic for liquid/high-pressure for gas), explosion-proof safety systems, hazard labeling, and hazardous-materials insurance.

Is Iran an importer or exporter of hydrogen?

Iran mainly imports from Europe/North America and has regional export potential based on natural gas reforming.

Multimedia Suggestions

  • Image file name: customs-hydrogen-clearance-iran-280410.jpg
  • Alt Text: Customs clearance of compressed/liquid hydrogen in Iran — HS 280410
  • Caption: “Import-to-clearance chain for safe hydrogen handling in compliance with ADR.”
  • Infographic: “Permit checklist and cryogenic packaging for liquid hydrogen.”

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Summary & Call to Action

Given the sensitive nature and safety/standard requirements, hydrogen clearance demands precise planning of documentation and specialized permits. Saba Tarkhis leverages hands-on experience to move your process forward quickly and in full compliance.

Request Expert Consultation Get a Clearance Proforma

Special Hydrogen Clearance Services by Saba Brokerage

With a focus on hazardous-materials cases, Saba Brokerage provides dedicated services for importing and clearing hydrogen (gas/liquid); from HS 280410 consulting and order registration to obtaining environmental permits, ADR/IMDG/IATA compliance, document management, and coordinating cryogenic/high-pressure transport.

Key Advantages:

  • Specialized & strategic consulting: Reviewing formula, form, purity, and end-use to select the optimal subheading and permit pathway.
  • Order registration & permits: Following up on permits from the Department of Environment, Standards Organization, and safety documents (MSDS) with minimal time loss.
  • Expedited clearance: Close coordination with customs and leveraging EPL/Single Window systems to reduce dwell time.
  • Document & inspection management: Precise preparation of transport documents, hazardous-materials insurance, and support during safety inspections.
  • Specialized logistics: Coordinating cryogenic/high-pressure tankers, controlling temperature and pressure, and standard labeling.

Contact our experts for more information.

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