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Customs Clearance of Motor Oils in Iran (HS Code, Documents & Permits)
Customs clearance of motor oils Motor oil is recognized as one of the vital and strategic products in industry and automotive sectors, whose main functions are to reduce friction, cool the engine, and extend the service life of various engines. Due to the specific characteristics and high sensitivity of motor oils in ensuring optimal engine performance, importing and clearing this product from customs requires strict adherence to guidelines, standards, and the submission of specialized documentation.
To estimate the time and cost of clearing motor oils, contact the experts at Saba Tarkhis.
Instant & Free Consultation1) Motor Oil Customs Clearance Process
Clearing motor oil from customs is considered a specialized and complex process due to the sensitive nature of this product and the need to comply with international standards. This process includes multiple steps, detailed below:
Customs Tariff (HS Code): Motor oils have different tariff codes based on chemical composition, type, and application. Generally, for mineral and synthetic oils used in engines, tariff code 2710.19.81 is used. This tariff code acts as one of the most important factors in expediting clearance. Incorrect code selection can cause serious issues in clearance and increase costs.
Standards and Legal Requirements: Motor oil imports must align with national and international quality standards. In addition to API and SAE standards, some countries have specific environmental requirements for importing this product. Providing valid certificates from the manufacturer and accredited laboratories is essential.
Required Documents and Paperwork: To clear motor oil from customs, documents such as proforma invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, bill of lading, standard certificates, and required permits from relevant organizations must be submitted. Any deficiency or discrepancy in documents may delay the clearance process.
Inspection and Sampling: In some cases, technical inspection and sampling of motor oil consignments are performed by customs to ensure compliance with established standards. This inspection includes checking quality, viscosity, and chemical composition.
Obtaining Safety and Health Permits: In some cases—especially for oils that may contain hazardous or environmentally sensitive compounds—obtaining safety and environmental permits from organizations such as the Department of Environment and the National Standards Organization is necessary.
Customs Tariff (HS Code): Motor oils have different tariff codes based on chemical composition, type, and application. Generally, for mineral and synthetic oils used in engines, tariff code 2710.19.81 is used. This tariff code acts as one of the most important factors in expediting clearance. Incorrect code selection can cause serious issues in clearance and increase costs.
Standards and Legal Requirements: Motor oil imports must align with national and international quality standards. In addition to API and SAE standards, some countries have specific environmental requirements for importing this product. Providing valid certificates from the manufacturer and accredited laboratories is essential.
Required Documents and Paperwork: To clear motor oil from customs, documents such as proforma invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, bill of lading, standard certificates, and required permits from relevant organizations must be submitted. Any deficiency or discrepancy in documents may delay the clearance process.
Inspection and Sampling: In some cases, technical inspection and sampling of motor oil consignments are performed by customs to ensure compliance with established standards. This inspection includes checking quality, viscosity, and chemical composition.
Obtaining Safety and Health Permits: In some cases—especially for oils that may contain hazardous or environmentally sensitive compounds—obtaining safety and environmental permits from organizations such as the Department of Environment and the National Standards Organization is necessary.
2) Types of Motor Oils and Their Technical Applications
Mineral Motor Oils for Internal Combustion Engines
HS Code: 2710.19.81
These oils are obtained from crude oil distillation and are usually used in older vehicles and engines with light loads. Their price is lower compared to other types, but their performance at high temperatures is relatively weaker.
Semi-Synthetic Motor Oils
HS Code: 2710.19.83
These oils are a blend of mineral and synthetic oils used in passenger cars and industrial machinery under moderate operating conditions. In terms of performance and price, they sit between mineral and fully synthetic oils.
Fully Synthetic Motor Oils
HS Code: 2710.19.85
These oils are produced using advanced chemical processes and, due to excellent performance at high temperatures and under harsh conditions, are mostly used in modern vehicles and advanced engines. They have longer service life and higher efficiency compared to mineral oils.
Lubricating Oils for Industrial Engines
HS Code: 2710.19.87
This category is used to lubricate heavy industrial engines and advanced equipment. These oils are typically designed to increase efficiency and the life of heavy-duty engines.
Hydraulic Oils
HS Code: 2710.19.91
Hydraulic oils are used in the hydraulic systems of heavy machinery and industrial equipment and must withstand pressure and temperature variations.
Gear Oils
HS Code: 2710.19.89
These oils are designed to lubricate gears and gearboxes in heavy machinery and vehicles and can withstand high pressures.
Diesel Engine Oils
HS Code: 2710.19.87
These oils are specifically formulated for diesel engines and have anti-wear properties with high stability against heat and high pressures.
HS Code: 2710.19.81
These oils are obtained from crude oil distillation and are usually used in older vehicles and engines with light loads. Their price is lower compared to other types, but their performance at high temperatures is relatively weaker.
Semi-Synthetic Motor Oils
HS Code: 2710.19.83
These oils are a blend of mineral and synthetic oils used in passenger cars and industrial machinery under moderate operating conditions. In terms of performance and price, they sit between mineral and fully synthetic oils.
Fully Synthetic Motor Oils
HS Code: 2710.19.85
These oils are produced using advanced chemical processes and, due to excellent performance at high temperatures and under harsh conditions, are mostly used in modern vehicles and advanced engines. They have longer service life and higher efficiency compared to mineral oils.
Lubricating Oils for Industrial Engines
HS Code: 2710.19.87
This category is used to lubricate heavy industrial engines and advanced equipment. These oils are typically designed to increase efficiency and the life of heavy-duty engines.
Hydraulic Oils
HS Code: 2710.19.91
Hydraulic oils are used in the hydraulic systems of heavy machinery and industrial equipment and must withstand pressure and temperature variations.
Gear Oils
HS Code: 2710.19.89
These oils are designed to lubricate gears and gearboxes in heavy machinery and vehicles and can withstand high pressures.
Diesel Engine Oils
HS Code: 2710.19.87
These oils are specifically formulated for diesel engines and have anti-wear properties with high stability against heat and high pressures.
3) Special Conditions for Importing and Exporting Motor Oil
Import and export of motor oil is one of the strategic sectors in the economies of countries like Iran. Due to its importance in the performance of vehicle engines and heavy machinery, this product always enjoys high demand.
Importing Motor Oil to Iran Iran, as one of the largest consumers of motor oil in the region, needs to import this product from various countries. The main exporters of motor oil to Iran include Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, China, and South Korea. Due to their advanced technology and ability to produce high-quality motor oils, these countries are the main suppliers of the Iranian market. The reason for extensive motor oil imports to Iran is that some domestic automotive and heavy machinery industries require specialized oils whose production in Iran is limited. Moreover, the high quality of imported oils gives them a special position across various industrial sectors in the country.
Exporting Motor Oil from Iran Owing to rich petroleum resources and the ability to produce oil derivatives, Iran plays a role in exporting motor oil to neighboring countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and Armenia. The high demand in these countries for quality motor oils—especially for heavy machinery and diesel vehicles—is a key factor in increasing Iran’s motor oil exports. Exports to neighboring markets are usually due to their need for quality, cost-effective products, and Iran—as a major producer of petroleum products—can supply part of this demand.
4) Iran’s Import/Export Volumes and the Global Market
Import and Export Volumes of Motor Oil in Iran According to trade statistics, Iran annually imports about 300,000 to 500,000 tons of motor oil from various countries. A major portion of these imports is consumed to meet the needs of the domestic automotive and heavy machinery industries. Due to the continuous industrial demand, motor oil imports constitute one of Iran’s significant trade areas. Conversely, the volume of motor oil exports from Iran to neighboring countries is lower compared to imports. On average, Iran exports about 50,000 to 100,000 tons of motor oil annually to neighboring markets, especially Iraq, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan.
Global Circulation of Motor Oil Globally, the trade volume of motor oil is very high. According to international statistics, millions of tons of motor oil are traded annually. Due to its importance in automotive and industrial sectors, it is among the best-selling products in global markets. The global motor oil market value was estimated at over $60 billion by 2023 and is growing, as demand from modern vehicles and industrial machinery increases day by day.
Major Global Exporters of Motor Oil Internationally, the United States, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and Russia are among the largest producers and exporters of motor oil. Owing to advanced technologies in producing high-performance motor oils, these countries hold a significant share of the global market. Germany and Japan—given their focus on advanced vehicle production and the need for specialized oils—are major exporters of motor oil. The U.S. and Russia, as major producers of petroleum products, also play a prominent role in producing industrial and motor oils.
Major Global Importers of Motor Oil India, China, Brazil, Middle Eastern countries, and some African nations are major importers of motor oil. The rapid growth of the automotive industry in these countries and the need for high-quality oils for modern vehicles have increased import demand. China and India, in particular, due to rapid economic development and the rising number of manufactured and imported vehicles, have a very high need for motor oils and are among the largest importers.
5) Required Documents for Motor Oil Clearance
To clear motor oil from customs, various documents must be provided, including both commercial papers and legal permits. These documents must be fully prepared and submitted to the relevant authorities so that clearance proceeds quickly and without issues.
1. Proforma Invoice
The proforma invoice is one of the primary documents to initiate the clearance process. Issued by the seller, it includes product specifications, price, payment terms, and shipping method.
2. Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice records all financial information related to the goods. It includes unit price, total quantity, and final cost. It is essential for order registration and customs clearance.
3. Certificate of Origin (CO)
The CO indicates the country of manufacture and is issued by the exporting country’s chamber of commerce. It helps verify origin and determine tariff rates under trade agreements.
4. Bill of Lading (B/L)
The B/L is a transport document specifying the mode of transport (sea/land/air), carrier, loading date, and final destination. It also serves as a document of title.
5. Packing List
Provides packaging details, counts, and net/gross weights. It is necessary to reconcile goods with the B/L and commercial invoice.
6. Certificate of Compliance
For motor oils, international standards such as API and SAE must be provided. These certificates ensure quality and technical specs meet required standards.
7. Inspection Certificate
In some cases, a pre-clearance inspection certificate from an accredited body is required, confirming quality and compliance with international standards.
8. Import License
Depending on the type of motor oil, permits may be required from authorities such as the National Standards Organization and the Department of Environment, proving compliance with domestic and environmental regulations.
9. Release Order
After completion of customs procedures and payment of related charges, customs issues the release order allowing the importer to take delivery.
10. Insurance Documents
If the shipment is insured, transport insurance documents must be submitted, indicating coverage during transit.
11. Order Registration Certificate
For official imports into Iran, order registration via the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade (SAMTA) system is mandatory, confirming the goods have been legally imported under regulations.
12. Customs Declaration
Specifies full consignment details, value, and HS code. Submitted by the importer or customs broker to customs for duty/tax assessment.
13. Health Clearance
In some cases, health-related permits are required from relevant health/environmental authorities—especially if the product contains special or chemical compounds.
14. Conformity Certificate
Confirms compliance with national and international standards. Issued by the National Standards Organization or other authorities.
1. Proforma Invoice
The proforma invoice is one of the primary documents to initiate the clearance process. Issued by the seller, it includes product specifications, price, payment terms, and shipping method.
2. Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice records all financial information related to the goods. It includes unit price, total quantity, and final cost. It is essential for order registration and customs clearance.
3. Certificate of Origin (CO)
The CO indicates the country of manufacture and is issued by the exporting country’s chamber of commerce. It helps verify origin and determine tariff rates under trade agreements.
4. Bill of Lading (B/L)
The B/L is a transport document specifying the mode of transport (sea/land/air), carrier, loading date, and final destination. It also serves as a document of title.
5. Packing List
Provides packaging details, counts, and net/gross weights. It is necessary to reconcile goods with the B/L and commercial invoice.
6. Certificate of Compliance
For motor oils, international standards such as API and SAE must be provided. These certificates ensure quality and technical specs meet required standards.
7. Inspection Certificate
In some cases, a pre-clearance inspection certificate from an accredited body is required, confirming quality and compliance with international standards.
8. Import License
Depending on the type of motor oil, permits may be required from authorities such as the National Standards Organization and the Department of Environment, proving compliance with domestic and environmental regulations.
9. Release Order
After completion of customs procedures and payment of related charges, customs issues the release order allowing the importer to take delivery.
10. Insurance Documents
If the shipment is insured, transport insurance documents must be submitted, indicating coverage during transit.
11. Order Registration Certificate
For official imports into Iran, order registration via the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade (SAMTA) system is mandatory, confirming the goods have been legally imported under regulations.
12. Customs Declaration
Specifies full consignment details, value, and HS code. Submitted by the importer or customs broker to customs for duty/tax assessment.
13. Health Clearance
In some cases, health-related permits are required from relevant health/environmental authorities—especially if the product contains special or chemical compounds.
14. Conformity Certificate
Confirms compliance with national and international standards. Issued by the National Standards Organization or other authorities.
| Goods | Short Description | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral motor oil | Mineral for internal combustion engines | 2710.19.81 |
| Semi-synthetic oil | Blend (mineral + synthetic) | 2710.19.83 |
| Fully synthetic oil | Excellent performance at high temperature | 2710.19.85 |
| Lubricant for industrial engines | For heavy/industrial engines | 2710.19.87 |
| Gear oil | For gearboxes/gears | 2710.19.89 |
| Hydraulic oil | Hydraulic systems | 2710.19.91 |
| Diesel engine oil | For diesel engines | 2710.19.87 |
Final classification depends on chemical nature, additives, end-use, packaging type, and the manufacturer’s declared standards.
Need precise HS selection, API/SAE approvals, and document preparation? Our team manages your case end-to-end.
Submit Proforma RequestFrequently Asked Questions
What are common HS Codes for motor oils?
Per your text, for motor oils (mineral/synthetic) the following headings are commonly used: 2710.19.81, 2710.19.83, 2710.19.85, 2710.19.87, 2710.19.89, and 2710.19.91; final determination depends on composition and end-use.
Which standards must be provided?
According to your text, API and SAE are quality requirements; as applicable, environmental requirements and manufacturer/accredited lab certificates are also needed.
Will inspection and sampling be performed?
Yes; per your text, customs may conduct inspection/sampling to verify quality, viscosity, and chemical composition.
What documents are required for clearance?
According to your 14-item list: Proforma, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, CO, B/L, standard/inspection certificates, import license, transport insurance, order registration, customs declaration, health clearance, and conformity certificate.
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Summary & Call to Action
Given the diversity within HS 2710 headings, API/SAE requirements, quality inspections, and environmental permits, motor oil clearance requires complete documentation and precise classification. Saba Tarkhis leverages practical experience to expedite your process in full compliance with regulations.
Request Specialized Consultation Get Clearance ProformaSaba Brokerage’s Special Services for Motor Oil Clearance
Specialized services for motor oil clearance comprise a set of expert steps delivered by an experienced, professional team. With years of experience in customs clearance, this group provides comprehensive services from obtaining permits to final clearance. Key services include:
Specialized consulting for selecting the appropriate tariff: Experienced experts thoroughly review the oil type and chemical composition to choose the best tariff code and prevent potential issues during clearance.
Fast acquisition of required permits: Thanks to extensive ties with standards and regulatory bodies, the team secures all necessary permits in the shortest possible time, enabling clients to proceed without concern.
Coordination for inspection and sampling: If technical inspection and sampling are needed, specialists promptly and accurately coordinate these processes with oversight bodies.
Financial facilitation: Special arrangements with banks and financial institutions support clients in financing and international payments.
By choosing this professional team, your motor oil clearance will be carried out precisely and swiftly, with all stages managed seamlessly and without any issues or delays.
Contact our experts for more information.
