Clearance of Various Piston Engines from Iran Customs (HS Code، Documents and Permits)
Piston engines are among the most widely used internal combustion engines in the world and serve as the primary power source across various industries. Through the reciprocating motion of pistons within cylinders, these engines convert fuel energy into mechanical power, propelling cars, agricultural machinery, industrial and marine equipment. The importance of these engines in the global economy and Iran’s industry has made their customs clearance a sensitive and specialized process.
For an accurate HS Code and a clearance cost estimate for piston engines, contact the experts at Saba Tarkhis.
Instant Consultation Get a Proforma Invoice۱) Detailed Description of Piston Engines
Piston engines, with variations in fuel type (gasoline, diesel, gas-fueled and even aviation), number of cylinders, cooling system, and type of combustion, cover a wide range of transportation and industrial needs. These engines are used in everything from light and heavy vehicles to small aircraft, agricultural machinery, ships, and generators.
۲) Types and Applications
- Automotive industry: Piston engines are the primary type used in passenger cars, pickups, and light trucks. Depending on fuel type (gasoline or diesel), number of cylinders (۴، ۶، ۸ and more), and type of combustion (internal or external), these engines are designed and manufactured.
Heavy transportation: In trucks, buses, and heavy vehicles, high-torque diesel piston engines are used that can carry heavy loads.
Aerospace industry: Piston engines are also used in some small and medium-sized aircraft that require lightweight and efficient propulsion systems. These engines usually use specific aviation fuels and are manufactured with very high precision.
Agricultural machinery: Piston engines are used in tractors, combines, and other agricultural machines. These engines are usually diesel and are designed to work under harsh conditions for long periods.
Industrial and marine equipment: Piston engines are used in industrial equipment such as generators and pumps, as well as in ships and motorboats. Due to their reliability and high power, these engines are highly valued in these fields.
۳) Steps and Key Points in Clearance
- Order registration and required permits: Before importing piston engines, it is essential to register orders through the relevant systems and obtain the necessary permits from authorities such as the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade and the Department of Environment.
Compliance with national and international standards: Imported piston engines must comply with national environmental and safety standards. Providing certificates of conformity with international standards such as ISO, CE, and Euro standards is of particular importance.
Review of shipping and transport documents: Shipping documents including bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin must be carefully reviewed to ensure their accuracy and completeness. This can prevent problems and delays in the clearance process.
Payment of duties and taxes: One of the critical stages in clearing piston engines is the timely payment of customs duties, taxes, and other related costs. This not only speeds up clearance but also prevents financial and legal issues.
Insurance and quality assurance: Providing proper insurance documents for piston engines and ensuring product quality through reviewing quality assurance certificates from the supplier is essential. These documents can be used as evaluation criteria during the clearance process. - Customs technical inspection and evaluation: In some cases, physical inspection, checking serial/engine numbers, matching technical specifications (displacement, number of cylinders, fuel type), and verifying emission standards are required.
- Customs Tariff (HS Code) and Import Duty Details for Piston Engines
The customs tariff for piston engines is determined based on engine type, application, and the various technical specifications these engines have. In the global Harmonized System (HS Code), each type of piston engine has a unique code according to its specific features. For example:
HS Code ۸۴۰۷.۳۳: This code relates to internal combustion piston engines used in light vehicles. These gasoline engines usually have a displacement of less than ۱۵۰۰ cc and are used in small passenger cars. The customs duty for this type typically ranges between ۱۰٪ and ۱۵٪ of the CIF value, depending on the country of origin and existing trade agreements.
HS Code ۸۴۰۸.۹۰: This code is used for heavier piston engines utilized in trucks, buses, and industrial machinery. These engines are usually diesel with higher power output. Their customs duty is similar to that of light engines but may vary slightly due to their specific characteristics and be influenced by international agreements.
Other HS codes: In addition to the above, piston engines used in specific industries such as aerospace, marine, and agricultural machinery each have their own tariff code determined by the engine’s technical specifications, fuel type, and the manufacturing country.
Import tariffs on piston engines are affected by factors such as the country’s economic conditions, changes in customs regulations, and international trade agreements. These tariffs may change over time, and importers should always stay informed of the latest tariff updates and customs rules to optimize costs and manage the import process effectively.
Required Documents for Clearing Piston Engines
- Commercial Invoice with precise engine specifications (displacement, number of cylinders, fuel type).
- Packing List and Bill of Lading (B/L or AWB).
- Certificate of Origin (CO) and preferential forms, if applicable.
- Standards/quality certificates: ISO, CE, compliance with Euro ۴ or Euro ۵ emission standards (if required).
- Proforma, permits from the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, and where needed, approvals from the Department of Environment/Standards Organization.
۴) Customs Tariff / HS Code
| HS Code | Engine Type | Application |
|---|---|---|
| ۸۴۰۷.۳۳ | Gasoline, internal combustion, under ۱۵۰۰ cc | Light passenger cars |
| ۸۴۰۸.۹۰ | Diesel, high power | Trucks, buses, industrial machinery |
| ۸۴۰۷.۳۴ | Gasoline, ۱۵۰۰ to ۳۰۰۰ cc | Mid-size passenger cars and SUVs |
| ۸۴۰۸.۲۰ | Diesel for road vehicles | Light trucks/SUVs with diesel engines |
۵) Required Regulations and Permits
Obtaining environmental approvals, national standard certification, and permits from the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade is mandatory for import. Importing piston engines into Iran requires adherence to specific laws and regulations. These engines must comply with national environmental standards, especially emission standards that include Euro ۴ and Euro ۵. In addition, imported engines must have international certificates such as ISO and CE to ensure their quality and safety.
Timeline and Cost Estimate for Clearance
- Average clearance time under normal conditions: about ۳ to ۷ business days (depending on document completeness and channel).
- Costs: customs duties and taxes, VAT, storage/warehousing fees, testing/standard fees (if needed), and service fees.
- To reduce costs, correct determination of the HS Code and using tariff exemptions/preferences (where applicable) are very effective.
۶) Iranian and Global Market
Major exporters of piston engines include Germany, Japan, the United States, China, and South Korea. With advanced technologies in piston engine manufacturing, these countries supply the global market. Piston engines from these countries are exported worldwide and used in various industries including automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery.
In Iran, due to high demand in the automotive and agricultural sectors, piston engines are imported widely. Iran is considered one of the largest importers of piston engines in the region. Other importing countries include India, Turkey, Brazil, and Russia.
۷) Trade Volume
The volume of piston engine imports into Iran varies according to the needs of different industries. In recent years, due to the growth of the automotive industry and the need to develop agricultural machinery, imports of these engines have increased. Thousands of units of various types of piston engines are imported into Iran every year, mainly to meet the needs of different industrial and agricultural sectors.
Key Tips to Reduce Clearance Risk
- Match technical specifications of the engine with purchase documents and the declaration before entry.
- Pre-assessment of tariff and written inquiry to prevent HS disputes.
- Emphasis on emission standards (Euro ۴/Euro ۵) in documents and labels.
- Use appropriate cargo insurance and supplementary coverage.
- Reserve storage and coordinate transport to avoid demurrage/additional warehousing.
Summary and Call to Action
Clearing piston engines requires technical knowledge, accurate HS Code determination, and proper document management. Saba Tarkhis handles your process quickly and in full compliance with regulations.
Request Consultation Get a Proforma InvoiceFrequently Asked Questions
What is the HS Code for piston engines?
HS ۸۴۰۷.۳۳ applies to light gasoline engines and HS ۸۴۰۸.۹۰ applies to heavy diesel engines.
What documents are required for clearance?
Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, ISO/CE certificates, and official translations of technical documents.
How much are the customs duties for piston engines?
Usually between ۱۰ and ۱۵٪ of the CIF value, depending on engine type and country of origin.
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Special Customs Clearance Services by Saba Brokerage
Customs clearance services comprise a wide range of specialized activities that cover all aspects of clearance from the moment goods enter customs to final delivery. Below are some of these services, delivered using modern technologies and approaches:
Specialized consulting and guidance for order registration: One of the most important initial steps in the import process is placing the order. Accurate, specialized consulting in selecting the correct customs tariff code (HS Code), estimating customs costs, and preparing the required documents helps importers avoid potential issues in later stages.
Preparation and review of transport and customs documents: Ensuring the accuracy and completeness of transport documents such as bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin is of particular importance. Accurate, specialized preparation and review of these documents prevents delays and customs issues and helps accelerate clearance.
Obtaining required permits and certificates: For clearing many goods especially industrial items such as piston engines obtaining specific permits from the relevant authorities is essential. Specialized services include securing these permits, coordinating with regulatory organizations, and ensuring goods comply with national and international standards.
Payment of duties, taxes, and cost management: Precise calculation of customs duties and taxes and their timely payment are among the key actions in customs clearance. Proper cost management can significantly impact financial optimization and reduce total import costs.
Use of advanced electronic systems: Leveraging modern technologies such as the EPL system and other electronic tools enables the acceleration and simplification of clearance procedures. By reducing wait times and facilitating the sending and receiving of documents, these systems substantially improve the clearance process.
Providing insurance solutions and quality assurance: Ensuring goods are insured against potential risks during transportation and guaranteeing the quality of imported goods are other key services. This not only reduces financial risks but also helps maintain and enhance the value of goods.
Follow-up and post-clearance services: After the clearance process is completed, tracking the status of goods and offering consulting services to ensure compliance with domestic regulations constitute post-clearance services. These include resolving any potential issues, re-examining documents, and coordinating for distribution and use of goods in the domestic market.
For more information and to receive specialized consulting, contact us now.