.png)
Customs Clearance of Printing Inks in Iran (HS Code + Documents & Permits)
Customs clearance of various types of printing ink is one of the most important stages of importing this commodity into Iran. Printing inks play a vital role in several industries including printing, packaging, publishing, and advertising. As this product is widely used across different industries, importers need precision and awareness regarding customs regulations and import conditions for this product.
For estimating the time and cost of printing ink customs clearance, contact the experts at Saba Tarkhis.
Instant Free Consultation1) Types of Printing Ink and Customs Tariff Code
Printing inks, due to their broad use in industries such as printing, publishing, packaging, and advertising, have a very high variety. Understanding the different types of printing inks and their applications especially in the import and customs clearance process plays an important role in reducing costs and accelerating clearance.
1. Offset Inks
Offset inks are among the most widely used inks, mainly employed for large-scale printing such as newspapers, books, and magazines. Thanks to their ability to deliver high print quality and suitable drying speed, they are produced and consumed in large volumes.
Applications: printing books, newspapers, magazines, brochures, catalogs
Advantages: high print quality, suitable for high-volume and fast printing
Customs Tariff Code: 32151100 (solvent-based offset inks)
2. Flexographic Inks
Flexographic inks are mainly used for printing on flexible packaging such as plastics, aluminum foil, wrapping papers, and laminated boards. These inks are water- or solvent-based, and their fast drying makes them suitable for non-absorbent surfaces and packaging materials.
Applications: printing on plastic films, aluminum foils, paper packaging, flexible packaging
Advantages: fast drying, suitable for various packaging types
Customs Tariff Code: 32151900 (flexo inks, water- and solvent-based)
3. Digital Inks
Digital inks are designed for digital printing devices and inkjet printers. They deliver high precision and, due to the ability to print directly on various surfaces, are very popular in digital printing and small, customized jobs.
Applications: printing on paper, cards, promotional posters, graphic images, personalized prints
Advantages: high precision, suitable for small and personalized print runs
Customs Tariff Code: 32151190 (digital inkjet inks)
4. UV Cured Inks
UV inks cure using ultraviolet light. They are used for printing on non-absorbent surfaces such as plastic, metal, glass, and other industrial materials. Given their high resistance and stability, they are widely used in food and pharmaceutical packaging.
Applications: printing on non-absorbent surfaces like plastic, metal, glass; printing on food and pharmaceutical packaging
Advantages: high resistance to chemicals and moisture; fast curing under UV
Customs Tariff Code: 32151900 (UV inks, solvent- and water-based)
5. Gravure Inks
Gravure inks are used for very high-quality and fine printing, particularly in luxury packaging, as well as printing banknotes and other important documents. These inks are used for intaglio printing and provide high accuracy and detail.
Applications: luxury packaging, banknote printing, high-quality magazines
Advantages: high precision and quality, suitable for complex printing
Customs Tariff Code: 32151900 (gravure inks)
6. Silk Screen Inks
Silk screen inks are used to print on various surfaces including fabric, plastic, metal, and paper. Due to the ability to produce thick and high-quality prints, they are used in garment printing and advertising boards.
Applications: printing on textiles, billboards, plastic and metal objects
Advantages: thick ink laydown, suitable for diverse surfaces
Customs Tariff Code: 32151900 (silk screen inks)
1. Offset Inks
Offset inks are among the most widely used inks, mainly employed for large-scale printing such as newspapers, books, and magazines. Thanks to their ability to deliver high print quality and suitable drying speed, they are produced and consumed in large volumes.
Applications: printing books, newspapers, magazines, brochures, catalogs
Advantages: high print quality, suitable for high-volume and fast printing
Customs Tariff Code: 32151100 (solvent-based offset inks)
2. Flexographic Inks
Flexographic inks are mainly used for printing on flexible packaging such as plastics, aluminum foil, wrapping papers, and laminated boards. These inks are water- or solvent-based, and their fast drying makes them suitable for non-absorbent surfaces and packaging materials.
Applications: printing on plastic films, aluminum foils, paper packaging, flexible packaging
Advantages: fast drying, suitable for various packaging types
Customs Tariff Code: 32151900 (flexo inks, water- and solvent-based)
3. Digital Inks
Digital inks are designed for digital printing devices and inkjet printers. They deliver high precision and, due to the ability to print directly on various surfaces, are very popular in digital printing and small, customized jobs.
Applications: printing on paper, cards, promotional posters, graphic images, personalized prints
Advantages: high precision, suitable for small and personalized print runs
Customs Tariff Code: 32151190 (digital inkjet inks)
4. UV Cured Inks
UV inks cure using ultraviolet light. They are used for printing on non-absorbent surfaces such as plastic, metal, glass, and other industrial materials. Given their high resistance and stability, they are widely used in food and pharmaceutical packaging.
Applications: printing on non-absorbent surfaces like plastic, metal, glass; printing on food and pharmaceutical packaging
Advantages: high resistance to chemicals and moisture; fast curing under UV
Customs Tariff Code: 32151900 (UV inks, solvent- and water-based)
5. Gravure Inks
Gravure inks are used for very high-quality and fine printing, particularly in luxury packaging, as well as printing banknotes and other important documents. These inks are used for intaglio printing and provide high accuracy and detail.
Applications: luxury packaging, banknote printing, high-quality magazines
Advantages: high precision and quality, suitable for complex printing
Customs Tariff Code: 32151900 (gravure inks)
6. Silk Screen Inks
Silk screen inks are used to print on various surfaces including fabric, plastic, metal, and paper. Due to the ability to produce thick and high-quality prints, they are used in garment printing and advertising boards.
Applications: printing on textiles, billboards, plastic and metal objects
Advantages: thick ink laydown, suitable for diverse surfaces
Customs Tariff Code: 32151900 (silk screen inks)
2) Applications of Printing Ink
Printing inks are highly important due to their wide applications across industries:
Packaging industry: Printing on various paper, plastic, and metal packaging for products such as food, pharmaceuticals, and industrial goods.
Publishing industry: Printing books, magazines, and newspapers that typically use offset inks.
Advertising industry: Printing posters, banners, and other marketing materials, often using digital and silk screen inks.
Textile printing: Printing on garments, fabrics, and textile products using silk screen and digital inks.
Packaging industry: Printing on various paper, plastic, and metal packaging for products such as food, pharmaceuticals, and industrial goods.
Publishing industry: Printing books, magazines, and newspapers that typically use offset inks.
Advertising industry: Printing posters, banners, and other marketing materials, often using digital and silk screen inks.
Textile printing: Printing on garments, fabrics, and textile products using silk screen and digital inks.
3) Key Points in Customs Clearance of Printing Ink
Clearing printing inks as a chemical and industrial commodity requires high precision and adherence to specific steps and conditions. Key points to consider in the clearance process include:
Customs tariff (HS Code): Printing inks are classified under 32151900. This tariff covers various inks such as water-based, solvent-based, and UV. Knowing the correct tariff can help reduce customs costs.
Required documents for clearance: Documents include the proforma invoice, packing list, bill of lading, permits from the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, as well as certificates related to chemicals.
Health and standard permits: Some inks require health and standard approvals from relevant organizations due to specific chemical constituents. The National Standards Organization and Health Authorities in Iran closely control the import of such goods.
Quality control and compliance with standards: Imported inks must comply with national and international standards to facilitate smooth clearance.
Incidental costs: In addition to customs duty, incidental costs such as warehousing, inspection, and possible chemical-related levies may be added to the final price.
Customs tariff (HS Code): Printing inks are classified under 32151900. This tariff covers various inks such as water-based, solvent-based, and UV. Knowing the correct tariff can help reduce customs costs.
Required documents for clearance: Documents include the proforma invoice, packing list, bill of lading, permits from the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, as well as certificates related to chemicals.
Health and standard permits: Some inks require health and standard approvals from relevant organizations due to specific chemical constituents. The National Standards Organization and Health Authorities in Iran closely control the import of such goods.
Quality control and compliance with standards: Imported inks must comply with national and international standards to facilitate smooth clearance.
Incidental costs: In addition to customs duty, incidental costs such as warehousing, inspection, and possible chemical-related levies may be added to the final price.
4) Exporting Countries and Market Status
The largest suppliers of printing inks to the Iranian market include:
China: one of the world’s largest producers of printing inks; a significant share of Iran’s imports come from China.
Germany: a key exporter to Iran due to the high quality of its products.
Italy: a producer of specialized inks, especially UV inks.
Türkiye: an important supplier to Iran thanks to geographic proximity.
Global circulation of printing ink
The global printing ink market is highly significant due to its use in various industries such as printing, packaging, and advertising. In recent years, its value has been estimated between 30 and 35 billion USD, and it is forecast to continue growing at an annual rate of 4 to 5 percent. This growth mainly stems from rising demand in packaging, advertising, and digital printing—sectors increasingly requiring customized, high-quality prints.
China: one of the world’s largest producers of printing inks; a significant share of Iran’s imports come from China.
Germany: a key exporter to Iran due to the high quality of its products.
Italy: a producer of specialized inks, especially UV inks.
Türkiye: an important supplier to Iran thanks to geographic proximity.
Global circulation of printing ink
The global printing ink market is highly significant due to its use in various industries such as printing, packaging, and advertising. In recent years, its value has been estimated between 30 and 35 billion USD, and it is forecast to continue growing at an annual rate of 4 to 5 percent. This growth mainly stems from rising demand in packaging, advertising, and digital printing—sectors increasingly requiring customized, high-quality prints.
The highest exports of printing inks come from countries with strong manufacturing infrastructure and advanced know-how in chemical and printing industries. Leading countries include:
China: one of the largest producers and exporters of printing inks worldwide.
Germany: producer of high-quality inks, especially offset and UV.
United States: a main exporter of digital and flexographic printing inks.
Japan: an important exporter of specialized inks thanks to advanced technology and high quality.
Italy: producer of advanced inks for packaging and specialized printing.
South Korea: one of the major producers of cost-effective inks in the global market.
Main global importers of printing inks
Countries with high demand for printing inks—owing to large packaging and printing sectors are the primary importers. Some of the largest importers include:
United States: despite domestic production, it still imports to meet demand.
Germany: in addition to domestic production, imports to meet specialized needs.
India: a major importer due to the rapid growth of printing and packaging.
Türkiye: with rapid expansion in printing and advertising, it has increased ink imports.
Mexico: imports inks to support its growing industries.
China: one of the largest producers and exporters of printing inks worldwide.
Germany: producer of high-quality inks, especially offset and UV.
United States: a main exporter of digital and flexographic printing inks.
Japan: an important exporter of specialized inks thanks to advanced technology and high quality.
Italy: producer of advanced inks for packaging and specialized printing.
South Korea: one of the major producers of cost-effective inks in the global market.
Main global importers of printing inks
Countries with high demand for printing inks—owing to large packaging and printing sectors are the primary importers. Some of the largest importers include:
United States: despite domestic production, it still imports to meet demand.
Germany: in addition to domestic production, imports to meet specialized needs.
India: a major importer due to the rapid growth of printing and packaging.
Türkiye: with rapid expansion in printing and advertising, it has increased ink imports.
Mexico: imports inks to support its growing industries.
5) Required Documents for Customs Clearance of Printing Ink
To clear printing inks through customs, you need to prepare and submit various documents. These documents are crucial not only to confirm the legality of the import but also to reduce issues during clearance and avoid unnecessary delays.
1. Proforma Invoice
A key document in imports that includes details such as product type, price, payment terms, and delivery time. It must accurately specify all details of the printing inks, including their types and quantities.
2. Packing List
Provides precise details on packaging method, number of packages, and their weight and dimensions. It helps customs ensure that all packages are properly counted and inspected.
3. Bill of Lading
The transport document issued by the carrier indicating the route and shipment details from origin to destination. It must clearly state the carrier, consignee, and cargo specifications.
4. Order Registration License
Issued by the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, this is one of the most essential documents for legal import into Iran and must be obtained before the goods arrive at customs.
5. Certificate of Origin
Identifies the producing country. It must be issued by the Chamber of Commerce of the producing country to verify and confirm the goods’ origin.
6. Commercial Invoice
Contains full information about the goods, final price, and sales terms. It must match the proforma invoice and specify precise details and total amount.
7. Certificate of Analysis
If the imported inks contain specific chemicals, a COA is required. It includes the chemical composition and technical specifications and should be issued by the manufacturer or an accredited laboratory.
8. Health or Standard Certificate
Some inks, due to special chemical compositions, require health approvals and compliance with national standards. These permits are issued by the Standards Organization or the Health Authority.
9. Environmental Chemical Permit
If the inks contain hazardous chemicals, the importer must obtain a chemical permit from the Department of Environment to ensure environmental and human safety.
10. Customs Declaration
Contains information about the goods, their value, and the tariff. It must be completed accurately to prevent problems during clearance.
11. Inspection Certificate
Confirms that the goods conform to declared specifications. Usually issued by an independent company, it verifies the quality and quantity of the goods.
12. Insurance Certificate
Provides coverage for loss or damage during transportation. It should cover all transport stages from origin to destination.
13. Conformity Certificate
Confirms that the imported goods comply with national and international standards. It must be issued by a recognized authority.
14. Special Permits if Required
Some inks may require special permits from various organizations due to specific chemical constituents. Depending on the type and composition, additional permits may be necessary.
Having all the necessary documents for clearing printing inks is essential. Any deficiency can lead to delays and extra costs. With extensive experience in customs clearance and familiarity with regulations, Saba Brokerage can accompany you through all stages and complete the process quickly and cost-effectively.
1. Proforma Invoice
A key document in imports that includes details such as product type, price, payment terms, and delivery time. It must accurately specify all details of the printing inks, including their types and quantities.
2. Packing List
Provides precise details on packaging method, number of packages, and their weight and dimensions. It helps customs ensure that all packages are properly counted and inspected.
3. Bill of Lading
The transport document issued by the carrier indicating the route and shipment details from origin to destination. It must clearly state the carrier, consignee, and cargo specifications.
4. Order Registration License
Issued by the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, this is one of the most essential documents for legal import into Iran and must be obtained before the goods arrive at customs.
5. Certificate of Origin
Identifies the producing country. It must be issued by the Chamber of Commerce of the producing country to verify and confirm the goods’ origin.
6. Commercial Invoice
Contains full information about the goods, final price, and sales terms. It must match the proforma invoice and specify precise details and total amount.
7. Certificate of Analysis
If the imported inks contain specific chemicals, a COA is required. It includes the chemical composition and technical specifications and should be issued by the manufacturer or an accredited laboratory.
8. Health or Standard Certificate
Some inks, due to special chemical compositions, require health approvals and compliance with national standards. These permits are issued by the Standards Organization or the Health Authority.
9. Environmental Chemical Permit
If the inks contain hazardous chemicals, the importer must obtain a chemical permit from the Department of Environment to ensure environmental and human safety.
10. Customs Declaration
Contains information about the goods, their value, and the tariff. It must be completed accurately to prevent problems during clearance.
11. Inspection Certificate
Confirms that the goods conform to declared specifications. Usually issued by an independent company, it verifies the quality and quantity of the goods.
12. Insurance Certificate
Provides coverage for loss or damage during transportation. It should cover all transport stages from origin to destination.
13. Conformity Certificate
Confirms that the imported goods comply with national and international standards. It must be issued by a recognized authority.
14. Special Permits if Required
Some inks may require special permits from various organizations due to specific chemical constituents. Depending on the type and composition, additional permits may be necessary.
Having all the necessary documents for clearing printing inks is essential. Any deficiency can lead to delays and extra costs. With extensive experience in customs clearance and familiarity with regulations, Saba Brokerage can accompany you through all stages and complete the process quickly and cost-effectively.
6) Selected HS Codes for Printing Ink
| Item | Short Description | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Solvent-based offset ink | Books/magazines/newspapers | 32151100 |
| Digital inkjet ink | Printers/custom digital printing | 32151190 |
| Flexo/gravure/UV/silk inks | Packaging, film/foil/plastic | 32151900 |
Exact classification depends on the ink base (water/solvent/UV), application, packaging, and chemical composition.
Need precise HS classification, chemical/health permits, and document preparation? Our team manages the case end-to-end.
Request a Proforma QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What is the HS Code for printing ink?
Depending on the type: 32151100 (offset), 32151190 (digital), and generally 32151900 for flexo, gravure, UV, and silk. Final classification depends on composition and use.
What permits are required for importing printing ink?
As applicable: health/standard approvals; if hazardous materials are involved, an environmental permit; plus base documents including proforma, packing list, bill of lading, order registration, and certificate of origin.
Is laboratory testing required for UV and flexo inks?
For specific compositions or sensitive food/pharma applications, a Certificate of Analysis and standard compliance are usually requested.
What are the incidental costs in clearance?
Beyond import duty: warehousing, inspection, lab services, potential chemical levies, and transport.
Multimedia Suggestions
- Image filename:
printing-ink-customs-clearance-iran.jpg - Alt Text: Customs clearance of printing ink in Iran | HS 32151100, 32151190, 32151900
- Caption: «Types of printing inks (offset, flexo, UV, digital) and clearance requirements»
- Infographic: «Checklist of documents and health/environmental permits for printing ink»
Suggested Links
Summary & Call to Action
Due to their chemical nature, and the associated standard/health requirements and multi-agency permits, clearing printing inks is sensitive. With practical experience, Saba Tarkhis advances your process quickly and in full compliance with regulations.
Request Expert Consultation Get a Clearance ProformaSpecialized Customs Services by Saba Brokerage
Clearing printing inks requires high precision and speed, and working with a professional brokerage can greatly facilitate the import process. With years of experience in clearing industrial goods, Saba Brokerage offers comprehensive services that cover all stages of import and obtaining the required permits. Key services include:
Expert tariff selection consulting: With full knowledge of customs tariffs and HS codes, our experts help you choose the correct tariff for your goods—reducing costs and expediting clearance.
Following up on health and standards permits: We obtain all necessary health and standards approvals from the relevant organizations—especially critical for inks containing sensitive chemicals.
Fast and reliable clearance: A primary concern of importers is clearance time. Leveraging a specialized team, we clear goods in the shortest possible time, helping reduce extra warehousing costs.
Coordination with relevant organizations: Close ties with Customs, the Standards Organization, and the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade facilitate administrative procedures and prevent delays.
Reducing incidental costs: Through process optimization, our team helps importers avoid extra expenses such as unnecessary warehousing or inspections.
Consulting on purchasing and importing inks: We advise clients on sourcing and importing from exporting countries, including selecting suitable countries, negotiating with suppliers, and optimizing procurement.
These services enable you to import and clear your goods confidently while saving time and cost.
