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Customs Clearance of Various Vegetables from Iran

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Customs Clearance of Vegetables | HS Code, Documents & Permits

Customs Clearance of Vegetables in Iran (HS Code + Documents & Permits)

Customs clearance of vegetables is one of the critical and sensitive processes in international trade. Due to the perishable nature of these products, it requires special precision and expertise. Vegetables must be cleared quickly to prevent spoilage and quality degradation. Failure to maintain speed in this process can lead to product loss and heavy economic damage. In addition to speed, attention to technical details and customs regulations is essential for vegetable clearance.

To estimate the time and cost of clearing all types of vegetables, contact the experts at Saba Tarkhis.

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1) Importance and Role of Vegetables in International Trade

Vegetables are among the most important consumer goods worldwide. Due to the continuous need for healthy, natural nutrition, they account for a significant share of global trade. Fresh, frozen, and processed vegetables play a prominent role not only in domestic markets but also in international markets. Moreover, with the growth of the food industry and increasing demand from restaurants and food manufacturers, the trade of vegetables has gained greater importance.
Products such as spinach, lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, as well as frozen vegetables like peas, corn, and green beans are among the most widely consumed imported and exported vegetables, classified under specific HS Codes in various categories.

2) Customs Tariff for Vegetables (HS Code)

Customs tariffs for vegetables vary depending on the type and condition of the goods. These tariffs are determined by the global Harmonized System (HS), which assigns a code to each product. Some key vegetable codes include:

Examples of common headings

Goods Brief description HS Code
Potatoes Fresh or chilled 0701
Tomatoes Fresh or chilled 0702
Onions & Garlic Onions, Shallots, Garlic 0703
Cabbages, Cauliflower, Broccoli Cabbages, Cauliflower 0704
Lettuce & Chicory Lettuce & Chicory 0705
Carrots, Turnips & roots Carrots, Turnips 0706
Cucumbers & Gherkins Cucumbers & Gherkins 0707
Peas & Beans Leguminous Vegetables 0708
Edible leafy vegetables Leafy Vegetables (spinach, etc.) 0709
Frozen vegetables Frozen Vegetables 0710
Sweet corn (frozen) Sweet Corn (Frozen) 0710.40
Dried vegetables Dried Vegetables (garlic/onion, …) 0712
Okra fresh/chilled Okra 0709.90
Mushrooms & truffles Mushrooms & Truffles 0709.51

* The exact heading varies based on the type and condition of vegetables, origin, trade agreements, and market conditions. Correct HS selection is essential for calculating duties.

3) Special Requirements & Conditions for Importing and Exporting Vegetables

1. Cold chain and proper storage temperature

Fresh and frozen vegetables must typically be stored at controlled temperatures to prevent spoilage. Maintaining the cold chain from production to final delivery is vital. During clearance, appropriate facilities to keep goods at the desired temperature must be provided, and clearance time minimized to preserve product quality.

2. Compliance with hygiene principles

Any import or export of vegetables requires obtaining health certificates confirming the absence of pests, diseases, and other threats to human and plant health. Phytosanitary Certificates and quarantine permits are necessary. These must be issued by accredited health authorities in the country of origin and will be checked upon entry to Iran or other countries.

3. Quality control and standards

Vegetables must be controlled for quality and international standards. Detailed inspections include freshness grade, soundness, and absence of physical or chemical damage. These checks are carried out by regulatory bodies at borders, and if approved, the goods are permitted to enter or exit.

4) Importing Vegetables into Iran

  • Turkey: As one of Iran’s closest neighbors, Turkey is a primary supplier of many fresh and frozen vegetables for the Iranian market.
  • China: Despite the geographical distance, China is one of the world’s largest vegetable producers and exports many agricultural products to various markets, including Iran.
  • India: Another major agricultural producer, India exports a diverse range of vegetables to Iran.
  • Netherlands: Owing to advanced technologies in cultivation and production, the Netherlands is an important source of vegetable imports to Iran.

5) Exporting Vegetables from Iran

Thanks to diverse climates and broad agricultural production, Iran is one of the region’s significant vegetable exporters. Iranian vegetables are exported particularly to neighboring countries and the Persian Gulf. Some export destinations include:
  • United Arab Emirates: A major market for Iranian vegetables. Due to geographic proximity and strong trade relations, a high volume of Iran’s exports go to the UAE.
  • Iraq: Another key destination, importing widely from Iran because of border proximity and high consumer demand.
  • Oman: Iran is recognized as a primary supplier of vegetables to Oman, with steady exports of agricultural products.

6) Global Trade Volume of Vegetables

Vegetable trade is one of the most important segments of global food exports and imports. According to global statistics, trade in vegetables—especially fresh and frozen—has grown markedly in recent years due to rising international demand. Growth in the restaurant industry, ready-to-eat foods, and a shift toward fresh products are key drivers of this demand. Major vegetable exporters include China, Spain, and the United States, while large importers include European countries such as Germany, Japan, and the Persian Gulf states.

7) Required Documents for Vegetable Clearance

Because vegetables are highly perishable, complete and accurate documentation is crucial for customs clearance. These documents not only ensure product quality and safety but also play a key role in tariff determination and compliance with health standards.

  1. Commercial Invoice: Exact product specifications, quantity, unit price, and total costs—basis for valuation and duty calculation.
  2. Packing List: Number of packages, net/gross weight, and details of each package—enables proper identification and faster inspection.
  3. Phytosanitary Certificate: Confirms absence of plant pests and diseases; issued by an accredited authority in the origin country.
  4. Certificate of Origin: Specifies the origin country for tariff purposes and trade preferences.
  5. Bill of Lading: Transport details, origin/destination, and mode; title document for release.
  6. Quarantine Certificate: When required, confirms quarantine procedures.
  7. Customs Declaration: Vegetable type, quantity, value, and tariff; submitted by the importer/broker.
  8. Import Permits: Specific permits from health or government bodies in some countriesmust be obtained before clearance.
  9. Quality Certificate: When required, confirms conformity with defined quality standards.
  10. Other documents: Depending on the vegetable type and origin/destination, such as insurance policy or sales contract.

Need an exact HS Code and a cold-chain clearance plan? Our team manages the entire case end-to-end.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is the HS Code for vegetables determined?

Based on type and condition (fresh/frozen/dried). Common examples include 0701 to 0709 for fresh/chilled items and 0710 for frozen (sweet corn 0710.40). Final determination depends on product specifications.

Which documents are required for clearance?

Invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, phytosanitary, bill of lading, declaration, import permits, and—if needed—quarantine/quality certificates.

How do we ensure the cold chain is maintained?

Reserve reefer containers/cold storage, log and monitor temperatures, coordinate arrival time, and minimize dwell time through expert follow-up.

Media Suggestions

  • Image file name: customs-vegetables-clearance-iran.jpg
  • Alt Text: Customs clearance of all types of vegetables in Iran | HS 0701–0712
  • Caption: «Steps to clear fresh and frozen vegetables; from order registration to health controls»
  • Infographic: «Checklist of documents, quarantine, and cold-chain management»

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Summary and Call to Action

Due to health, standards, and cold-chain sensitivities, vegetable clearance requires precise documentation planning and swift operations. Saba Tarkhis, with hands-on experience, advances your process quickly and in full compliance with regulations.

Request expert consultation Get a clearance proforma

Special Customs Clearance Services by Saba Brokerage

Our brokerage, with extensive experience in clearing goods through Iranian customs, offers specialized services for clearing vegetables and fruits, specifically tailored to the sensitivity and tight timing required for these products.

Specialized services: Our experienced experts, fully aware of customs and health regulations, provide practical and specialized consulting throughout all stages of vegetable and fruit import/export. This helps you understand all legal and health requirements and complete the clearance process fully and without issues.

Fast and precise follow-up: Given the high time sensitivity of these products, we handle clearance with diligent and rapid follow-up to prevent any delays and losses. This approach ensures your goods are cleared in the shortest possible time while preserving quality.

Complete customs management: All stagesincluding preparing and completing required documents, obtaining health and standard permits, and other customs matters—are carried out thoroughly by our team, reducing concerns about regulatory compliance.

Express clearance services: When fast clearance is needed, our Express services complete the process in the shortest time, ensuring goods reach you or your customers quickly.

Real-time notifications: Clients can track the exact status of their goods at every stage through real-time notifications. This transparency helps you make better decisions at the right time.
For more information, contact our experts.

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