Food Doughs: Composition and Applications in the Food Industry
Food doughs refer to edible mixtures composed of flour, water, salt, and additional substances such as yeast and fats. These doughs are a foundational element in the manufacture of a variety of baked goods, including bread, pizzas, cakes, and fast-food products. Their applications range from thin doughs, such as phyllo, to denser doughs utilized in breads and thick-crust pizzas, illustrating their extensive versatility in the food production sector.
Advanced Considerations for Customs Clearance of Food Doughs
HS Code: Food doughs are categorized under several HS codes, the most prominent of which are 19012000 for baked doughs and 19012090 for ready-to-bake doughs. These classifications serve as the basis for determining customs tariffs and calculating import duties and applicable taxes.
Health Permits: Given that these doughs are intended for human consumption, acquiring permits from the Ministry of Health and the Food and Drug Administration is obligatory. Additionally, certified laboratories must conduct rigorous quality assurance to ensure the product's compliance with safety standards.
Special Transportation: Due to their temperature sensitivity and susceptibility to spoilage, food doughs require meticulous storage and transportation. It is recommended that these products be transported under refrigerated conditions to mitigate the risk of degradation.
Exporting Countries: Leading producers and exporters of food doughs include Italy, Turkey, France, and Germany, each known for delivering high-quality dough products to global markets.
Importing Countries: Iran primarily exports these products to neighboring countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan, where they are valued for their cost-effectiveness and quality.
Children's Play Dough
Children's play dough serves both educational and recreational purposes, fostering creativity and fine motor skills in children while ensuring safety. These products are composed of ingredients like flour, water, salt, and oil, and are devoid of harmful chemicals, employing only approved, food-grade colorants.
Functional Benefits of Play Dough
Enhancing Creativity: Play dough encourages children to create diverse shapes and figures, thereby enhancing their creativity.
Fine Motor Skill Development: Manipulating dough promotes fine motor skills and enhances dexterity in young children.
Cognitive Development: The use of colored doughs aids in teaching children about different colors and shapes, contributing to their cognitive growth.
Critical Considerations for Customs Clearance of Play Dough
HS Code: Children's play dough is classified under HS code 34070000, applicable to moldable and recyclable products, specifically those used as children’s play materials.
Safety Standards: Given the target audience of these products, compliance with stringent safety standards is crucial. The National Standards Organization and the Food and Drug Administration issue necessary certifications to ensure that the products are devoid of hazardous chemicals.
Exporting Countries: The principal producers of children's play dough include China, the United States, and Italy. Due to competitive pricing and satisfactory quality, Iran remains a significant importer of these products.
Transportation and Storage: Children's play dough must be stored under secure conditions to prevent damage and preserve quality. Temperature and environmental parameters are rigorously monitored during customs processing to ensure product integrity.
Categories of Dough and Their Applications with HS Codes
Dough products play an integral role across various industries, ranging from food production to educational materials and even paper manufacturing. Each type of dough falls into distinct categories based on its ingredients and intended use, classified accordingly using Harmonized System (HS) codes. Below is an analysis of different types of dough along with their corresponding HS codes.
1. Bread Dough
HS Code: 19012000
Application: Bread dough is used for producing different types of bread, including white, whole wheat, and leavened bread. It is typically composed of flour, water, yeast, and salt, and is among the most widely utilized doughs globally due to the staple role of bread in most diets.
2. Pizza Dough
HS Code: 19012090
Application: Pizza dough is employed in the preparation of both thin and thick-crust pizzas. The basic composition involves flour, water, and oil, with variations in texture and thickness depending on the type of pizza. Ready-made pizza dough is frequently utilized in the food service industry to expedite production.
3. Pastry Dough
HS Code: 19012090
Application: Pastry dough, known for its soft and malleable texture, is used in the preparation of a variety of savory and cheese-filled pastries. This dough, upon baking, forms a crisp, flaky crust that is highly prized in culinary applications.
4. Cake Dough
HS Code: 19012090
Application: Cake dough serves as the foundational element for cakes and pastries. The dough is typically enriched with butter, eggs, and sugar, and its formulation can vary considerably based on the desired type of cake.
5. Phyllo Dough
HS Code: 19012090
Application: Phyllo dough, made into extremely thin sheets, is used for preparing layered confections and dishes, such as baklava. It holds significant popularity in the confectionery sectors of the Middle East and Europe.
6. Children's Play Dough
HS Code: 34070000
Application: Play dough is specifically designed for children's play and educational activities. Formulated from safe, non-toxic materials, it allows children to create different forms and shapes while enhancing motor skills and fostering creativity.
7. Industrial Dough
HS Code: 35051000
Application: Industrial doughs are primarily used in non-food industries. They are employed in the production of adhesives, binding agents, and in construction applications. The formulation of these doughs can vary significantly based on specific industrial requirements, often involving polymeric substances.
8. Paper Pulp
HS Code: 47050000
Application: Paper pulp serves as the raw material for producing various types of paper and cellulose products. Derived from wood or other plant materials, this pulp is used in the manufacture of printing paper, packaging, and sanitary products.
Regulatory Considerations for the Import and Export of Food and Play Dough
The importation and exportation of food and play doughs necessitate compliance with specific regulatory requirements due to the sensitive nature of these products. Food doughs, in particular, require adherence to strict health standards given their edibility.
Health Permits: To import food doughs, it is essential to obtain permits from the Food and Drug Administration and the Ministry of Health. Given that these products are directly associated with consumer health, they are subjected to stringent health inspections. For export, the destination country often has specific standards that must be met by Iranian products.
Quality Control: Food products must conform to both national and international quality standards. Compliance is especially vital when exporting to markets with rigorous quality controls, such as those within the European Union.
Transportation Requirements: Some food doughs, particularly those that are ready-to-bake, are highly perishable and must be transported under refrigerated conditions. Specialized transport is necessary to preserve product quality throughout the supply chain.
Exporting and Importing Countries for Food and Play Dough
Import of Food Doughs to Iran:
Iran imports significant quantities of food and play dough from various countries. Major exporters include:
Italy: A leading supplier of pizza and bakery dough products to Iran.
Turkey: A prominent supplier of bread and confectionery dough for the Iranian market.
Germany and France: These countries predominantly export ready-to-bake and pastry doughs to Iran.
Import of Children's Play Dough:
Iran is a significant importer of children's play dough, with primary suppliers being China, the United States, and Italy. The demand for these products in Iran is driven by their popularity among children and their competitive pricing.
Exports from Iran:
Iran also exports food and play dough to several neighboring countries. Key destinations include:
Iraq and Afghanistan: Due to geographic proximity and robust trade relationships, these countries represent important markets for Iranian food and play dough.
Gulf Countries: Iranian food products are also in demand in Gulf countries due to their competitive pricing and satisfactory quality.
Import and Export Volumes of Food and Play Doughs in Iran
Import Volume:
Food Doughs: Iran imports a considerable volume of food dough annually, including pizza and bread dough. The expansion of fast-food chains and rising demand for ready-made food products have significantly increased import volumes.
Play Dough: Children's play dough is also imported in substantial quantities, especially from China, to meet the high domestic demand.
Export Volume:
Food Doughs: Iran exports food doughs primarily to neighboring countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan. The volume of exports is increasing due to the competitive pricing and quality of Iranian products.
Play Dough: Domestically produced play dough is also exported, with Iraq being one of the principal markets for these products.
Global Market for Food and Play Doughs
Food Dough Market:
The global market for food dough, especially bread and pizza dough, is expanding. In 2023, the market was valued at over $40 billion and is projected to reach approximately $60 billion by 2030, largely driven by the increasing demand for convenience foods worldwide.
Play Dough Market:
Children's play dough constitutes a significant segment of the global toy market. In 2023, the market was valued at over $1.5 billion, with projections indicating a growth to $2.5 billion by 2030, propelled by the rising demand for educational and safe toys.
Principal Exporting and Importing Countries of Food and Play Doughs
Food Dough Exporters:
Italy: A leading global exporter of pizza and bread dough.
France and Germany: Major exporters of bread and pastry doughs to international markets.
Turkey: An exporter of various bread doughs and ready-to-bake products, primarily to the Middle East and other regions.
Play Dough Exporters:
China: A major producer and exporter of children's play dough.
USA: The United States, with well-known brands such as "Play-Doh," is also a significant exporter.
Food Dough Importers:
USA and Canada: High consumption of bread and fast-food products makes these countries leading importers of food dough.
Middle Eastern Countries: Saudi Arabia and the UAE are major importers due to their considerable demand for ready-to-bake products.
Play Dough Importers:
European Countries and the USA: Significant markets due to the high demand for high-quality children's play products.
Essential Documentation for Customs Clearance of Food and Play Doughs
Customs clearance of various food and play doughs requires the preparation and submission of specific documents. These documents are pivotal to the clearance process, without which the import or export of goods cannot proceed.
1. Commercial Invoice
Description: A fundamental document, the commercial invoice provides details such as the identities of the seller and buyer, the pricing, payment terms, and transaction specifics. This document must be accurate and align with the shipped goods.
Requirement: Mandatory for all imports and exports.
2. Packing List
Description: The packing list includes details such as the number and type of packages, net and gross weight, and dimensions. It is essential for customs inspection to verify the conformity of the goods with the invoice.
Requirement: Required for all shipments, particularly large or bulky consignments.
3. Bill of Lading
Description: Issued by the shipping company, the bill of lading serves as proof that goods have been shipped. It provides details on the mode of transport, type of carrier, and the destination of the shipment.
Requirement: Mandatory for all transport types (sea, air, or land).
4. Certificate of Origin
Description: This certificate identifies the country of origin of the goods, typically issued by the Chamber of Commerce of the country of production. It is critical for determining applicable customs tariffs and accessing trade exemptions.
Requirement: Mandatory for tariff assessment and eligibility for exemptions.
5. Health Certificate
Description: Food doughs require a health certificate due to their consumable nature. This certificate, issued by the Ministry of Health or the Food and Drug Administration, confirms product health and quality.
Requirement: Required for all food dough imports.
6. Standard Certification
Description: Products subject to specific standards require certification from the National Standards Organization, confirming compliance with both domestic and international standards.
Requirement: Mandatory for goods under standard control.
7. Order Registration
Description: All imported goods must be registered in Iran's Comprehensive Trade System. This document contains complete information on the goods, seller, payment terms, and other transaction details.
Requirement: Mandatory for all imports into Iran.
8. Release Order
Description: Issued by the shipping company, the release order confirms that the goods are ready for customs clearance. It signifies that the goods have been properly delivered and are ready for removal from customs.
Requirement: Mandatory for final customs clearance.
9. Insurance Policy
Description: The insurance policy provides coverage against potential damage or incidents during transit. It guarantees compensation in case of any loss or damage to the goods.
Requirement: Recommended for valuable or sensitive goods.
10. Inspection Certificate
Description: In certain cases, goods must undergo quality inspection before clearance. The inspection certificate, issued by an accredited inspection body, verifies compliance with the specified contractual requirements.
Requirement: Required for some goods, particularly for exports to countries with stringent standards.
11. Customs Tariff (HS Code)
Description: The HS code determines the customs tariff for goods. Each product has a unique HS code used for calculating duties and import taxes.
Requirement: Mandatory for customs tariff determination.
12. Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade Permit (if applicable)
Description: Certain sensitive goods, such as industrial dough, require a permit from the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade. This permit attests to the Ministry's approval for import or export.
Requirement: Required for specific products as per regulations.
Specialized Customs Clearance Services by Saba Brokerage
Our brokerage, as a leading entity in customs clearance within Iran, offers a comprehensive suite of services for importing and clearing various food and non-food doughs. These services are meticulously designed to streamline and expedite the clearance process for products such as bread dough, pizza dough, phyllo, and children's play dough.
Key Service Features:
Expert Consultation: Our experienced consultants, with extensive knowledge of customs regulations and health standards, provide assistance throughout the import and clearance process, ensuring prevention of any delays or complications.
Acquisition of Health and Standard Permits: We obtain all required permits from the relevant regulatory bodies, such as the Ministry of Health and the Food and Drug Administration, to facilitate the smooth legal clearance of goods.
Efficient and Secure Transportation: Our partnerships with reputable transport companies ensure that goods are transported efficiently and securely. For perishable items like food doughs, refrigerated transport options are available.
Precise Tariff and Tax Payments: Accurate tariff and duty calculations are crucial for importers. Leveraging our in-depth understanding of tariff structures and tax regulations, we assist our clients in minimizing costs and expediting the clearance process.
Ongoing Support and Transparent Processes: We offer comprehensive support during every phase of the import and customs clearance process. Our commitment to providing precise information and maintaining transparency ensures complete client satisfaction.
With years of experience in customs clearance and the provision of swift, professional services, we guarantee that the import and clearance of various types of dough will be completed with minimal cost and within the shortest possible timeframe.
Contact our experts for more information.
