Citric Acid is one of the most widely used chemicals across various industries due to its unique properties such as pH regulation and antioxidant activity. It holds a prominent position in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, hygiene, and detergent industries. This organic acid is also used in biochemical reactions, and therefore, its import into Iran is of great significance to meet the diverse industrial needs.
Wide Applications of Citric Acid
Food Industry:
Citric Acid is extensively used in food products, especially beverages, juices, canned goods, and dairy products, due to its natural preservative and flavor-regulating properties. It also serves as an acidity regulator in sweets, chocolates, and sauces to enhance taste and prevent spoilage. It contributes to maintaining the color, texture, and flavor of food products.
Pharmaceutical Industry:
In pharmaceuticals, Citric Acid is used in the formulation of effervescent tablets and dietary supplements to improve solubility and increase product stability. It also acts as a chelating agent, which helps in counteracting free radicals, thereby being used in the production of antioxidant supplements.
Cosmetic and Hygiene Industry:
In the production of cosmetic and hygiene products such as creams, lotions, and shampoos, Citric Acid is used as a pH regulator and softening agent. This substance, by exerting an antioxidant effect, helps prevent the degradation of skin and hair tissues, thereby contributing to the freshness and youthfulness of the skin.
Detergent Industry:
In detergent production, Citric Acid plays a crucial role due to its water-softening properties and its ability to prevent mineral deposits. It prevents lime deposits on surfaces, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of detergents.
Key Considerations for Citric Acid Clearance
The process of clearing Citric Acid from customs requires thorough knowledge of regulations and the necessary documentation for importing this product. Here are some of the essential considerations in this regard:
Certificate of Analysis (COA):
One of the most important documents required for the clearance of Citric Acid is the Certificate of Analysis (COA). Issued by the manufacturer, this document contains information regarding the chemical composition, purity level, and other characteristics of the product. The COA confirms the quality and purity of Citric Acid and is essential for customs to ensure compliance with import standards.
Health Permits and Relevant Standards:
Due to its widespread use in the food and pharmaceutical industries, the import of Citric Acid requires health permits from the Ministry of Health. These permits ensure that the imported Citric Acid meets national health and food standards and poses no risk to consumer safety.
Customs Tariff Code (HS Code):
Citric Acid is classified under the tariff code 29181400. The HS Code is used globally for the classification of goods and determination of customs duties. This code provides detailed information on the type of goods and the applicable tariffs in customs.
Special Conditions for Import and Export of Citric Acid
Citric Acid is recognized as a strategic substance in many Iranian industries, and its import from major producing countries is aimed at meeting domestic demand. As this substance is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and detergent industries, its import and export are subject to strict customs and health regulations.
Countries Exporting Citric Acid to Iran
The main countries exporting Citric Acid to Iran are:
China: As the world's largest producer and exporter of Citric Acid, China supplies a significant portion of Iran's needs for this substance. Large-scale production and competitive pricing make China the main source for Iran's Citric Acid imports.
India: India is also a major exporter of Citric Acid to Iran, offering high-quality products at reasonable prices, capturing a notable share of the market.
Belgium: With advanced technology in Citric Acid production and a focus on product quality, Belgium is another key supplier of Citric Acid for the Iranian market.
Citric Acid Exports from Iran
Due to limitations in domestic production, Iran relies heavily on imports to meet its Citric Acid needs. Nevertheless, limited production is carried out in Iran, and exports of Citric Acid to other countries are minimal, with domestic production primarily focused on meeting internal demand.
Import Volume of Citric Acid to Iran
The annual import volume of Citric Acid to Iran is estimated at around 50,000 tons. This volume is largely driven by the high demand from the food, pharmaceutical, and detergent industries. The growth of these sectors has increased the need for this key substance, with imports conducted regularly in compliance with customs regulations.
Global Citric Acid Market
The global Citric Acid market is growing, with a value of several billion dollars. This substance, as one of the essential products in the chemical industry, is produced and consumed in many countries. China, being the largest producer, holds a major share of the global market, while India and Belgium are also leading producers and exporters. Other countries like the United States, Germany, and the European Union are also significant producers in the global Citric Acid market.
Major Importers of Citric Acid Globally
The largest countries importing Citric Acid include:
United States: As one of the largest consumers of Citric Acid, the U.S. imports this substance from major producing countries such as China and the European Union.
European Union Countries: European nations are also major importers of Citric Acid, which is widely used in their food and pharmaceutical production.
Middle Eastern Countries: Apart from Iran, other Middle Eastern countries are also significant importers of Citric Acid, mainly for use in food and detergent production.
Best and Simplest Method for Clearing Citric Acid from Customs
Clearing Citric Acid from customs, due to its sensitive use in the food and pharmaceutical industries, requires careful adherence to specific regulations. To facilitate a quick and simple clearance, using a professional customs broker well-versed in all customs regulations and required documentation is recommended.
Completing Documentation Before Entry: All import-related documents, including the Certificate of Analysis (COA), health permits, and registration with the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade, must be prepared and completed before the goods enter customs. These documents are essential to ensure the quality of the product and its compliance with national standards.
Collaboration with a Reliable Customs Broker: Utilizing the services of a reputable customs broker can make the clearance process faster and free from legal complications. An experienced broker meticulously oversees all steps, from placing orders to obtaining the necessary permits and completing the required documentation, ensuring a smooth clearance process.
Use of Customs Electronic Systems: Leveraging customs electronic services, such as online registration of documents and tracking clearance steps, can significantly reduce clearance time and costs. Iran's customs electronic systems provide real-time tracking of the clearance process, enabling importers to expedite the release of their goods without delay.
Monitoring Tax Regulations: Due to the sensitive nature of Citric Acid's use in various industries, its import may be subject to specific taxes and customs tariffs. A thorough review of tariffs and timely payment can expedite the clearance of the goods.
Documents Required for Citric Acid Clearance from Customs
Clearing Citric Acid from customs, given its wide application in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and detergents, requires specific documentation. These documents must be accurately prepared and submitted in accordance with Iranian customs regulations to ensure a smooth and swift clearance process.
1. Order Registration Form
First, the import order for Citric Acid must be registered in the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade system (IMT). This step involves entering detailed information such as product specifications, country of origin, quantity, and importer details. Without order registration, subsequent clearance steps are not possible.
2. Purchase Invoice
The purchase invoice, issued by the foreign seller, must include details such as product price, quantity, seller information, and payment terms. This document is crucial for determining the value of imported goods at customs.
3. Bill of Lading
The Bill of Lading, issued by the shipping company, provides details about the type of goods, quantity, and origin and destination of the shipment. It shows how and through which route the goods have been transported to Iran.
4. Certificate of Origin
To determine customs tariffs and other taxes, a Certificate of Origin is required. This document, issued by the Chamber of Commerce of the country of origin, indicates the country where the Citric Acid was produced.
5. Certificate of Analysis (COA)
One of the most important documents for clearing Citric Acid is the Certificate of Analysis, which indicates the chemical composition and purity of the product. Issued by the manufacturer, it is needed for customs to confirm the quality and compliance of the product with import standards.
6. Health Certificate
Since Citric Acid is used in food and pharmaceuticals, a Health Certificate must be issued by relevant authorities in the country of origin. This certificate ensures that the product is safe for human use and meets all health standards.
7. Standard Certificate
If Citric Acid is intended for industrial or pharmaceutical use, obtaining a standard certificate from Iran's National Standards Organization is mandatory. This certificate verifies that the imported product complies with national and industrial standards.
8. Customs Declaration
All imported goods must be registered in the Iran Customs Electronic Trade System. The customs declaration includes complete information about the type of goods, quantity, value, and import details, which are crucial for customs clearance.
9. Commercial Card
The importer must have a valid Commercial Card issued by the Iran Chamber of Commerce to import Citric Acid into the country. This card is necessary for carrying out all import-related procedures.
10. Health Permit from the Ministry of Health
If Citric Acid is imported for food or pharmaceutical use, obtaining a health permit from the Ministry of Health of Iran is required. This permit confirms that the imported product complies with national health regulations and standards and is safe for public consumption.
11. Insurance Policy
One of the essential documents in the import process is the insurance policy. This document ensures that in the event of any incident or damage during transit, the goods are covered by insurance. The policy includes information on the quantity of goods and insurance conditions.
Final Stages of Clearance
After completing and submitting all the above documents, the Iranian customs will begin reviewing and approving them. Quality control of the product and customs tariff assessment are among the final stages of Citric Acid clearance. After customs duties and charges are paid, the importer can receive their goods from customs.
Special Clearance Services by Saba Customs Brokerage
Saba Customs Brokerage is one of the largest providers of customs services in Iran, meeting importers' needs with precision and the most professional methods through years of experience and expertise. This company offers a range of special services to clients with the help of specialized and experienced teams:
Expert Consulting at All Stages of Import and Clearance: From pre-order consulting to receiving the goods from customs, our professional team provides precise and specialized guidance at all stages. These services include selecting the best clearance methods and continuous tracking of necessary documents.
Tracking and Obtaining Required Permits: All stages of obtaining health and customs permits are carefully tracked to ensure that goods are imported without any legal issues.
Fast and Hassle-Free Clearance: With extensive contacts and expertise in electronic customs systems, we can carry out the clearance process in the shortest time possible. Utilizing the latest technologies ensures that your goods are quickly and accurately cleared from customs.
Reducing Import Costs: By using flexible financial plans and cost-effective proposals, import and clearance costs are significantly reduced, helping you maximize the benefits of your imports.
Post-Clearance Support: In addition to clearing goods, we also offer transport, warehousing, and packaging services to ensure that your goods reach their final destination safely and swiftly.
These services are designed to provide optimal and fast solutions, freeing importers from customs-related issues.
Contact our experts for more information.
